Wisconsin DMV Receives Application for Iola Old Car Show Specialty License Plate

<p>On Aug. 19, 2025 the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announced that it has received an application from Iola Old Car Show, Inc. to create a new special license plate.  The nonprofit Iola Old Car Show hosts one of the Midwest’s largest vintage car shows each July in the village of Iola.  The multi‑day event doubles as a major fundraiser for local civic groups and scholarships and draws roughly 120,000 car enthusiasts and vendors to central Wisconsin.  By establishing an official license plate, the organization hopes to celebrate the show year‑round and raise additional funds to support its community mission.</p>
<p>The proposed specialty plate would carry a one‑time issuance fee plus a $25 donation at issuance and annually when the vehicle’s registration is renewed.  Under Wisconsin law, charitable and service organizations can request a special plate design if they will use the donations for public benefit.  The DMV reviews applications to ensure the organization meets eligibility requirements and then solicits public feedback.  For the Iola Old Car Show plate, all contributions would go to Iola Old Car Show, Inc. to underwrite local scholarships, grants to community nonprofits and the preservation of automotive history in Iola and surrounding areas.</p>
<p>Wisconsin motorists and other interested parties may comment on the proposal during a public input period that runs through Sept. 18, 2025.  Comments can be emailed or mailed to the DMV’s Specialty License Plate Unit in Madison.  After the comment period, the DMV will evaluate the feedback and, if the plate meets statutory criteria, forward its recommendation to the Legislature for final approval.  If approved by lawmakers, the plate could be produced later this year without using tax dollars; plate production costs are covered by the fees collected from drivers.</p>
<p>The Iola Old Car Show has been held annually since 1972 and has grown into a nationally recognized event featuring thousands of show cars, swap meet spaces and automotive memorabilia vendors.  It is staffed by hundreds of volunteers and has donated millions of dollars to local fire departments, schools, food pantries and other civic groups over its 50‑plus‑year history.  Proponents of the specialty plate say it would not only promote Wisconsin’s automotive heritage but also provide a steady funding stream to help the show continue its charitable work.</p>
<p>The DMV encourages residents who are passionate about cars, Wisconsin history or community service to review the proposal and share their opinions.  Specialty plates give motorists a way to support causes they care about while personalizing their vehicle.  If the Iola Old Car Show plate moves forward, drivers could soon display a piece of Wisconsin automotive culture on their bumper while helping a long‑running community tradition thrive.</p>