Wisconsin Title & Registration Guide
Complete guide to Wisconsin vehicle titling, registration, fees, taxes, lien laws, and official forms. Maintained by Illinois Title Services.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation — Division of Motor Vehicles
4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705 • PO Box 7949, Madison, WI 53707-7949
608.264.7447
Fee Calculator
Wisconsin does not accept paper title applications except in limited circumstances. All applications must be submitted through the MV1 Application Portal. Watch the MV1 Portal Walk-Through on YouTube
Estimate your Wisconsin title, registration, and sales tax costs. State sales tax is 5.0% plus applicable county/city tax. Title fee is $214.50 ($207.00 for low-speed vehicles; $5.00 for boats titled through DNR). Registration fees vary by vehicle type and weight. Plate issuance fees apply when brand-new plates are manufactured and issued. Local wheel tax is auto-calculated based on county and municipality. Checks payable to Registration Fee Trust (or WDNR for boats).
Select the Wisconsin DMV Service Center where the customer will mail their title pack. All fees are payable to Registration Fee Trust (or WDNR for boats).
Don't see your location? View all DMV locations →
* Taxable Price = Base Price + Doc Fees + Dealer Service Fee + Extended Warranties + Additions + Delivery Fees + Protection Packages + Theft Protection − Trade-In Amount
Electric vehicles include a $90 annual surcharge. Hybrid vehicles include a $25 annual surcharge.
The plate issuance fee applies only when brand-new registration plates are manufactured and issued. Standard vehicles receive two plates ($6 per plate = $12 total).
If you already paid sales/use tax to another state on this vehicle, enter that amount here. Wisconsin will credit it against the tax owed — reducing your total.
Most Wisconsin counties impose a 0.5% county sales tax in addition to the 5.0% state rate. The City of Milwaukee has a separate 2.0% city sales tax. Select the county where the vehicle will be customarily kept (for motor vehicles, boats, RVs, aircraft) or where the buyer takes possession (for snowmobiles, trailers, ATVs, UTVs, OHMs).
Don't know your rate? Look it up on the Wisconsin DOR website →
Some Wisconsin counties and municipalities impose a local wheel tax on autocycles, automobiles, and trucks 8,000 lbs or less. If a person resides in a county that charges wheel tax AND in a city/village that charges a separate wheel tax, both fees are combined.
Only municipalities that impose a wheel tax are listed. If the customer's city/village is not shown, they do not have a municipal wheel tax.
Wheel tax rates change periodically. Verify with the local municipal clerk or view the WisDOT wheel tax list →
Checks Payable To
- •Title, Registration & Plate Fees: Registration Fee Trust
* Estimate only. Electric vehicles include a $90 annual surcharge; hybrid vehicles $25. Plate issuance fee ($6/plate) applies only when brand-new plates are manufactured — not on renewals or plate transfers. Wheel tax is auto-calculated from county and municipality selection. County and municipality wheel taxes are additive. County sales tax (0.5% in most counties) and City of Milwaukee sales tax (2.0%) are included when selected. Most online applications are completed in 3 days or less; mailed-in applications in 14 days or less. Contact Illinois Title Services for an exact quote.
Title & Proof of Ownership
All motor vehicles, mopeds, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trailers, and motorized boats and non-motorized sailboats 16 feet and over are titled. Mobile and manufactured homes are titled unless permanently affixed to real estate. Trailers 3,000 lbs. gross weight or less not used for hire or rental, snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, off-highway motorcycles, boats exempt from registration, and USCG documented vessels are exempt from titling.
Application for Title
Title/License Plate Application (MV1) is presented to the Division of Motor Vehicles, any DMV Service Center, or third party DMV Title Service Agent. Application may also be made through eMV Public or through the MV1 Online Application Guide. Wisconsin dealers must submit applications through eMV Partner.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Title Fee | $214.50 |
| Title Fee — Low-Speed Vehicles | $207.00 |
| Counter Service Fee (at DMV Service Center) | $5.00 |
| APPS Service Fee (private vendor processing) | $19.50 |
| Replacement Title | $20.00 |
| Motorboat Title (through DNR) | $5.00 |
| Motorboat Lien Recording (DNR) | $5.00 |
| Manufactured Home Title (through DSPS) | $23.00 |
| Manufactured Home Lienholder (DSPS) | $4.00 each |
| Manufactured Home Fast Title (DSPS) | +$15.00 |
Make checks payable to Registration Fee Trust (or WDNR for boats, DSPS for manufactured homes). Most online applications completed in 3 days or less; mailed-in in 14 days or less.
