How do I sell a car privately in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Title & Registration · Barron, WI
How do I sell a car privately in Wisconsin?
Reviewed by Cory Gunderson, Internet Sales & Finance Manager · Last checked October 27, 2026
Short answer
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.
The details
WisDOT's checklist for sellers:
- The vehicle has to be titled in your name before you can sell it. If you lost the title, apply for a replacement first.
- If you still owe money, you have to pay off the loan to get the title. The buyer needs the lien release.
- Fill in the selling price on the title. WisDOT notes the Department of Revenue checks titles for suspiciously low prices.
- Remove the plates. They stay with the vehicle only for certain heavy trucks, farm trucks, mopeds and trailers.
- File seller notification within 30 days for a sale from one individual to another.
- The buyer should title and register the vehicle within two business days if they'll drive it.
Would you rather skip the listing and the meetups? You can sell or trade the vehicle to Swant Graber, and we handle the title work.
Questions? Talk to a real person in Barron.
Call or message us and we'll give you a straight answer, or point you to the right office if it's not ours to answer.
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Helpful Swant Graber pages
- Sell your car to Swant Graber
- Selling your truck to a dealer in Wisconsin
- How trade-in value is set
- Out-the-door price calculator
- Buying in Wisconsin as a nonresident
- Wisconsin farm truck plates explained
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
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- Car Care Questions: Warning Lights, Tires, Batteries, Oil and Warranty
- Ask Swant Graber: car-buying questions
3 brands. 2 rooftops. 1 Swant Graber.
Chevrolet, Dodge, Ram, and Ford on one Highway 8 campus in Barron, with Swant Graber roots here since 1959. Swant Graber Motors and Swant Graber Ford sit directly across Highway 8 from each other.
Swant Graber Motors
Chevrolet · Dodge · Ram
1690 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-5657Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Swant Graber Ford
Ford · across Highway 8
1697 E Division Ave (Highway 8)Barron, WI 54812
Phone
715-537-9500Sales: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sat 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. · Service: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Questions
Do I keep my license plates when I sell my car in Wisconsin?
Usually yes. WisDOT says to remove the plates, except on trucks registered at 10,000 lbs or more, farm trucks at 16,000 lbs or more, mopeds and trailers.
Is a bill of sale required in Wisconsin?
No. WisDOT provides one on form MV2928 for your records, but says it isn't a required form.
What is Wisconsin seller notification?
A report to WisDOT, due within 30 days of a private sale, listing the VIN, the buyer, the sale price and the date of sale.
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.
Swant Graber Motors (Chevrolet, Ram, Dodge)
1690 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-5657
Swant Graber Ford
1697 E Division Ave, Barron, WI 54812
715-537-9500
Sources
- WisDOT: Sell your vehicle: wisconsindot.gov
- WisDOT: Seller notification: wisconsindot.gov