How Long Do I Have To Get My Car Registered In Wisconsin

When you buy a vehicle, receive it equally a souvenir, or yous are a new Wisconsin resident, yous must immediately employ for a new Certificate of Title in your name. This document proves that yous own the vehicle. Never buy a vehicle without receiving a championship signed by the previous possessor.

If you lot bought this vehicle through a licensed Wisconsin dealer, the dealer submits the title and registration paperwork for you.

You must display Wisconsin license plates or temporary plate inside two business days of purchase to legally operate your vehicle.

Select the box beneath for links and information on how to title and/or annals your vehicle in Wisconsin.

Apply online for both title AND become new plates

Wisconsin and out-of-state titles tin be used to use online. Note: you can apply online for both a Wisconsin title AND plates.

You tin can easily utilise online for either standard license plates or special plates (if eligible) for these vehicles (vehicle types marked with * volition be able to print a Temporary Plate if eligible):

Automobiles and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)*
Autocycles*
Light trucks (<8,000 lbs.*, or farm trucks at 12,000 lbs.)
Motorcycles (special plates non available online)
Moped (special plates not available online)
Recreational Vehicle Trailers (campers and mobile homes under xl feet) (special plates not available online)

Most special plates are available for automobiles, SUVs, autocycles, and lite trucks. eMV Public is not available for personalized plates or plates that require approval or eligibility verification (due east.k. Military, Firefighter, Operating Engineer, Collector/Hobbyist). Please submit the appropriate application and fees past mail for these plates. See Special plates for specific plate requirements and applications.

How to apply:

ane. Review the restrictions.

2. Accept these ready:

A printer with eight.5 by 11-inch paper to print off the required documents.
A Wisconsin Driver License or Identification menu, last four digits of your Social Security number and date of birth. Here's how to obtain a commuter license with a valid out-of-country license.
The vehicle title, signed by the seller(south), including:

An odometer reading completed by the seller(s) on the dorsum of the title for vehicles less than 20 model years erstwhile.
A lien release if at that place is a lien holder listed on the forepart of the title and the loan is paid off.

Payment Information

Your credit or debit card will be charged a convenience fee for this service.
OR
Checking/savings account using ACH (Automated Clearing House) and avert the convenience fee.

3. Complete the online process.

By selecting the "Start At present" push below, you admit that yous understand and concord to the following:

I agree that past completing this online awarding:

I am obligated to postal service the required documents to the department for completion of my vehicle transaction.
The fees required for this transaction cannot be refunded.
Junk vehicles are not eligible for WI championship or registration.
Salvage vehicles are eligible for title only.

4. Retrieve to mail the post-obit items after you pay and complete your online transaction:

Title and License Plate eApplication/Receipt
Valid original championship signed past the seller. If there are any alterations on title, consummate Statement of Intent MV2489
A valid, original lien release if the vehicle currently has a lien.

Send to:

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

Click the 'Showtime NOW' button below to get started.

Start Now

This service may non be bachelor on Sundays from 6 a.m.–9 a.k. due to regular system maintenance.

VIN error note: If y'all receive an error while entering the VIN, nosotros are unable to recognize the vehicle. Please mail in your application.

More DMV client how-to guides

Utilise online for both championship AND transfer existing plates

Wisconsin and out-of-state titles tin can be used to use online. Use this online process to utilise for both a Wisconsin title and to transfer existing plates. A temporary plate cannot be issued.

The post-obit plate types can be transferred using the online services for these vehicles:

Automobiles and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
Autocycles
Light trucks (<8,000 lbs., or subcontract trucks at 12,000 lbs.)
Motorcycles (special plates not available online)
Mopeds (special plates not available online)
Recreational Vehicle Trailers (campers and mobile homes under 40 feet) (special plates not bachelor online)

Special plates for specific plate requirements and applications.

