Wisconsin residents can get their license plate tabs from a vending machine

There are currently over 280 machines across the state, allowing citizens to skip the hassle of waiting for tabs in the mail or going to the DMV.

EZ-TAB machine located in a Wisconsin grocery store (Ez-Tab/Facebook).

Wisconsinites can avoid the hassle of waiting for license plate tabs in the mail and instead get them from DMV vending machines around the state.

Since 2013, machines called EZ-TAB have been placed around Wisconsin in Walgreens stores, BP gas stations, Super One Foods locations, and several other grocery stores and gas stations.

The machine is a self-serving kiosk that is available to use seven days a week at locations that are open late and on holidays. EZ-TAB requires only a license plate number and a vehicle identification number, which then allows the tabs to be printed immediately after paying.

EZ-TAB machine in a La Crosse, Wisconsin Walgreens.

There are currently over 280 machines across the state, allowing citizens to skip the hassle of waiting for tabs in the mail or going to the DMV.

Minnesotans are required to apply in person at the DMV or online for license plate tabs, and then wait for DPS to send the tabs in the mail. The online request takes 10-15 minutes to complete and requires a driver’s license number, license plate number, and vehicle identification number.

Alpha News readers have shared their struggles with the Minnesota DMV website, which does not allow users to register for tabs if they are too late on buying them.

DMVs in Minnesota are notorious for long lines and wait times, especially since the initial 2020 COVID-19 shutdown.

Last June, 7,700 Minnesotans were waiting on new tabs that they had registered for in early May, according to the Star Tribune, which reported that the turnaround time for tabs is usually 14 days.

In May of this year, residents of Hennepin County couldn’t get into the DMV until August, delaying appointments for driver’s license renewals, Real ID registration, and vehicle title transfers, among other necessary appointments.

 

Rose Williams

Rose Williams is an assistant editor for Alpha News.