Car Registration Requirements for New Wisconsin Residents
Individuals moving to Wisconsin with a vehicle registered in another jurisdiction must complete the title and registration transfer. Wisconsin statutes require registration applications upon establishing residency. The Department of Transportation administers vehicle titling and registration through its Division of Motor Vehicles.
Timeline for New Wisconsin Residents
New residents must obtain Wisconsin driver's licenses when they establish residency, and the process of obtaining a driver's license typically coincides with vehicle registration.
Establishing Wisconsin Residency
Wisconsin determines residency through various factors, including registering to vote in Wisconsin, enrolling children in Wisconsin public schools, receiving public assistance from Wisconsin, maintaining continuous presence in Wisconsin for more than 30 days, except for brief absences, and accepting employment or engaging in a trade or profession within Wisconsin.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Wisconsin
New Wisconsin residents must submit specific documentation to obtain title and license plates. Out-of-state titles can be used to apply for Wisconsin title and plates through online, mail, or in-person submission methods.
Essential Documents
- Out-of-state certificate of title in applicant's name
- Wisconsin Title and License Plate Application Form MV1
- Wisconsin driver's license or identification card
- Last four digits of Social Security number
- Valid lien release if the lien holder is listed on the title and the loan is paid
- Odometer reading for model year 2011 and newer vehicles
Insurance Requirements
Wisconsin requires minimum liability insurance coverage for all motor vehicles:
- $10,000 property damage per accident
- $25,000 injury or death of one person
- $50,000 injury or death of more than one person
Application Submission Methods
Wisconsin provides multiple submission options for new residents registering vehicles
- Online
- In-person
Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Emissions Testing
Wisconsin operates the Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program (WIVIP) administered by WisDOT and managed by contractor OPUS Inspections Inc. Vehicles customarily kept in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties require emissions testing: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha.
Testing requirements apply to vehicles with auto or light truck plates, model years 1996-2006 with gross vehicle weight rating less than 8,501 lbs. (gasoline, natural gas, or hybrid), and model years 2007 and newer with GVWR up to 14,000 lbs. (diesel, gasoline, natural gas, or hybrid). New residents transferring vehicles to Wisconsin must obtain testing within 45 days.
Wisconsin accepts out-of-state emissions tests from jurisdictions providing OBDII emission testing. Test results must be submitted to:
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Registration Renewals
P.O. Box 7911, Madison, WI 53707-7911
Fax: (262) 641-5095.
Registration Fees and Costs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin assesses registration fees based on vehicle classification and weight.
Title Fees
- Original title or title transfer – $214.50
- Security interest (lien) listing – $10
Annual Registration Fees
Standard registration fees for common vehicle types:
- Autocycle – $45
- Automobile – $85
- Motorcycle and mopeds – $23 (biennial)
- Recreational vehicle trailer – $15
- Special design vehicle – $5
Trucks, buses, and heavy vehicles – fees range from $100 for vehicles up to 6,000 lbs. to $2,816 for vehicles up to 80,000 lbs.
Additional Surcharges
Vehicles with automobile registration or truck registration at 8,000 lbs. or less (except dual-purpose farm) are subject to:
- $75 hybrid electric vehicle surcharge
- $175 electric vehicle surcharge
- Municipal or county vehicle registration fee (wheel tax) – varies by jurisdiction where vehicle is customarily kept
Service Fees
- Counter service at DMV customer service centers – $5 for title and registration transactions; $3 for registration renewal only
- Convenience fees – up to 2.35% for credit card, debit card, or PayPal payments
- ACH (Automated Clearing House) payment – no convenience fee
Contact Information
Wisconsin Department of Transportation – Division of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 7949, Madison, WI 53707-7949
Phone: (608) 266-2353
Wisconsin DMV
Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program (WIVIP)
Administered by OPUS Inspections Inc.
Phone: 1-866-623-8378
Wisconsin VIP
