Is Inspection Required for Registration in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not impose mandatory safety inspections for vehicle registration across the state. Vehicles kept in seven southeastern counties—Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha—must pass a biennial emissions test before license plate renewal.
Emissions Testing Framework in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program (WIVIP) accepts out-of-state test results to satisfy renewal requirements. Testing requirements include:
- Models 1996 and newer with gross vehicle weight ratings below applicable thresholds are subject to testing upon initial registration, when ownership changes on the title, and preceding biennial plate renewal.
- New Wisconsin residents transferring vehicle registration from another state must complete testing within 45 days.
- Vehicles model year 2007 and newer with diesel engines register for testing requirements identical to gasoline vehicles.
Wisconsin Vehicle Registration Requirements by County and Origin
| Vehicle Origin | Registration Type | VIN Inspection | Safety Inspection | Emissions Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out-of-state initial | Initial registration | Not required | Not required | Required (seven counties) |
| Out-of-state renewal | Renewal | Not required | Not required | Required (seven counties) |
| In-state initial | Initial registration | Not required | Not required | Required (seven counties) |
| In-state renewal | Renewal | Not required | Not required | Required (seven counties) |
VIN inspections are required only for vehicles with salvage, rebuilt, reconstructed, homemade, or specially designed title brands during their first Wisconsin registration. A certified state salvage title inspector must verify that repaired salvage vehicles meet safety equipment standards and contain no stolen components before title issuance and registration eligibility.
Contact Information
Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Division of Motor Vehicles
4822 Madison Yards Way
9th Floor South
Madison, WI 53705
Phone: (608) 266-1466
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Official Website: Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program (WIVIP)
Managed by OPUS Inspections Inc.
Phone: (866) 623-8378
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Official Website: Emission Testing
