Transferring a Car Title in Wisconsin
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Wisconsin when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: The seller signs and dates the title (all owners if joined by "and"), records the odometer mileage, the selling price, and the buyer's name and address, provides any lien release, and removes the license plates (with some exceptions). Wisconsin DOT, Sell your vehicle; eMV Public FAQs
| Transferring a car title | The seller signs and dates the title (all owners if joined by "and"), records the odometer mileage, the selling price, and the buyer's name and address, provides any lien release, and removes the license plates (with some exceptions). If the vehicle will be driven, the buyer should title and register it within two business days after purchase. Buyers can apply online through eMV Public with the current title (Wisconsin or out-of-state). Online titling FAQ: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/title-vehicle/faqs-wi-title.aspx |
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| Registering after you move | New residents must apply for a Wisconsin driver license within 60 days of establishing residence (30 days for a commercial license) and must title and register their vehicles upon establishing residency (out-of-state plates cannot be kept until they expire). Some counties require an emissions test within 45 days after first registering; DMV sends a letter if one is required. Source: Wisconsin DOT, New residents |
More Wisconsin car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Wisconsin
- Driving Without Insurance in Wisconsin
- SR-22 Insurance in Wisconsin
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Wisconsin
- All Wisconsin car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Wisconsin?
The seller signs and dates the title (all owners if joined by "and"), records the odometer mileage, the selling price, and the buyer's name and address, provides any lien release, and removes the license plates (with some exceptions). If the vehicle will be driven, the buyer should title and register it within two business days after purchase. Buyers can apply online through eMV Public with the current title (Wisconsin or out-of-state).
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Wisconsin?
New residents must apply for a Wisconsin driver license within 60 days of establishing residence (30 days for a commercial license) and must title and register their vehicles upon establishing residency (out-of-state plates cannot be kept until they expire). Some counties require an emissions test within 45 days after first registering; DMV sends a letter if one is required.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.