Registering and titling a vehicle in Wisconsin: new residents, purchases and renewals

How to title and register a vehicle in Wisconsin after buying it from a dealer or a private seller or moving from another state, plus renewals, emissions testing, insurance minimums and license plates, from the Wisconsin DMV.

Guide · Wisconsin · Vehicle registration · Titles · updated October 29, 2026

Vehicle titles, license plates and registration in Wisconsin are handled by the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the same agency that issues driver licenses. You can apply online, by mail, at a DMV customer service center that offers vehicle services, or through a DMV-authorized title and registration service provider. This guide covers buying a vehicle, bringing one from another state, renewing, emissions testing, insurance and plates.

The basics

When you buy a vehicle, receive one as a gift or become a Wisconsin resident, the DMV says you must immediately apply for a Certificate of Title in your name. To drive the vehicle legally, you must display Wisconsin plates or a temporary plate within two business days of purchase.

One form covers title and plates: Form MV1, the Wisconsin Title and License Plate application. The DMV's online MV1 tool pre-fills the form and calculates your fees. Online, you can use the eMV Public application. It works with Wisconsin and out-of-state titles, and some vehicle types can print a temporary plate. After paying online, you still mail the printed eApplication/receipt, the signed title and any lien release to the DMV to complete the transaction.

The DMV fee page lists the title fee at $214.50 for an original title or title transfer, and $10 to record a lien. The annual registration fee for an automobile is $85. Hybrid vehicles pay a $75 surcharge and electric vehicles a $175 surcharge. Depending on where the vehicle is kept, a local wheel tax may also apply. Sales tax is due if applicable.

Buying a vehicle

From a Wisconsin dealer

If you buy through a licensed Wisconsin dealer, the DMV says the dealer submits the title and registration paperwork for you.

From a private seller

The DMV warns never to buy a vehicle without receiving a title signed by the previous owner. The seller must:

• Sign and date the title. If the owners' names are joined by "and", all must sign. If joined by "or", any one of them may sign.
• Write the odometer reading on the back of the title, for model year 2011 and newer vehicles.
• Complete the brand disclosure area, if it applies.
• Fill in the selling price and the buyer's name and address.
• Give you a lien release from the lender, if a lien is listed.

You then apply for the title and plates online (eMV Public), by mail with an MV1, or in person. In person you bring the original title (not a photocopy), your driver license or ID card as proof of identity, and payment. The DMV adds a $5 counter service fee at its service centers. Third-party service providers can also process title transfers and issue new plates for walk-in customers. They may charge up to $38 for a title transaction. The title itself is printed and mailed from the DMV in Madison.

If you are the seller

Remove your plates. In Wisconsin, plates usually stay with you, not the vehicle. The exceptions include trucks registered at 10,000 pounds or more, mopeds and trailers. You can transfer unexpired plates to a similar vehicle titled to you, your spouse or your domestic partner. For a private sale between individuals, the DMV asks you to complete its seller notification.

Moving to Wisconsin with a vehicle

The DMV says you are a Wisconsin resident if your principal residence is in Wisconsin, you pay income taxes here, or you are registered to vote here. Once you are a resident, you must title and register your vehicle here. You cannot keep driving on your old plates until they expire. The DMV suggests changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service first, then getting your Wisconsin license or ID, then applying for the title and plates.

You can apply online with your physical out-of-state title and a Wisconsin license or ID. You can also apply by mail with an MV1, or in person. Other points from the DMV's new resident page:

• If your lender holds the title, or you cannot find it, you can submit your out-of-state registration. You then get plates and registration only, but you still pay the title fee. Once you send in the out-of-state title, the DMV issues a Wisconsin title at no extra charge.
• Wisconsin is a title-holding state. If there is a lien, the title goes to the lender and you receive a Confirmation of Ownership.
• Sales tax: if you have owned the vehicle for 90 days or more, you list the purchase price as 0.00 and use the exemption code shown on the form.
• No refunds: the DMV cannot refund unused registration from your previous state.

For the driver license side of a move, see the Wisconsin driver license and ID card guide.

Emissions testing

Emissions tests are required only for vehicles kept in seven southeastern counties: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington and Waukesha. The DMV notifies owners when a test is due. A test can be required within 45 days of buying and registering a vehicle, when a new resident transfers a vehicle, and every other year before plates can be renewed. Which vehicles need testing depends on model year and weight. You can check whether yours needs a test with the DMV's license plate search.

Insurance

The DMV lists Wisconsin's minimum liability coverage as:

• $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
• $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one person
• $10,000 for property damage

You do not have to show proof of insurance to register a vehicle. Drivers and owners must show it to law enforcement at a traffic stop or crash if asked. The DMV says driving without insurance can bring a fine of up to $500.

Renewing your registration

Registration for autos and light trucks is annual. The expiration month is the month you first operated the vehicle, and registration ends at the end of that month. The DMV sends a renewal notice by mail, or by email or text if you sign up for eNotify, at least a month before your plates expire. You can renew up to six months early.

• Online: you need your plate number, an email address and payment. Your new expiration date updates immediately. The DMV mails the sticker and Certificate of Registration within 7 to 10 business days, and adds a $0.15 online merchant fee.
• By mail: send the renewal notice and fee to the address on it. If you lost the notice, use the substitute form MV2016.
• In person: at a DMV service center that offers registration services ($3 counter fee), or at a renewal service provider (up to $16.25).

The DMV charges a $10 late fee for auto, light truck, motorcycle and moped renewals received after the expiration date.

License plates

The DMV fee page lists a $6 issuance fee for each plate, except for firefighter, Gold Star and emergency medical services plates. Special and personalized plates can be ordered online through the DMV's special plates service. Lost, stolen or damaged plates can be replaced through its online replacement service.

To visit an office, see the Wisconsin DMV visit guide and the Wisconsin DMV office list.