When you\u2019re 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019t pass the vehicle emissions test must have their vehicle repaired and retested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You\u2019re 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a Wisconsin vehicle owner, you may have the opportunity to apply for a temporary extension when your vehicle can\u2019t 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) receives and approves the above-stated documents, they will be sent back to you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you are purchasing a vehicle from a private party or dealership or selling a vehicle, you must transfer the vehicle\u2019s title. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you\u2019re a new resident of America\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can apply for a new vehicle title by submitting the following documents and payment(s) to your local WI DMV office:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can submit the following documents and payment(s) using these methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wisconsin Department of Transportation 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\u2019re a resident of WI, you must then apply for a vehicle title transfer first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can complete a WI DMV vehicle title transfer partially online and by mail. This option is available for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a qualifying vehicle, take the following steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit the WI DMV<\/a> and follow the steps to begin your application. You will be required to provide your:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will not be able to use the online application if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you aren\u2019t 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):<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can pay the required fees by check or money order made payable to \u201cRegistration Fee Trust\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Any time the ownership of a vehicle changes, a vehicle title transfer must be completed. Here\u2019s what you need to know about transferring the title of a vehicle in Wisconsin after the sale or purchase of a vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you purchase a vehicle from a dealer, the dealer is required to submit your application for the vehicle\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> or by phone at (608) 264-7447.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s license plates and vehicle title, you can initiate contact by phone at (608) 266-1425 or by email at dealers.dmv@dot.state.wi.us<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also submit a complaint about a dealer by completing a Dealer Complaint (Form MV2338<\/a>). You need to include a copy of your Application for Title and Registration (Form MV1<\/a>), which was given to you by the dealer. Mail it to the address provided on the form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the private seller of a vehicle in Wisconsin, you are responsible for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Present the above-listed documents to the vehicle\u2019s buyer. It\u2019s the buyer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Complete a Seller Notification for the WI DMV within 30 days of the vehicle\u2019s sale. This notification must include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The seller notification can be completed online. Click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The vehicle title transfer process in this situation depends on whether the vehicle\u2019s title was solely in the individual\u2019s name as a descendant or joint ownership. If the vehicle title was only in the descendant\u2019s name, you need to know if the estate is being probated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019s belongings. During this process, the deceased person\u2019s property will be distributed based on their will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The title of a vehicle can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s title:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are listed as the administrator of the deceased individual\u2019s estate or the beneficiary, you can visit your local WI title office with the above-listed documentation to initiate the vehicle title transfer process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s property can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the administrator, spouse, joint-owner, or beneficiary, you may only be required to provide the death certificate and the vehicle\u2019s title to your local WI title office, and they will retitle the vehicle\u2019s title without a court order or an attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s seller when you\u2019re transferring ownership of the vehicle to another individual. Surviving spouses or domestic partners can transfer a maximum of 5 vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to submit the following documentation and payment(s) to complete the WI DMV vehicle title transfer in your name:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you choose to sell the inherited vehicle before you transfer the title to your name, you must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is the buyer of the vehicle\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have obtained these papers, you need to submit them in lieu of the (Form MV2300<\/a>), and sign the vehicle title as the seller of the vehicle with \u201cpersonal representative\u201d written after your name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Wisconsin, you can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s seller, and the individual receiving the vehicle acts as the vehicle\u2019s buyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s license information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the state of Wisconsin, you can apply for a duplicate WI vehicle title online, by mail, or in person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To successfully complete the online application for a duplicate WI vehicle title, you will need to provide the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can expect your duplicate WI vehicle title to arrive within 10 business days of an accepted application. Be advised, that completed transactions can\u2019t be canceled for a refund.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To apply for a duplicate WI vehicle title in person, visit your local WI DMV office with the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>) and proof of your identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To request a duplicate WI vehicle title by mail, you need to complete the Replacement Title Application (Form MV2119<\/a>) and mail it, along with the necessary payment for the title replacement fee, to the address provided on the form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you purchase a vehicle with a vehicle loan, the vehicle\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should already have your vehicle title certificate. If you have lost your vehicle\u2019s title, you need to apply for a duplicate vehicle title (Form MV2119<\/a>). 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\u2019s title, if you choose to sell or gift the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the lender didn\u2019t electronically release the lien, you need to submit your vehicle title and one of the following to the WI DMV:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can submit the above-stated documentation in person at your local WI DMV office for a $5 fee, or by mail to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wisconsin Department of Transportation<\/strong> If you choose to mail-in your documents and payment(s), you can expect to receive your vehicle title in approximately 6 weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a lender electronically notifies the WI DMV that you have paid off your vehicle loan, the WI DMV will send you the vehicle\u2019s title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are different fees associated with transferring a vehicle\u2019s title in Wisconsin. The following are the standard WI DMV vehicle title transferring fees:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are different DMV locations in Wisconsin you can visit to transfer the title of a vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles – Kenosha Office<\/strong> Monday – Friday (8:30 AM to 4:45 PM) Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles – Milwaukee Office<\/strong> Monday – Friday (8:15 AM to 4:30 PM) Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles – Green Bay Office (Title & Registration ONLY)<\/strong> Monday – Thursday (8 AM to 8 PM) In order to ensure you complete the Wisconsin vehicle title and title transfer forms, you need to ensure the required signatures of the vehicle\u2019s 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\u2019t forget to include the vehicle\u2019s VIN!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you sold a vehicle instead of gifting it, the correct sales tax needs to be added to the vehicle\u2019s total price. In the \u201ctransfer of title by seller\u201d section of the WI vehicle title, provide an odometer reading, and make sure the recipient of the vehicle signs the vehicle\u2019s title in the designated spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a vehicle\u2019s title is signed but never transferred, the vehicle is considered to have an open title. An open WI vehicle title means the vehicle\u2019s seller didn\u2019t transfer the ownership of or register the vehicle in their name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
P.O. Box 7949<\/strong>
Madison, WI 53707<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Private Seller<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Online and By Mail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>In-Person<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring the Title of a Vehicle Purchased From a Dealership<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Purchasing a Vehicle From a Dealer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring the Title of a Vehicle You\u2019re Selling in Wisconsin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How to Transfer a Vehicle Title When the Owner is Deceased?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring the Title of a Vehicle in a Probated Estate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Contact an Attorney or Probate Court<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gather the Required Documentation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Visit the Title Office<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How to Transfer a Vehicle Title Without Probate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring the Title of an Inherited Vehicle in Wisconsin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>High-Valued Vehicles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Larger Estates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How to Transfer Ownership of a Vehicle Without a Title in Wisconsin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Can I Gift a Car to a Family Member?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring a Vehicle Title When You Have an Out-of-State Title<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Requesting a Duplicate Vehicle Title in Wisconsin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Online<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>In-Person<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>By Mail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Transferring a Vehicle Title With a Lien<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Lien Holds Placed Before July 30, 2012<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
P.O. Box 7949<\/strong>
Madison, WI 53707<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Lien Holds Placed After July 30, 2012<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>How Much Does a Vehicle Title Transfer Cost in Wisconsin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Where Can I Go to Transfer a Vehicle Title in Wisconsin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4911 88th Avenue, Suite A
Kenosha, WI 53144
(800) 924-3570<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
819 N. 6th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53203
(608) 264-7447<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday and Sunday (Closed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1130 S. Military Ave
Green Bay, WI 54304
(920) 965-0591<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friday (8 AM to 7 PM)
Saturday (8 AM to 6 PM)
Sunday (Closed)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>How to Fill Out the Wisconsin Title and Title Transfer Forms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>My Vehicle Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n