When you are issued license plates you must also register your vehicle to receive validation stickers to place on them. These stickers contain the month and year that they expire, which means every year they need to be renewed by paying an annual registration fee. Validation display rules may vary slightly with each state, so be sure to check your local Department of Motor Vehicles to be sure you're following your state's guidelines.
Validation stickers must be readable on license plates. They should not be obstructed from view by your license plate frames or any other decorative items. The stickers should also not cover or touch any letters or numbers on your license plate. If you are issued two sets of stickers, they both need to be used. One set should be placed on the front and one placed on the rear license plate.
Place the stickers on your plates according to your Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) guidelines. The DMVs in Oregon and Wisconsin require the year sticker to be placed on the bottom right side of the license plate and the month sticker to be displayed on the bottom left side. Combination stickers must be displayed on the bottom portion of the license plate. Violation of such laws will make you subject to enforcement action and a fine.
According to Wisconsin's Department of Transportation (WisDot), you should remove your old stickers first before applying your new sticker. After you remove your old sticker, clean and dry the area to increase the adhesion of the sticker to the license plate.