Electronic Signatures
Allowed on documentation. Electronic signatures are not allowed on boat documentation.
Proof of Ownership
New Vehicles
Manufacturer Certificate of Origin or Manufacturer Statement of Origin.
Used Vehicles
Certificate of Title or electronic title record from WisDOT.
Non-Title Issuing Jurisdiction
Valid Registration Certificate. A Statement of Manufactured Home Transfer (SBD-10696) and an Indemnity Statement (SBD-10688) are required for manufactured homes titled through DSPS.
Government Surplus Vehicles
U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title to a Vehicle (SF97-1).
Foreign Vehicles
Foreign ownership documents plus DOT and EPA Letters of Compliance for vehicles not manufactured for import to the U.S. In lieu of DOT and EPA letters, the DMV will accept a letter from the modifier verifying the conversion work has been completed.
Surrender of Proof of Ownership: Required. Titles are not returned to issuing state. Wisconsin vehicle title information (brand, odometer, title, etc.) is available through NMVTIS.
Special Titles
Bonded Title
When there is insufficient evidence of ownership, an applicant may file a bond equal to 1½ times the value of the vehicle. Bond shall be returned at the end of five years and a title may be issued, unless WisDOT has been notified of a pending action.
Salvage Vehicle
Required for damaged vehicles less than seven years old where the cost of repair exceeds 70% of fair market value. Also required for vehicles from other states with a similar brand, regardless of model year. A Title Application Branding Notification (MV2849) must be submitted.
Rebuilt Vehicle
Salvage vehicles that have been rebuilt must pass a salvage inspection ($80.00 fee) prior to being registered. Title is branded "Rebuilt Salvage." Leftover parts must be junked.
Junk Vehicle
A vehicle incapable of operation on public roads with no resale value except as a source of parts must be junked within 10 days and is not eligible for titling or registration. Title must be surrendered; plates removed.
Title Brands
Brand information is printed in the Additional Vehicle Detail section on the bottom half of Wisconsin titles issued after December 2004. Brands are retained on all subsequent titles.
Replacement Title
Requested by the owner of a vehicle without any liens on record. Replacement Title Application (MV2119) submitted with a fee of $20.00. $5.00 Counter Service Fee if applied in person. Owners may apply online. Allow 7-10 business days. Immediate processing available at DMV Service Centers for an additional $5.00.
Odometer Disclosure
Required upon transfer of a vehicle. Vehicles with a model year of 2010 or older, trailers and other vehicles without odometer devices, and trucks over 16,000 lbs. GVWR are exempt.
Lien Law
Lienholders that process 49 or more lien applications in Wisconsin per calendar year must electronically process lien transactions. If a financial institution chooses not to electronically process a lien, it will be assessed a $5.00 DMV processing fee and a $20.00 surcharge for each application.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lien Filing Fee (motor vehicles) | $10.00 |
| Lien Filing Fee (boats, through DNR) | $5.00 |
| Lien Filing Fee (manufactured homes, through DSPS) | $4.00 |
| Vehicle Security Assignment processing fee | $1.00 |
| Boat lien assignment fee | $2.00 |
Lien Perfection
Lien is perfected as of the time of the attachment of the security interest or at the time of delivery, whichever is later. Same procedures apply when adding a second lienholder.
Responsible Party
Wisconsin dealers are responsible for filing liens on vehicles sold to residents and nonresidents. Dealers are liable for any damages incurred for failure to perfect a security interest. The lienholder is responsible for filing a lien on casual sales.
Lien Expiration
The department may remove information pertaining to a security interest from its records after 10 years has elapsed, unless renewed. Twenty years for recreational vehicles and mobile homes titled through WisDOT, eight years for truck tractors, thirty years for manufactured homes with UCC liens. There is no statute of limitations for liens on boats.
Release of Lien
Liens must be released within 30 days, or within 10 days upon written request, to avoid penalty. Liens may be removed electronically or a lien release document must be provided to the owner. If a title was sent to a lienholder and the lien is released electronically, a new title is automatically sent to the next subsequent lienholder, if any, or to the owner.
