When you’re transferring a vehicle title in Wisconsin, there are different documents you must submit to the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (WI DMV). Some of these documents include:

  • Completing all necessary sections of the vehicle title certificate (the buyer and seller are required to complete the title)
  • Complete the vehicle title application form
  • Submit all documents with the necessary payment for the WI vehicle title transfer fees to the WI DMV.

Make sure you have the required paperwork and payment(s) to ensure you can complete the vehicle title transfer process, and avoid delays and possible penalties.

Smog Certification/Vehicle Inspection

In Wisconsin, residents are required to pass a vehicle emissions test in order to obtain an original vehicle registration. Residents must have a vehicle emissions test performed every two years during the registration renewal process. Be advised, that new residents of Wisconsin must adhere to the same emissions test requirements. Vehicles that don’t pass the vehicle emissions test must have their vehicle repaired and retested.

Wisconsin Emissions and Smog Check Requirements

You’re a vehicle owner who registers a non-exempt vehicle in one of the following 7 counties, you must have the vehicle pass a smog check:

  • Racine
  • Washington
  • Kenosha
  • Sheboygan
  • Milwaukee
  • Waukesha
  • Ozaukee

If you have a registered vehicle that falls in one of the following categories in one of the above-listed counties, your vehicle is not exempt from passing a smog check:

  • Vehicles made between the 1996 and 2006 model years, and their weight does not exceed 8,500 pounds (this requirement does not apply to diesel vehicles)
  • Vehicles made in the 2007 model year and newer model years that weigh less than 14,000 pounds (this requirement does not apply to diesel vehicles)

Smog Check Exemptions in Wisconsin

New vehicles that are non-exempt and registered in Wisconsin that are in qualifying Wisconsin counties are not required to pass a smog check to obtain a vehicle registration until after their third model year. The following vehicles are also exempt from emissions testing in Wisconsin:

  • Diesel vehicles manufactured before the 2006 model year
  • All gasoline vehicles manufactured before the 1996 model year
  • All vehicles manufactured after 1996 and those that are not OBDII compliant
  • Motorcycles and mopeds
  • Vehicles that exceed the weight of 14,000 pounds
  • Trucks with a farm registration
  • Electric vehicles
  • Non-motorized vehicles
  • Service vehicles (such as school buses) with a 16-person seating capacity or more
  • Service vehicles (such as school buses) with a 16-person seating capacity or more
  • Vehicles with specially designed or Medal of Honor registrations, or apportioned plates

Wisconsin Temporary Exemptions

As a Wisconsin vehicle owner, you may have the opportunity to apply for a temporary extension when your vehicle can’t be operated or the vehicle is outside a valid testing area during the period of its registration renewal. In order to apply for a temporary exemption in Wisconsin, you must complete and mail the following to the address on the Exemption Application:

  • Registration fees
  • Temporary Exemption Application (Form MV2472)
  • Registration renewal notice

After the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) receives and approves the above-stated documents, they will be sent back to you:

  • A new Certificate of Registration
  • A valid registration renewal sticker
  • A letter of Temporary Exemption Approval (this letter provides details regarding testing requirements and testing instructions. You need to bring this letter when you get your vehicle tested)

How to Transfer Your Vehicle Title in Wisconsin?

Whether you are purchasing a vehicle from a private party or dealership or selling a vehicle, you must transfer the vehicle’s title. Here’s what you need to know.

Transferring a Vehicle’s Title As a New Resident of Wisconsin

When you’re a new resident of America’s Dairyland, you must register your vehicle and obtain WI license plates once you establish residency in the state of Wisconsin. During the vehicle registration process, you will also complete a vehicle title transfer for a Wisconsin vehicle title.

