Wisconsin
Title Fee
$164.50
Sales Tax Rate
5.0%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Wisconsin?
All motor vehicles, mopeds, motorcycles, RVs, trailers, motorized boats, and non-motorized sailboats must be titled.
Exempt: Trailers ≤3,000 lbs. (not for hire/rental), snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs (if exempt from registration), USCG-documented vessels, some manufactured homes (if permanently affixed to real estate).
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Application: Title/License Plate Application (MV1), any DMV Service Center/Agent, or online.
Fee: $23.00 (vehicles), $5.00 (boats, +$5.00 per lien), $4.00 (manufactured home lien), $15.00 service fee (private vendor). Additional fees for expedited/manual processing.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer Certificate/Statement of Origin.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title or electronic record.
Non-title states: Registration certificate.
Manufactured homes: Statement of Manufactured Home Transfer (SBD-10688) if titled through DSPS.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs + DOT/EPA compliance, modifier’s letter if converted.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Bonded Title: For insufficient evidence, bond = 1.5x value, held 5 years.
Brands: Bond Posted, Flood, Hail, Insurance Claim Paid, Junked Vehicle Frame, Lemon Law, Non-USA, Prior Police, Prior Taxi, Rebuilt Salvage, Reconstructed, Replica, Salvage, Special Designed, State Assigned VIN, Farm Not Insp Defective, Replacement Title, etc. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: Required for vehicles <7 years old if repair cost >70% of value; required for similar out-of-state brands.
Rebuilt: Salvage vehicles must pass inspection ($80.00 fee), provide receipts for major parts; title branded “Rebuilt Salvage.”
Junk: Vehicle incapable of operation or value only as parts/scrap must be junked within 10 days; title surrendered, not eligible for title.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Duplicate: Replacement Title Application (MV2119), $20.00 fee; online option available.
Correction: Submit title + explanation; Statement of Intent (MV2489) if needed; no fee for DMV error.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN/HIN inspection required for rebuilt/reconstructed vehicles and as needed for ownership/description.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, for vehicles (not boats); electronic processing required for >49 liens/year.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: 5.0% state + county/city tax (if applicable); based on purchase price.Trade-in credit allowed.
Credit for taxes paid to another state.
Exemptions: Nonresidents, gifts, certain carriers, tribal members, new manufactured homes (65% of price), used manufactured homes, vehicles as real estate, and more.
Wheel Tax: Annual, in some counties/municipalities (rates vary).
Property Tax: On manufactured/mobile homes unless exempt.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Title/License Plate App (MV1/eMV11); $10.00 fee.
Add lien: Submit title + $10.00 fee; manufactured homes via DSPS.
ELT (Electronic Lien Title) mandatory for ≥49 liens/year.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder must release within 30 days (10 days if requested); on title or release doc; new title issued to next lienholder/owner.
Assignment: Vehicle Security Assignment + $1.00 fee ($2.00 for boat).
How does repossession work in WI?
Lienholder must give 15-day right to cure notice unless repeated default; then may repossess.
Submit title, Repossession Form, and fee; notify subordinate lienholders.
Out-of-state repos: Repossessor must hold title before reassignment.
Other notes:
Lien must be released before junking vehicle; plates destroyed/transferred.
Department of Transportation
4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
PO Box 7949, Madison, WI 53707-7949
608.264.7447
Enforcement Agency:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation, DMV4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
608.264.7447 | WI DMV
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
WI State Patrol, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $25,000/$50,000/$10,000 minimum; proof required at registration and must be carried.
Emissions required in some counties; safety inspection for rebuilt vehicles, school buses.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for motorcycles, trailers, some others. Plates transferable.
Title records kept ≥10 years.