UCC Filings
To perfect a lien on a non-titled vehicle, the lender must file a UCC1 in the owner's county of residence. Filings are done through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporate and Consumer Services, UCC Section, PO Box 7847, Madison, WI 53707-7847, 608.266.8915, [email protected].
Lien Records & Title Mailing
Lien records are on file with the Division of Motor Vehicles in Madison. A lienholder search may be made online. Titles on which a lien is shown are mailed to the lienholder or held electronically. Owners receive a Confirmation of Ownership. Boat titles are mailed to the primary owner.
Electronic Lien Title (ELT) Program
Allows lenders to receive electronic title records in lieu of paper titles. Adding and releasing liens via an electronic system (eMV Partner or an approved service provider) is mandated by law; however, receiving electronic title records through the ELT program is optional. The DNR does not have an electronic title program for boats.
Transfer of Title
Transfer is accomplished by assignment of title. Sellers must notify the DMV of a private sale within 30 days of the date of sale. Purchasers must make application for title immediately upon transfer to avoid penalty. Dealers must electronically process, deliver, or mail the Wisconsin title and plate application within seven business days of delivery of vehicle.
Add/Remove a Party
Any change in vehicle ownership is considered a transfer of title and same forms, procedures, fees, and taxes apply. License plates are transferable when going from joint to single ownership, single to joint, between spouses or registered domestic partners, to an immediate family member from a deceased owner's estate, and on lease buyouts.
Joint Ownership
When names are joined with "or", one signature is required to transfer ownership. When names are joined by "and", both signatures are required for transfer.
Damage Disclosure
Sellers must disclose all brand information even if it is currently printed on the title. Written disclosure must be presented to the purchaser prior to delivery when any new, demonstrator, or executive-driven vehicle has corrected damage of more than 6.0% of the MSRP, any uncorrected damage regardless of extent, or any flood damage.
If a vehicle less than seven years old is damaged to the extent that the cost of repairing exceeds 30% of its fair market value and was transferred to an insurer upon payment of a claim, the insurer must state that fact on the application.
Transfer Upon Death
A surviving spouse or domestic partner can transfer ownership of up to five vehicles/boats solely owned by the deceased. An heir may transfer vehicle/boat ownership when a decedent leaves solely owned property not exceeding $50,000 in value using a Transfer by Affidavit.
A copy of the death certificate is not required when the deceased owner was a Wisconsin resident and death occurred in Wisconsin. There is no title transfer fee for surviving domestic partner or immediate family member of the decedent; otherwise, title fee is $164.50 ($157.00 for low-speed vehicles).
Transfer on Death (TOD)
Wisconsin does not have a procedure for adding a beneficiary to a title.
Notarization
Not required for title transfer in Wisconsin.
Power of Attorney
A secure Power of Attorney may be used by a dealer to disclose mileage and transfer ownership when the title is held by a lienholder. A generic Power of Attorney may be used to appoint an agent to act on behalf of the owner.
Limited Assignment Space
When applying for title on an out-of-state title with no additional space available, the dealer must assign the vehicle to a retail purchaser through eMV Partner. Non-dealers must first title in their name prior to transferring vehicle.
Title Only
Issued to vehicles not to be operated on Wisconsin highways. Unregistered manufactured homes may be titled without obtaining license. Title only may be processed online.
Repossession
A lienholder may not take possession of a vehicle other than by accepting a voluntary surrender of the vehicle, unless the owner is in default, and only upon expiration of 15 days after a right to cure notice is given. A right to cure is not required if the owner has defaulted on two occasions within a 12-month period.
Requirements
- To transfer title of a repossessed vehicle, the title (if available) must be submitted with a title application, a Repossession Application and Statement (MV2117), and title fee
- The transferee must notify subordinate lienholders of the repossession
- Lienholder need not secure title in their name prior to transferring vehicle
- If vehicle is being repossessed out of state, title must be in the name of the repossessor before reassignment can be made to Wisconsin resident
- If a boat is titled out of state, the title must be in the name of the repossessor before the boat can be titled in Wisconsin
Title Loan Repossession
A licensed lender or agent may not take possession of a motor vehicle used as security for a title loan without sending notice to the borrower at least 20 days prior to taking possession.
Boats & Manufactured Homes
A Boat Repossession Transfer Affidavit (9400-470) is used for boats. A Repossession Form (SBD-10699) is used for manufactured homes titled through DSPS.