You can apply for a new vehicle title by submitting the following documents and payment(s) to your local WI DMV office:

  • Your vehicle’s current title (if you are making payments on your vehicle, the lender will have possession of the vehicle’s title. You won’t be able to obtain a WI vehicle title until your loan has been paid off and the lender releases the lien hold on the vehicle.)
  • A completed Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1)
  • Proof of identity (valid driver’s license, current U.S. passport, social security card)
  • Proof of paid sales tax in your previous state IF you have owned your vehicle for less than 90 days. (This proof will exempt you from paying sales tax in Wisconsin)
  • Payment for the original WI vehicle title fee, plus registration fees and wheel tax (make the check or money order payable to “Registration Fee Trust”)

You can submit the following documents and payment(s) using these methods:

  • In-Person at:
    • Any WI DMV location (you will be charged a $5 counter service fee
    • An authorized third-party DMV agent (agents may charge service fees up to $19.50 for a vehicle title transfer)
    • A WI DMV Temporary License Plate Agent
  • By mail to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 7949

Madison, WI 53707

Be advised, that as a new resident of Wisconsin, you are not required to possess a WI vehicle title. You can submit your out-of-state vehicle registration only, and you will still receive your new WI vehicle registration and license plates. However, if you want to transfer ownership of the vehicle once you’re a resident of WI, you must then apply for a vehicle title transfer first.

Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Private Seller

If you’ve purchased a vehicle from a private seller, you are required to apply for a Wisconsin vehicle title transfer immediately. You can apply for a WI vehicle title transfer online, by mail, or in person.

Online and By Mail

You can complete a WI DMV vehicle title transfer partially online and by mail. This option is available for:

  • Cars
  • Trucks that don’t exceed a weight of 8,000 pounds
  • SUVs
  • Motorcycles

If you have a qualifying vehicle, take the following steps:

  • Obtain the vehicle title with all assignment information filled by you and the seller, including:
    • An odometer reading if the vehicle is less than 20 years old
    • A lien release if a previous loan has been paid in full

Visit the WI DMV and follow the steps to begin your application. You will be required to provide your:

  • Last 4 digits of your social security number
  • Driver’s license information
  • Date of birth
  • Print your receipt and mail it with the vehicle’s title, payment for all applicable vehicle transfer fees, and any other related documents to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.

Be advised, that you are also required to apply for new license plates or a license plate transfer to use this system. If you are applying for new WI license plates, you will be issued temporary plates online, and you can print them out and display them on your vehicle until your permanent license plates arrive. Keep in mind, you are required to display permanent or temporary license plates on your vehicle within 2 business days of purchase.

You will not be able to use the online application if:

  • Your vehicle is NOT one of the types listed above.
  • You are only applying for a title.
  • You are only applying for plates, OR you are applying for special license plates.
  • The previous owner is deceased.
  • You are titling the car in the name of a trust, company, or business.
  • You purchased the car from a dealer.
  • You purchased the vehicle over a year ago.
  • You are paying a loan on the vehicle.
  • You are leasing the vehicle.
  • Multiple owners will be on the title.
  • You will be transporting packages for hire.
  • You or the seller have DMV restriction incidents (ex. unpaid tickets).

In-Person

If you aren’t able to take advantage of the online/by mail application, you can apply for a vehicle title transfer in person at your local WI DMV office. You must submit the following documentation and payment(s):

  • The vehicle’s original title, assigned to you by the vehicle’s seller
  • A completed Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1)
  • Valid ID
  • License plates to transfer (if applicable)
  • Payment for all applicable fees, including the registration fee (if you are not transferring license plates), the vehicle title transfer fee, and any other applicable taxes

You can pay the required fees by check or money order made payable to “Registration Fee Trust”.

Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Dealership

Any time the ownership of a vehicle changes, a vehicle title transfer must be completed. Here’s what you need to know about transferring the title of a vehicle in Wisconsin after the sale or purchase of a vehicle.

Purchasing a Vehicle From a Dealer

When you purchase a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer is required to submit your application for the vehicle’s title and vehicle registration to the WI DMV. You will receive your new WI vehicle title, registration card, and license plates in the mail. Each item will arrive separately.

If you have not received your license plates and vehicle title after a reasonable period, you can contact the WI DMV online through the WI DMV customer service e-mail portal or by phone at (608) 264-7447.

If the dealer neglects to submit the required paperwork to the WI DMV, you can contact the Wisconsin Dealer and Agent Section to receive information on filing a complaint against the dealer, and for assistance with receiving your vehicle’s license plates and vehicle title, you can initiate contact by phone at (608) 266-1425 or by email at [email protected].

You can also submit a complaint about a dealer by completing a Dealer Complaint (Form MV2338). You need to include a copy of your Application for Title and Registration (Form MV1), which was given to you by the dealer. Mail it to the address provided on the form.

