Wisconsin Title & Registration Questions, Answered

Questions answered here

• Who handles the title and plates when I buy from a Wisconsin dealer?

  The dealer does. WisDOT says that when you buy through a licensed Wisconsin dealer, the dealer submits the title and registration paperwork for you. You sign the application at the dealership, and the vehicle must show Wisconsin plates or a temporary plate within two business days of purchase.

• I just moved to Wisconsin. How do I title and register my vehicle?

  Change your address with USPS, get a Wisconsin driver license (within 60 days for a regular license), then apply for a Wisconsin title and plates. WisDOT lets you apply online with your out-of-state title, by mail with form MV1, or in person.

• How do I sell a car privately in Wisconsin?

  Sign and date the title, fill in the odometer reading, the selling price and the buyer's name and address, give the buyer a lien release if there was a loan, remove your plates, and submit WisDOT seller notification within 30 days of the sale.

• Do I pay sales tax when a family member gives or sells me a car in Wisconsin?

  Often not. Wisconsin's tax rule exempts an occasional sale of a vehicle to a spouse, parent, child, stepparent, stepchild or parent-, son- or daughter-in-law, if it was titled or registered in Wisconsin in the seller's name and the seller isn't in the vehicle business. The title transfer fee still applies.

• Can I move my license plates to my new vehicle in Wisconsin?

  Yes, if the plates are unexpired and the new vehicle is the same type (auto to auto, light truck to light truck) and titled to you, your spouse or your domestic partner. If you don't transfer them, WisDOT says there's no refund for the remaining time and you should destroy the plates.

Swant Graber tools and guides

• Out-the-door price calculator
• Buying in Wisconsin as a nonresident
• Wisconsin farm truck plates explained
• Sell your car to Swant Graber
• Value your trade
• Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions

More buyer and owner answers

• Hit a Deer in Wisconsin? What to Do, Who to Call, What Is Covered
• Wisconsin Road Rules Drivers Ask About
• Teen Drivers in Wisconsin: Licenses, Rules and Safe First Cars
• Car Care Questions: Warning Lights, Tires, Batteries, Oil and Warranty
• Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions

Questions? Talk to a real person

Call or stop in at either store on Highway 8 in Barron. We are happy to help, even if you are not buying today.