Registration
All motor vehicles, trailers, and manufactured homes less than 45 feet in length used upon the highways and ATVs, UTVs, OHMs, snowmobiles, motorized boats including electric trolling motors, and sailboats over 12 feet in length must be registered.
Exempt from Registration
Electric scooters or personal assistive mobility devices, farm tractors or trailers used exclusively in agricultural operations, trailers permanently equipped with well-drilling outfits, fork-lift trucks or trailers used principally off the highway, road machinery, implements of husbandry, and certain types of amphibious motor vehicles.
Application for Registration
Made to the Division of Motor Vehicles, any DMV Service Center, or third party DMV Registration Service Agent. Registration may be applied for through eMV Public. Plates may be ordered online. Certificate of Vehicle Registration should be carried in the vehicle. ATVs, UTVs, OHMs, snowmobiles, and boats are registered through the Department of Natural Resources.
Expiration
Renewal
All registered owners and/or lessees are sent renewal notices. Renewal can be made in person, by mail, or online. There is a convenience fee to renew online if using a credit/debit card. DMV Customer Service Centers charge a $3.00 transaction fee. DMV Title/Registration Service Providers may charge up to $10.00 in addition to registration fees.
Late Registration Penalty
$10.00 penalty for late renewal on automobiles, motorcycles, mopeds, and trucks 8,000 lbs gross weight or less; $5.00 for ATVs, UTVs, and OHMs.
Special Permits
| Permit Type | Validity | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 90-Day Temporary Operation Plate | 90 days | No fee (autos/light trucks); $3.00 others |
| 30-Day Nonresident Plate | 30 days | $3.00 |
| 72-Hour Trip Permit | 72 hours | $15.00 |
| Hunters Permit (unladen apportioned) | 30 days | $15.00 |
Plates
Two plates issued for automobiles, motor trucks, motor homes, motor buses, and school buses; one plate for other vehicles. Plates for passenger vehicles, light trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, farm trucks up to 38,000 lbs, and specialty plates remain with the owner and may be transferred to another vehicle.
Military Registration
Registrations of vehicles owned by resident military personnel on active duty stationed out of state are extended to expire 30 days after return to Wisconsin or 90 days after discharge. Former POWs and Medal of Honor recipients are entitled to registration of one vehicle without payment of issuance or registration fees.
Taxes
Sales and/or Use Tax
5.0% state tax + county/city tax, if applicable
Vehicles, off-highway vehicles, and boats are subject to 5.0% state tax plus county/city tax. Credit is allowed for a trade-in titled in the name of the purchaser. The MV1 Online Application Guide estimates fees and taxes.
County/City Tax Collection
A retailer of motor vehicles, boats, recreational vehicles, and aircraft must collect and remit the county and/or city taxes in effect for the location where the item will be customarily kept.
A retailer of snowmobiles, trailers, semitrailers, truck campers, ATVs, UTVs, or OHMs must collect and remit the county and/or city taxes in effect for the location where the buyer receives possession of the item.
Trade-In Credit
Credit is allowed for a trade-in titled in the name of the purchaser. Trade-in amount cannot reduce the sales price of a service contract or extended warranty.
Out-of-State Credit
Wisconsin residents purchasing vehicles in another state are allowed a credit for taxes paid in that state.
New Residents
New residents are exempt from use tax if vehicle was purchased and titled and/or registered in their name in another state 90 days or more prior to entry into Wisconsin; otherwise, credit is allowed for taxes paid to former state of residence with proof of sales tax paid.
Tax Exemptions
- ●Motor vehicle, aircraft, and truck body sales to nonresidents who do not use such property other than to remove it from Wisconsin
- ●Vehicles purchased from immediate family members, excluding siblings
- ●Common or contract carriers using vehicles purchased exclusively as such (with authority number)
- ●Sales to tribal members that take place on the reservation and the tribal member resides on that reservation
- ●Boat, RV, snowmobile, trailer, ATV, UTV, and OHM sales to nonresidents are subject to the 5.0% Wisconsin state sales/use tax if buyer takes possession in Wisconsin
A Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate (S-211) or an Electronic Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate is used to apply for exemption.
Manufactured Homes
New manufactured homes are taxed at 65% of the selling price. Used manufactured homes are exempt. Manufactured homes, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles 45 feet or less purchased as real estate are exempt.
