Wisconsin began automobile registration and state-issued plates in 1905.  When the state converted to annual plates in 1911, the 1911 plates were only issued for 5 months, and only to newly registered vehicles, making them a rarity today.  Another rare series was created in 1942-43 when very small plates with just three or four letters and/or numbers were issued to conserve steel for the war effort.  In 1946, Wisconsin became the first state to spread out registrations over all twelve months; monthly staggered registration is now enjoyed by all 50 states, reducing long lines and seasonally heavy workloads.  The current issue of "America's Dairyland" plates began in 2000.