How to transfer a car title in Wisconsin
For private sellers and buyers in Wisconsin. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Wisconsin, the seller signs and dates the title, fills in the price and the buyer, takes off the plates and reports the sale to WisDOT. The buyer applies for the title and pays the $214.50 title transfer fee.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Wisconsin?
Seller
- Sign and date the title as seller. If the names are joined by "and", every owner signs.
- Write the price, the odometer reading and the buyer's name and address on the title.
- If there is a lien, give the buyer the lien release.
- Take the plates off the car. Do not return them to DMV.
- Report the sale to WisDOT within 30 days.
Buyer
- Sign the title as buyer after the seller signs.
- Send the original title with an application for title and registration.
- If you will drive the car, title and register it within two business days.
- Pay the $214.50 title transfer fee.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles before you go: wisconsindot.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Wisconsin?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign and date the title.
If the names are joined by "and", every owner signs. With "or", any one owner can sign.
wisconsindot.gov checkedStep 2 · Seller
Fill in the price and the buyer.
Write the price, the odometer reading and the buyer's name and address. The Department of Revenue checks for prices that look too low.
wisconsindot.gov checkedStep 3 · Seller
Take off the plates.
Do not return them to DMV. Move them to a similar car you own, or destroy them.
wisconsindot.gov checkedStep 4 · Seller
Report the sale within 30 days.
Use seller notification for a sale from one person to another.
wisconsindot.gov checked
The Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles does not list a bill of sale as required for a title transfer. Many buyers and sellers still keep one as a record. wisconsindot.gov checked
Wisconsin bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Wisconsin?
Step 1 · Buyer
Sign the title as buyer.
Check that the seller filled in the odometer reading, the price and your name.
wisconsindot.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Apply for the title.
Apply online with eMV Public and mail the original title, or use form MV1.
MV1 · Wisconsin Title & License Plate Applicationwisconsindot.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Do it within two business days if you will drive the car.
DMV asks for the title and registration that fast.
wisconsindot.gov checked
After DMV processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Wisconsin guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Wisconsin · Steps to buy a car in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin bill of saleWhen you need one and what to include
- Replace a lost title in WisconsinReplacement title (MV2119)
- Car title after a death in WisconsinThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Wisconsin?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | $214.50 | Buyer | wisconsindot.gov Checked |
| Sales tax | Not confirmed yet | Buyer | revenue.wi.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $214.50 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Wisconsin are being checked.
- Lost titleUse the Replacement Title Application (MV2119).
- The owner diedThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names.
Common questions
How fast must the buyer title the car in Wisconsin?
Within two business days, if the car will be driven.
wisconsindot.gov checked
Does the seller return the plates?
No. Take them off the car, but do not return them to DMV.
wisconsindot.gov checked
Sources for this page
- wisconsindot.gov/Pages/
dmv/ Checkedvehicles/ sll-jnk-vhcl/ sellyourvehicle.aspx - wisconsindot.gov/Pages/
dmv/ Checkedvehicles/ sll-jnk-vhcl/ sold.aspx - wisconsindot.gov/Pages/
dmv/ Checkedvehicles/ title-plates/ titles.aspx - wisconsindot.gov/Pages/
online-srvcs/ Checkedother-servs/ seller-notify.aspx - wisconsindot.gov/pages/
online-srvcs/ Checkedtitle-vehicle/ emvpublicdefault.aspx - revenue.wi.gov/ Checked
About this page
This page summarizes official Wisconsin sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.