Wheel Tax
Collected annually in certain municipalities or counties on autocycles, automobiles, and trucks 8,000 lbs or less, except dual purpose farm. Current tax rates are shown online.
Property Tax
Assessed on manufactured and mobile homes, unless subject to a monthly municipal permit fee or otherwise exempt. Recreational mobile homes are exempt. Camping trailers are exempt if towed upon a highway by a motor vehicle during the year prior to assessment date.
Registration / Plate Fees
Checks Payable To
- •Motor vehicle title & registration fees: Registration Fee Trust
- •Motorboat & sailboat registration fees: WDNR
- •Manufactured home title fees: DSPS
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Surcharges
- •All-Electric Vehicles: Additional $90.00 annual surcharge on top of the standard registration fee.
- •Hybrid Vehicles: Additional $25.00 annual surcharge on top of the standard registration fee.
Surcharges apply to automobiles, light trucks, and motor homes. Does not apply to motorcycles, mopeds, or heavy commercial vehicles.
Passenger Vehicles, Trucks & Motor Homes
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Automobile (passenger car) | $85.00 |
| Automobile (electric) * | $175.00 |
| Automobile (hybrid) * | $110.00 |
| Truck / SUV — 4,500 lbs or less | $85.00 |
| Truck / SUV — 4,501–6,000 lbs | $106.00 |
| Truck / SUV — 6,001–8,000 lbs | $154.00 |
| Truck / SUV — electric (4,500 lbs or less) * | $175.00 |
| Truck / SUV — electric (4,501–6,000 lbs) * | $196.00 |
| Truck / SUV — electric (6,001–8,000 lbs) * | $244.00 |
| Motorcycle | $23.00 |
| Moped | $23.00 |
| Autocycle | $23.00 |
| Low-Speed Vehicle | $23.00 |
| Motor Home | $85.00 |
| Motor Home (electric) * | $175.00 |
* EV surcharge: $90.00 annually for all-electric vehicles. Hybrid surcharge: $25.00 annually for hybrid vehicles. These are included in the fees shown above.
Trailers
| Trailer Type / Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Trailer — 3,000 lbs or less (annual) | $10.00 |
| Trailer — 3,001–8,000 lbs (annual) | $20.00 |
| Trailer — 8,001–16,000 lbs (annual) | $45.00 |
| Trailer — 16,001–26,000 lbs (annual) | $85.00 |
| Trailer — over 26,000 lbs (annual) | $175.00 |
| Semitrailer (annual) | $45.00 |
| Camping Trailer (annual) | $10.00 |
| Recreational Vehicle Trailer (annual) | $20.00 |
Camping trailers and recreational vehicle trailers use the weight-based trailer schedule.
Heavy Trucks (over 8,000 lbs GVW)
| Gross Vehicle Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 8,001–10,000 lbs | $154.00 |
| 10,001–14,000 lbs | $175.00 |
| 14,001–16,000 lbs | $220.00 |
| 16,001–20,000 lbs | $280.00 |
| 20,001–26,000 lbs | $375.00 |
| 26,001–36,000 lbs | $540.00 |
| 36,001–42,000 lbs | $660.00 |
| 42,001–48,000 lbs | $780.00 |
| 48,001–54,000 lbs | $900.00 |
| 54,001–60,000 lbs | $1,020.00 |
| 60,001–66,000 lbs | $1,140.00 |
| 66,001–73,280 lbs | $1,260.00 |
| 73,281–80,000 lbs | $1,380.00 |
IRP-registered vehicles pay apportioned fees. Vehicles over 55,000 lbs GVW require proof of Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (IRS Form 2290) payment.
Farm Trucks (over 8,000 lbs GVW)
| Gross Vehicle Weight | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 8,001–10,000 lbs | $77.00 |
| 10,001–14,000 lbs | $88.00 |
| 14,001–16,000 lbs | $110.00 |
| 16,001–20,000 lbs | $140.00 |
| 20,001–26,000 lbs | $188.00 |
| 26,001–36,000 lbs | $270.00 |
| 36,001–42,000 lbs | $330.00 |
| 42,001–48,000 lbs | $390.00 |
| 48,001–54,000 lbs | $450.00 |
| 54,001–60,000 lbs | $510.00 |
| 60,001–66,000 lbs | $570.00 |
| 66,001–73,280 lbs | $630.00 |
| 73,281–80,000 lbs | $690.00 |
Farm trucks must be used primarily for agricultural purposes. Farm truck fees are approximately 50% of standard commercial truck rates.
