FAQ’s on City of Marshfield’s Proposed Municipal Vehicle Registration Fee

Sunday, September 6th, 2026 -- 12:00 PM

The City of Marshfield is considering a municipal vehicle registration fee to provide dedicated funding for transportation-related needs and ongoing pavement maintenance.

The proposed fee would be $25 per eligible vehicle annually. The following information provides answers to frequently asked questions about the proposal.

What is a Municipal Vehicle Registration Fee?

A municipal vehicle registration fee is authorized under Wis. Stat. §341.35.  A city, village, town, or county may adopt an annual flat fee by ordinance in addition to the state vehicle registration fee.  The fee applies to eligible vehicles customarily kept in the municipality or county that adopts the fee.

How much would the fee be and when will I pay it?

Under the proposal presented to Common Council, the fee would be $25 per eligible vehicle per year.

When would the vehicle registration fee go into effect?

If enacted, proposed Ordinance No. 1547 would take effect on January 1, 2027.  WisDOT must receive required notice at least 90 days before the first day of the month in which the ordinance becomes effective.

What can the revenue from the municipal vehicle registration fee be used for?

Revenue from the vehicle registration fee may be used only for transportation-related purposes.  If adopted, the City proposes to use the revenue for its annual seal coat and crack-fill program, subject to Common Council approval through the annual budget process.

How will Marshfield benefit from the vehicle registration fee?

• Protects infrastructure investments through preventative pavement maintenance
• Secures predictable, dedicated funding to support the seal coat and crack-fill program
• Provides a transportation funding source associated with eligible vehicles customarily kept in the City
• Reduces the reliance on the current practice of long-term borrowing for recurring pavement maintenance
• Relieves property tax burden by preventing ongoing increases to the City’s debt levy 

Why is the Common Council considering this fee?

Marshfield faces continuing street and transportation needs while construction and maintenance costs increase.  Local revenue options are limited. 

Is this a property tax increase?

No.  The vehicle registration fee would not be included on the property-tax bill.

How is the vehicle registration fee collected?

WisDOT collects the fee when an eligible vehicle is first registered and at each registration renewal.  WisDOT retains an administrative charge of approximately $.0.03 per vehicle application and remits the remaining proceeds to the municipality no later than 30 days after the end of the month in which the fees are collected.

Which vehicles are subject to the fee?

The municipal vehicle registration fee generally applies to vehicles customarily kept in the City, including:

• autocycle registration;
• automobile registration; or
• truck registration at 8,000 pounds or less, except dual-purpose farm registration.

This includes most passenger cars, vans, SUVs, and light trucks, as well as many special license plates issued with automobile or qualifying light-truck registration.

Which vehicles are exempt?

Vehicles exempt from the fee include vehicles exempt from the State vehicle registration fee and vehicles registered by the State for the $5 fee under Wis. Stat. § 341.26. WisDOT identifies additional examples, including motorcycles, mopeds, trailers, motor homes, buses, trucks registered above 8,000 pounds, and certain special plates. Residents should consult WisDOT or their registration renewal notice for the fee applicable to a specific vehicle.

What if my mailing address says Marshfield,  but I live outside the City of Marshfield?

The proposed fee would not apply to you.  Check your renewal notice to confirm that the County and city/village/town where your vehicle is kept is correct.  Your license plate renewal form contains an itemized list of fees.

What other jurisdictions have enacted a vehicle registration fee?

As of September 1, 2026, 14 counties, 38 cities, 4 towns, and 15 villages have enacted this fee.  The number of participating jurisdictions may change as other local governments enact, amend, or repeal a fee.

For more information, please see the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation website: WisDOT Vehicle Registration Fee.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.