Transferring the Title of a Vehicle You’re Selling in Wisconsin

As the private seller of a vehicle in Wisconsin, you are responsible for:

  • Completing and signing the vehicle title assignment on the current vehicle title
  • Providing an odometer disclosure if the vehicle is less than 20 years old
  • Providing any required lien release documentation (if applicable)

Present the above-listed documents to the vehicle’s buyer. It’s the buyer’s responsibility to complete the WI DMV vehicle title transfer. If you have lost the vehicle title certificate, you need to obtain a duplicate WI vehicle title before a sale can be made.

Complete a Seller Notification for the WI DMV within 30 days of the vehicle’s sale. This notification must include:

  • The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • The buyer’s identity
  • Date of sale
  • Sale price

The seller notification can be completed online. Click here.

How to Transfer a Vehicle Title When the Owner is Deceased?

When the owner of a vehicle passes away, and you are listed as the beneficiary on the will and wish to keep the vehicle, you must transfer the title of the vehicle. You also need to know if the vehicle is part of a probated estate.

Transferring the Title of a Vehicle in a Probated Estate

The vehicle title transfer process in this situation depends on whether the vehicle’s title was solely in the individual’s name as a descendant or joint ownership. If the vehicle title was only in the descendant’s name, you need to know if the estate is being probated.

Probate is a legal process that involves administering the estate of a deceased individual. This legal process occurs when there is no beneficiary or living spouse provided in the will. The probate validates the deceased’s assets and property and proves the last will and testament are legitimate. The Probate Court will determine how you need to proceed with the individual’s belongings. During this process, the deceased person’s property will be distributed based on their will.

If the vehicle in the estate is part of probate, you are required to follow these steps to transfer the vehicle title of the deceased owner:

Contact an Attorney or Probate Court

The title of a vehicle can’t be transferred until the probate process is complete, so the administrator of the deceased or the executor needs to contact the Probate Court or an attorney as soon as possible to receive further instructions regarding the next steps in the probate process. When the probate process is complete, the heir will receive the vehicle, unless the vehicle was left to the executor. If the vehicle was left to the executor, they can choose to sell the vehicle.

Gather the Required Documentation

While the required documentation to transfer the vehicle title of a deceased person varies from one state to another, in the state of Wisconsin, you need to submit all the following documents in order to successfully transfer the vehicle’s title:

  • Certificate of title
  • Order from Probate Court to transfer the vehicle
  • Death certificate
  • Odometer disclosure statement
  • Transfer fee

Visit the Title Office

If you are listed as the administrator of the deceased individual’s estate or the beneficiary, you can visit your local WI title office with the above-listed documentation to initiate the vehicle title transfer process.

How to Transfer a Vehicle Title Without Probate

The process you need to follow to transfer the title of a vehicle without probate will vary depending on the state in which you reside. In Wisconsin, the deceased individual’s property can’t exceed a certain amount and a specific amount of time needs to have passed since the individual passed away before the vehicle title transfer can be initiated.

As the administrator, spouse, joint-owner, or beneficiary, you may only be required to provide the death certificate and the vehicle’s title to your local WI title office, and they will retitle the vehicle’s title without a court order or an attorney.

Transferring the Title of an Inherited Vehicle in Wisconsin

If you inherited a vehicle valued at $50,000 or less, you can transfer the vehicle title to your name or act as the vehicle’s seller when you’re transferring ownership of the vehicle to another individual. Surviving spouses or domestic partners can transfer a maximum of 5 vehicles.

Please be advised, that if the vehicle was title to you and the deceased, you will need to contact WisDot before you can proceed with transferring the title of an inherited vehicle. Also, if the deceased individual was a resident of Wisconsin and the death occurred in Wisconsin, you are not required to possess a death certificate. However, a death certificate may be required if the deceased individual resided in a state other than Wisconsin.

You need to submit the following documentation and payment(s) to complete the WI DMV vehicle title transfer in your name:

  • A completed Statement of Transfer of Vehicles to a Surviving Spouse, Domestic Partner, or Heir (Form MV2300)
  • Vehicle title certificate
  • Completed Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1)
  • Payment for all applicable WI vehicle title transfer fees

If you choose to sell the inherited vehicle before you transfer the title to your name, you must:

  • Complete the vehicle title assignment as the vehicle’s seller on the vehicle title certificate
  • Complete a Statement of Transfer of Vehicles to a Surviving Spouse, Domestic Partner, or Heir (Form MV2300)

It is the buyer of the vehicle’s responsibility to complete the vehicle title transfer by submitting the above-listed documents and payment(s) to the WI DMV, and taking the necessary steps to complete the sale of a vehicle from a private seller.