Special & Recreational Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| ATV / UTV (2-year) | $30.00 |
| Off-Highway Motorcycle / OHM (2-year) | $30.00 |
| Snowmobile (3-year) | $30.00 |
| Antique Vehicle (25+ years old) | $23.00 |
| Street Rod | $23.00 |
| Custom Vehicle | $23.00 |
| Collector's Vehicle | $23.00 |
| Hearse | $85.00 |
| Ambulance | $85.00 |
| School Bus (private) | $85.00 |
| Taxi / For-Hire Vehicle | $85.00 |
* ATVs, UTVs, and OHMs use a 2-year registration cycle. Snowmobiles use a 3-year cycle. All registered through the Wisconsin DNR.
Motorboats & Sailboats (through WDNR)
Note: Motorboats and sailboats 12 feet or longer are registered through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), not WisDOT. Fees are paid to WDNR. Registration is a 3-year cycle.
| Vessel Length | Registration Period | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 ft. | 3-year registration | $22.00 |
| 16 ft. to less than 26 ft. | 3-year registration | $36.00 |
| 26 ft. to less than 40 ft. | 3-year registration | $60.00 |
| 40 ft. and over | 3-year registration | $90.00 |
| Sailboat (non-motorized, 12 ft. or more) | 3-year registration | $22.00 |
Boat title fee is $5.00 (through WDNR). Lien filing fee for boats is $5.00. Make checks payable to WDNR.
Plate & Registration Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Personalized Plates (annual surcharge) | $15.00 |
| Plate Transfer | $4.00 |
| Replacement Plate (single) | $10.00 |
| Replacement Plate (pair) | $20.00 |
| Replacement Sticker / Decal | $2.00 |
| Duplicate Registration Certificate | $2.00 |
| Dealer Plates (first two) | $40.00 each |
| Dealer Plates (additional) * | $15.00 each |
* Dealer plates: First two plates $40.00 each; additional plates $15.00 each. An additional $5.00 service charge applies per set of plates.
Miscellaneous Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Late Renewal Penalty (automobiles, motorcycles, light trucks) | $10.00 |
| Late Renewal Penalty (ATVs, UTVs, OHMs) | $5.00 |
| Counter Service Fee (at DMV Service Center) | $5.00 |
| APPS Service Fee (private vendor) | $19.50 |
| DMV Registration Service Agent Fee (max) | $10.00 |
| Online Renewal Convenience Fee (credit/debit card) | Varies |
| Salvage Inspection Fee (rebuilt vehicles) | $80.00 |
* DMV Service Center counter fee applies when applying in person. Online applications avoid the counter fee.
WisDOT — Official Registration Fee Schedule
Complete fee listing from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Official Forms & Resources
Links to official Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) forms commonly required for vehicle titling, registration, and lien transactions. Wisconsin dealers must submit applications through eMV Partner. Consumers may apply online through eMV Public or at any DMV Service Center. Always verify you have the most current version before submitting.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation — Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
Mailing Address:
PO Box 7949
Madison, WI 53707-7949
Checks for motor vehicle title and registration fees should be made payable to Registration Fee Trust. Boat fees are payable to WDNR. Manufactured home fees are payable to DSPS.
Electronic Processing: Wisconsin dealers are required to submit title and registration applications electronically through eMV Partner. Consumers may apply online through eMV Public at mv1.wi.gov. Most online applications are completed in 3 days or less; mailed-in applications in 14 days or less.
