How To Get a Car Title in Wisconsin 2026
Wisconsin statutes require certificates of title for vehicles eligible for registration, whether or not such vehicles travel on state roadways under Wis. Stat. § 342.05. Owners of new vehicles must request title certificates upon acquisition or, when no prior valid certificate exists, simultaneously with registration. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation supervises all vehicle titling operations throughout the state.
Where to Apply for a Wisconsin Certificate of Title
Vehicle owners in Wisconsin may file title requests using multiple approved methods:
- DMV Customer Service Centers – Comprehensive facilities situated in Milwaukee (multiple locations), Madison (East and Southwest), Green Bay, Appleton, Eau Claire, Wausau, Kenosha, Racine, Oshkosh, and La Crosse, with varying service capabilities
- eMV Public Online Portal – Internet-based system for title and registration services available 24/7
- Title and Registration Service Providers – Licensed private entities permitted to handle vehicle paperwork with a maximum $38 service charge for title matters
- Mail Submission – Documents forwarded to the Department of Transportation at its Madison headquarters
Required Documents for Title Application in Wisconsin
Applicants must furnish complete documentation when filing the Title and License Plate Application (Form MV1) pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 342.06.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title or Manufacturer's Document of Origin | Original document bearing proper signatures from prior owner with complete entries, or manufacturer's paperwork for first-time titled vehicles |
| Wisconsin Title and License Plate Application (Form MV1) | Completed form containing vehicle specifications, owner information, transaction details, and lienholder information when applicable |
| Government-Issued Photo Identification | Current Wisconsin driver's license, state identification card, or alternative acceptable credential for all owners |
| Proof of Insurance | Active Wisconsin auto insurance policy satisfying statutory minimum liability standards |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Particular circumstances necessitate extra materials:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Records vehicle mileage at time of ownership transfer | Required for automobiles model year 2011 or newer under 20 years old; disclosure must appear on title or on a separate form |
| Bill of Sale | Confirms transaction price for tax calculation purposes | Necessary when sale price is not clearly documented on the existing title or for designated transactions |
| Power of Attorney | Permits a representative to conduct business on behalf of the owner | Required when an authorized agent will handle the title application; department-specified format applies |
| VIN Inspection Certificate | Validates vehicle identification number authenticity | Required for vehicles with modified, removed, or absent identification markings |
| Lien Release Documentation | Demonstrates completion of a secured obligation | Lienholder must supply paperwork confirming the security interest has been satisfied |
| Estate Transfer Documents | Permits title assignment from a deceased owner | Judicial appointment records for personal representative or a successor affidavit when probate is not required |
| Tax Exemption Documentation | Supports claim for sales tax exemption | Required when applying for a household transfer exemption or other legal exemption |
Wisconsin Title Fees and Costs
The Wisconsin Legislature determines vehicle title fees via statutory enactments.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Original Certificate of Title or Title Transfer | $214.50 |
| Low Speed Vehicle Title | $207.00 |
| Replacement Title | $20.00 |
| Security Interest Notation (new) | $10.00 |
| Duplicate Lienholder Confirmation | $5.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Automobile titling involves extra costs beyond base title fees:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Sales Tax | 5.0% of purchase price | Assessed on vehicle acquisitions; municipalities may levy supplementary county or city sales tax reaching 0.6% |
| Automobile Registration Fee | $85 annually | Standard fee for passenger vehicles; registration period is one year |
| Autocycle Registration Fee | $45 annually | Standard fee for three-wheeled motorcycle-style vehicles |
| Motorcycle and Mopeds Registration Fee | $23 per two years | Biennial registration period, not annual |
| Recreational Vehicle Trailer Registration Fee | $15 per year | Annual registration for qualifying trailers |
| Electric Vehicle Surcharge | $175.00 annually | Imposed on battery electric automobiles 8,000 pounds or less |
| Hybrid Electric Vehicle Surcharge | $75.00 annually | Imposed on plug-in hybrid automobiles 8,000 pounds or less |
| Title and Registration Service Provider Fee | Up to $38.00 | Maximum service charge by licensed private facilitators for title-related services |
| Convenience Fee | Varies | Charged when utilizing credit card, debit card, and PayPal for online payments; ACH transfers are exempt |
| Late Registration Fee | $10.00 | Applied for renewals submitted past expiration |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Proper Ownership Records
Acquire the executed certificate of title from the transferor, with every required field completed, including the odometer statement for automobiles with a model year 2011 or later. For first-time titled vehicles, receive the manufacturer's document of origin from the dealership. Confirm the vehicle identification number appearing on the title matches the VIN on the physical vehicle. Obtain lien termination paperwork if a security interest appears on record.
Step 2: Prepare Title and License Plate Application
Complete Form MV1 with accurate information, including owner names and addresses, complete vehicle particulars with VIN, transaction date, and purchase price, trade-in allowance if applicable, and lienholder information if financing applies. The online MV1 Application can automatically populate forms and calculate total charges. Provide a social security number or declaration of unavailability as required by law.
Step 3: Compile Supporting Materials and Determine Total Charges
Collect evidence of current Wisconsin automobile insurance coverage, government-issued identification for all owners, odometer statement (when required), bill of sale establishing transaction value, and any other required documents. Calculate the 5% state sales tax plus any applicable county or city sales tax based on your residence location. Include the $214.50 title charge, $10.00 lien notation fee where applicable, registration fees for your vehicle type, and supplementary fees for electric or hybrid vehicles.
Step 4: File Application Via Approved Method
For online filing, use the eMV Public portal to submit your request electronically with an ACH payment to avoid convenience charges. For in-person submission, visit a DMV customer service center or licensed title and registration service provider with complete documentation and payment.
For mail submission, forward Form MV1, supporting documents, and payment via check or money order payable to "Registration Fee Trust" to:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation P.O. Box 7911 Madison, WI 53707-7911.
Step 5: Obtain Certificate of Title
The Department reviews your application and produces certificates of title. Processing time depends on your filing method—online and in-person requests typically take 7–10 business days, while mail submissions may take 2–3 weeks. When a security interest exists, the title is sent to the primary lienholder. Titles without liens are mailed to the registered owner's address. You may verify title status through the Department's online tools or by contacting customer service.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Wisconsin statutes establish particular exceptions from certificate of title requirements:
- Automobiles held by licensed dealers for resale transactions under relevant sections of Wis. Stat. ch. 409
- Security interests established by manufacturers or dealerships retaining automobiles for distribution
- Designated statutory liens conferred by law to service providers or parts suppliers for automobiles
- Liens granted by statute to the federal government, the State of Wisconsin, or municipal entities
- Non-motorized vehicles that are ineligible for registration requirements
- Automobiles expressly exempted by departmental regulation for non-residents without security interests
- Temporary operation authorizations or plates distributed under Wis. Stat. § 341.09 (do not qualify as registration for title purposes)
Contact Information
For guidance regarding title applications, fee questions, or general vehicle titling matters, contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Hill Farms State Office Building, 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 264-7447
Official Website: Wisconsin DMV