High-Valued Vehicles

If the inherited vehicle has a value of more than $50,000, you are required to also submit a copy of personal representative papers, issued by the court, that identify you as an authorized individual who can sign on behalf of the deceased individual.

Once you have obtained these papers, you need to submit them in lieu of the (Form MV2300), and sign the vehicle title as the seller of the vehicle with “personal representative” written after your name.

Larger Estates

If an individual leaves behind more than 5 vehicles that are less than 20 years old, the ownership of the vehicle must be assigned through one of the following:

  • Estate administrator
  • Estate executor
  • Court order

How to Transfer Ownership of a Vehicle Without a Title in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, you can’t transfer the ownership of a vehicle without a valid vehicle title. If you have lost or damaged the title, or the title has been stolen, you need to apply for a duplicate Wisconsin vehicle title.

Can I Gift a Car to a Family Member?

The process for transferring a vehicle title in Wisconsin for a gifted vehicle is the same as transferring the title of a vehicle that was purchased in a private sale. In this instance, the individual gifting the vehicle acts as the vehicle’s seller, and the individual receiving the vehicle acts as the vehicle’s buyer.

Transferring a Vehicle Title When You Have an Out-of-State Title

When you have an out-of-state vehicle title that needs to be transferred to the state of Wisconsin, you may be required to obtain and submit specific documentation containing the following information:

  • Certificate of title
  • Statement of Transfer of Vehicles to a Surviving Spouse, Domestic Partner or Heir (Form MV2300)
  • Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1)
  • Odometer reading
  • Lien release (if applicable)
  • Payment for all applicable WI vehicle titling fees

In addition to the specific vehicle title transfer requirements in WI, you may also be required to provide the last four digits of your social security number (SSN), as well as, your date of birth, and driver’s license information.

Requesting a Duplicate Vehicle Title in Wisconsin

In the state of Wisconsin, you can apply for a duplicate WI vehicle title online, by mail, or in person.

Online

As a resident of Wisconsin, you are eligible to order a replacement WI vehicle title online as a vehicle owner. Businesses and organization are not permitted to use this online vehicle title replacement tool.

To successfully complete the online application for a duplicate WI vehicle title, you will need to provide the following information:

  • A valid e-mail address
  • Your WI driver’s license number or photo ID number
  • The last 4 digits of your social security number
  • Your date of birth
  • Your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Payment for the $20 replacement vehicle title fee through one of the following:
    • A valid MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express credit card or debit card (There will be a convenience fee, that must be paid before the transaction can be completed)
  • Automated Clearing House (ACH) payment from your checking or savings account (no convenience fee will be processed)

You can expect your duplicate WI vehicle title to arrive within 10 business days of an accepted application. Be advised, that completed transactions can’t be canceled for a refund.

In-Person

You can apply for a WI vehicle title replacement in person at your local WI DMV office to receive your duplicate vehicle title immediately. However, if you choose this option, a $5 counter service fee will apply.

To apply for a duplicate WI vehicle title in person, visit your local WI DMV office with the following:

  • A completed Replacement Title Application (Form MV2119)
  • Proof of identity (driver’s license or ID) If you don’t have a valid proof of ID, the vehicle’s title will be mailed to either the vehicle owner on record or the lien holder.
  • Payment for the $20 fee plus counter service fee in the form of cash, check, debit card, or credit card (MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express) Keep in mind, a convenience fee will apply.

If you are picking up a vehicle title for the owner or lien holder, you are required to have a Permission to Pick Up Title (Form MV2932) and proof of your identity.

By Mail

To request a duplicate WI vehicle title by mail, you need to complete the Replacement Title Application (Form MV2119) and mail it, along with the necessary payment for the title replacement fee, to the address provided on the form.

Transferring a Vehicle Title With a Lien

If you purchase a vehicle with a vehicle loan, the vehicle’s title belongs to the lender (lien holder). Due to a change in law in 2012, the procedures for lien hold removals differ depending on when you receive your vehicle loan.