Key Forms
| Form | Description |
|---|---|
| MV1 | Title/License Plate Application — used for all vehicle title and registration transactions |
| MV2119 | Replacement Title Application — request a replacement when original title is lost, stolen, or damaged |
| MV2488 | Odometer Disclosure Statement — required upon transfer for vehicles model year 2011 or newer, under 16,000 lbs GVWR. (not a printable, only used by WI Dealers, order forms through WATDA) |
| MV2849 | Title Application Branding Notification — required when titling a salvage, rebuilt, or branded vehicle |
| MV2117 | Repossession Application and Statement — used by lienholders to transfer title of a repossessed vehicle |
| MV2115 | Dealer Reassignment — used by dealers when all assignment spaces on a title are exhausted (not a printable form, only used by WI dealers, ordered through WATDA) |
| MV2132 | Request for Manual Processing — required when mailing title applications for manual processing |
| MV2051 | Vehicle Security Re-Assignment — used to assign a security interest (lien) on a vehicle |
| S-211 | Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certificate — used to claim exemption from sales/use tax |
Helpful Links
WisDOT — Division of Motor Vehicles
Main DMV resource for titling, registration, and licensing
eMV Public — Online Title & Registration
Apply for title, registration, and plates online
WisDOT — All DMV Forms
Complete library of Wisconsin DMV forms
WisDOT — DMV Service Center Locator
Find your nearest DMV service center
WisDOT — Lienholder Search
Search for lienholders on Wisconsin-titled vehicles
WisDOT — Title Search
Look up title information for Wisconsin-titled vehicles
Wisconsin DNR — Boat Registration
Motorboat and sailboat registration through the Department of Natural Resources
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Lease Information
Same forms, procedures, and fees apply to leased vehicles as privately owned vehicles. Leased vehicles are titled in the name of the lessor (leasing company) with the lessee listed as the registrant. The lessor is responsible for titling. A copy of the lease agreement should be carried in the vehicle.
For sales and use tax purposes, a lease is treated as a sale. The lessor must collect and remit sales tax on the total lease payments over the life of the lease, or may elect to pay use tax on the purchase price at the time of acquisition. If tax was paid on the purchase price, no additional tax is due on lease payments.
If a third party signs on behalf of the lessor or lessee, a Power of Attorney is required. Dealers must submit lease applications electronically through eMV Partner.
Rental Vehicles
Motor vehicles rented for periods of 30 days or less are subject to Wisconsin's vehicle rental fee in addition to sales/use tax. Rental companies must register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and collect applicable taxes on each rental transaction.
Vehicles purchased exclusively for rental fleet use may qualify for an exemption from Wisconsin use tax at the time of purchase. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for eligibility requirements.
Financial Responsibility Laws
Wisconsin requires all motor vehicles operated on public roads to be covered by liability insurance meeting the following minimums:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury / Person | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury / Accident | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | $25,000 / $50,000 |
Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Failure to maintain coverage may result in registration suspension and reinstatement fees. Wisconsin participates in an electronic insurance verification system.
Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection
Not required in Wisconsin. There is no state-mandated periodic safety inspection program for privately-owned vehicles.
Emissions Inspection
Not currently required in Wisconsin. The state's emissions testing program was discontinued. No emissions inspection is required for registration or renewal.
Out-of-State Purchases & New Residents
Wisconsin residents who purchase a vehicle from an out-of-state dealer or private party must title and register the vehicle in Wisconsin immediately upon transfer to avoid penalty. Wisconsin use tax is due on the purchase price if Wisconsin sales tax was not collected at the time of sale.
New residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing Wisconsin residency. Vehicles previously titled and registered in the new resident's name in another state for 90 days or more prior to entry into Wisconsin are exempt from Wisconsin use tax. If less than 90 days, credit is allowed for taxes paid to the former state of residence.
Wisconsin-licensed dealers must electronically submit title and registration applications through eMV Partner within seven business days of delivery of the vehicle.
Records
Vehicle title and registration records are maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles. A lienholder search and title search may be made online at the WisDOT website. Record requests must comply with the federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). Wisconsin vehicle title information is available through NMVTIS.
Enforcement
Wisconsin State Patrol, 4802 Sheboygan Ave., Madison, WI 53705, 608.266.3212. Operating an unregistered vehicle, driving without insurance, or failing to title a vehicle immediately upon transfer are violations subject to fines and penalties.
Dealer Requirements
Wisconsin dealers must submit title and registration applications electronically through eMV Partner within seven business days of delivery of a vehicle. Dealers are responsible for filing liens on vehicles sold to residents and nonresidents, and are liable for any damages incurred for failure to perfect a security interest.
Dealer plates may be used for demonstration and delivery. First two plates: $40.00 each; additional plates: $15.00 each. An additional $5.00 service charge applies per set of plates.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation — Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
Mailing:
PO Box 7949
Madison, WI 53707-7949
Make checks payable to Registration Fee Trust for motor vehicle title and registration fees. Boat fees are payable to WDNR. Manufactured home fees are payable to DSPS.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Fees, requirements, and procedures may change. Always verify current information with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles — or contact Illinois Title Services for professional assistance.