Registration and Titling for Wisconsin Vehicles

Title and Register Wisconsin Vehicles

Wisconsin drivers must title and register their vehicles with the Department of Transportation (DOT), whether the vehicle was recently purchased or the vehicle owner just moved to the Badger State.

There are a few ways to title and register a vehicle. You can apply for a title and registration:

Online.
By mail.
In person.

When you purchase your vehicle from a Wisconsin dealer, they will process the paperwork for you.

Title and Register a WI Vehicle Online

Perhaps the easiest way to title and register a vehicle is by using the DOT web portal. You will likely be able to title and register the vehicle online, provided that you(r):

Are 18 years old or older.
New vehicle is not designated as “junk” in any state or country.
OR the seller do NOT have DMV restrictions.
Do NOT wish to apply for a license plate that has eligibility requirements.
Vehicle seller does NOT have a child support lien on the vehicle.
Do NOT have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and need to change your address.
Have NOT been using the vehicle in Wisconsin for more than a year.
Are NOT purchasing on behalf of a company or will be using the vehicle for commercial purposes.
Are NOT going to share ownership of the vehicle with another person.
New vehicle is NOT
Vehicle’s seller has NOT

To title and register your vehicle online, visit the DOT web portal* and provide:

The title information from the current title. The odometer disclosure section must be completed by the seller prior to title transfer if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
- If the online system is unable to verify the VIN, you will NOT be able to complete your transaction online.
Your driver’s license information.
Information provided on a lien release document if the seller purchased the vehicle on a lien and the lien was paid off.
Your last 4 digits of your social security number (SSN).
Debit or credit card information for payment of the applicable fees.

Once your transaction is complete, print your receipt and mail it along with the original title and lien release (if applicable) to:

WisDOT-eMV Public
P.O. Box 7907
Madison, WI 53707-7907

If there are alterations on the title, you must also provide a mail a Statement of Intent (MV2489) form.

*NOTE: The online system is often unavailable between 6 and 9 AM on Sundays.

Title and Register a Vehicle in Wisconsin by Mail

If you are unable to apply for a title and registration online or if you prefer to complete the transaction by mail:

Print and complete a Wisconsin Title and License Plate application (MV1) or pre-apply using the online system. Pre-applying will provide you with a complete fee estimate.
- You must also print and complete a form for a specialized plate (if you wish to apply for one).
Enclose the current title (must be signed by the seller if you just purchased). The odometer disclosure section must be completed if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
Enclose a check for the applicable fees made payable to the “Registration Fee Trust.”
Mail your items to:

WI Dept. of Transportation
P.O. Box 7949
Madison, WI 53707-7949

Title and Register a Vehicle in WI in Person

You may also title and register your vehicle in person at your local:

DMV title/registration service agent.

Be prepared to provide your:

Wisconsin license or ID.
Current Wisconsin or out-of-state title (WI titles must be signed over by the seller and the odometer disclosure section must be completed if the vehicle is less than 10 years old).
Completed Wisconsin Title and License Plate application (MV1). This can be done online.
Payment for the applicable fees. If paying by check, it must be made payable to the “Registration Fee Trust.”

WI Title and Registration Fees

Passenger vehicle registration*: $85.00
Motorcycle registration*: $23.00
Online convenience fee: 2% of total.
Counter fee (for in-person transactions): $5.00
Title fee: $164.50
Title fee for low-speed vehicles: $157.00
Lien listing fee: $10.00
County sales tax (if applicable): 5-5.5% depending on the county of residence.
Wheel tax (for autocycles or trucks under 8,000 lbs.: Varies by county.
Hybrid vehicle surcharge: $75.00
Electric vehicle surcharge: $100.00

*See the registration fee schedule for a complete list of registration fees.