Lien Holds Placed Before July 30, 2012

You should already have your vehicle title certificate. If you have lost your vehicle’s title, you need to apply for a duplicate vehicle title (Form MV2119). Once you receive notice from the lien holder that the lien has been successfully removed electronically, you are not required to take any further steps. Keep the notice from the lien holder and give it to the new vehicle owner along with the vehicle’s title, if you choose to sell or gift the vehicle.

If the lender didn’t electronically release the lien, you need to submit your vehicle title and one of the following to the WI DMV:

  • A Confirmation of Security Interest (Lien) Perfection (Form T084 or Form MV2076), which is obtained from the lien holder
  • An original letter (can’t be faxed or copied) from the lender on the lender’s company letterhead, which including the following information:
    • Make of the vehicle
    • VIN
    • Signature along with the position of the person signing
    • Date of lien release

You can submit the above-stated documentation in person at your local WI DMV office for a $5 fee, or by mail to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 7949
Madison, WI 53707

If you choose to mail-in your documents and payment(s), you can expect to receive your vehicle title in approximately 6 weeks.

Lien Holds Placed After July 30, 2012

When a lender electronically notifies the WI DMV that you have paid off your vehicle loan, the WI DMV will send you the vehicle’s title.

If the lien holder has not electronically removed the lien hold, you can take the same steps listed above for liens placed before 2012. Be advised, you will not be required to submit a vehicle title certificate. You need to contact your lender if any issues occur concerning the lien hold.

How Much Does a Vehicle Title Transfer Cost in Wisconsin?

There are different fees associated with transferring a vehicle’s title in Wisconsin. The following are the standard WI DMV vehicle title transferring fees:

  • Original vehicle title or title transfer fee: $164.50
  • Vehicle title transfer for surviving spouse or domestic partner: $164.50
  • WI vehicle title replacement: $20
  • Additional $5 if the transaction takes place at the WI DMV

Additionally, you may be responsible for paying a 5% sales or use tax, plus a county tax (if applicable) Keep in mind, WI vehicle titling fees are separate from any vehicle registration fees you may owe to the WI DMV.

Where Can I Go to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Wisconsin?

There are different DMV locations in Wisconsin you can visit to transfer the title of a vehicle.

Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles – Kenosha Office
4911 88th Avenue, Suite A
Kenosha, WI 53144
(800) 924-3570

Monday – Friday (8:30 AM to 4:45 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles – Milwaukee Office
819 N. 6th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(608) 264-7447

Monday – Friday (8:15 AM to 4:30 PM)
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)

Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles – Green Bay Office (Title & Registration ONLY)
1130 S. Military Ave
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 965-0591

Monday – Thursday (8 AM to 8 PM)
Friday (8 AM to 7 PM)
Saturday (8 AM to 6 PM)
Sunday (Closed)

How to Fill Out the Wisconsin Title and Title Transfer Forms

In order to ensure you complete the Wisconsin vehicle title and title transfer forms, you need to ensure the required signatures of the vehicle’s seller and buyer in the designated areas on the vehicle title. You also need to create a bill of sale that provides details regarding the vehicle, such as its make, year, model, and color. Don’t forget to include the vehicle’s VIN!

If you sold a vehicle instead of gifting it, the correct sales tax needs to be added to the vehicle’s total price. In the “transfer of title by seller” section of the WI vehicle title, provide an odometer reading, and make sure the recipient of the vehicle signs the vehicle’s title in the designated spaces.

Keep in mind, that you may be required to provide additional documentation, such as a valid Wisconsin vehicle insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum coverage limits. You may also be asked to provide a valid government-issued photo ID or a foreign passport for a valid proof of identification.

My Vehicle Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

When a vehicle’s title is signed but never transferred, the vehicle is considered to have an open title. An open WI vehicle title means the vehicle’s seller didn’t transfer the ownership of or register the vehicle in their name.

Since the vehicle seller’s name is not presented on the WI vehicle title, they do not assume any legal responsibility for anything associated with the vehicle, such as taxes and other fees. If the vehicle’s seller has lost the WI vehicle title, they can apply for a duplicate WI vehicle title (Form MV2119) and sign it over to you for you to put in your name. Keep in mind, that the individual who is listed on the vehicle’s title must request a duplicate vehicle title.

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