How to apply:

1. Review the restrictions.

2. Have these ready:

A printer with viii.5 by 11-inch newspaper to print off the required documents
A Wisconsin Commuter License or ID card, last four digits of your Social Security number and date of nascence. Hither's how to obtain a commuter license with a valid out-of-land license.
The vehicle title, signed past the seller(south), including:

An odometer reading completed by the seller(due south) on the back of the title for vehicles less than 20 model years old.
A lien release if there is a lien holder listed on the front of the title and the loan is paid off

Payment Information

Your credit or debit card will be charged a convenience fee for this service
OR
Checking/savings business relationship using ACH (Automated Clearing House) and avert the convenience fee

3. Start at present to complete the online process.

By selecting the "Outset Now" push button beneath, you acknowledge that y'all understand and agree to the post-obit:

I agree that by completing this online application:

I am obligated to mail the required documents to the department for completion of my vehicle transaction
The fees required for this transaction cannot be refunded
Junk vehicles are non eligible for WI title or registration
Salvage vehicles are eligible for title only

iv. Remember to mail the following items later on you pay and complete your online transaction:

Title and License Plate eApplication/Receipt
Valid original title signed by the seller. If there are any alterations on title, complete Argument of Intent MV2489
A valid, original lien release if the vehicle currently has a lien

Send to:

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

Click the 'Beginning NOW' button beneath to become started.

Beginning Now

This service may not be available on Sundays from 6 a.m.–9 a.g. due to regular organisation maintenance.

VIN fault note: If you receive an error while entering the VIN, we are unable to recognize the vehicle. Please mail in your application.

More than DMV customer how-to guides

Utilize online for a championship simply (not driving vehicle)

Utilise online for title but (no plates needed). In this application y'all will non exist able to apply for new plates or transfer plates. See other options on this page if you need plates. Wisconsin and out-of-land titles can be processed online.

Yous can hands utilise for a title-but with the online service for these vehicles:

Automobiles and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
Autocycles
Light trucks (viii,000 pounds or less, or farm trucks at 12,000 lbs.)
Motorcycles
Mopeds
Recreational Vehicle Trailers (campers and mobile homes nether xl feet)

How to use:

i. Review the restrictions.

two. Have these ready:

A printer with viii.5 by 11-inch paper to impress the required documents.
A Wisconsin Driver License or Identification card, last four digits of your Social Security number and date of nascency. Here's how to obtain a driver license with a valid out-of-state license.
The vehicle championship, signed by the seller(s), including:

An odometer reading completed by the seller(south) on the back of the title for vehicles less than 20 model years old.

Payment Data

Your credit or debit card will be charged a convenience fee for this service.
OR
Checking/savings account using ACH (Automatic Clearing House) and avoid the convenience fee.

3. Complete the online process.

By selecting the "Commencement NOW" button beneath, you acknowledge that you sympathise and agree to the post-obit:

I agree that past completing this online application:

I am obligated to mail the required documents to the department for completion of my vehicle transaction.
The fees required for this transaction cannot exist refunded.
Junk vehicles are non eligible for WI title or registration
Relieve vehicles are eligible for title only
You volition not be able to legally operate the vehicle on Wisconsin roads

You will non be eligible for a Temporary Plate

4. Call back to mail the following items subsequently y'all pay and complete your online transaction:

Championship and License eApplication/Receipt.
Valid original title signed by the seller. If there are whatsoever alterations on title, complete Argument of Intent MV2489
A valid, original lien release if the vehicle currently has a lien.

Send to:

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

Click the 'START Now' button below to get started.

Start Now

DMV customer how-to guides

In-person services for a title and plates

Apply in person

If yous are a new resident to Wisconsin, view the new resident page for everything you need.

You must display Wisconsin license plates or temporary plate within two business days of purchase to legally operate your vehicle.

Accept these set up:

The Certificate of Championship (non a photocopy), signed by the seller(s), including:

An odometer reading completed by the seller(s) on the back of the title for vehicles less than 20 model years former.
A lien release if in that location is a lien holder listed on the forepart of the title and the loan is paid off.

Driver license/identification menu as proof of identity
Payment information

There is a $5 counter service fee for in-person service

Greenbacks, bank check/money guild, credit/debit (convenience fee applies)

For faster service:

Bring a pre-filled MV1 Application which will also assistance calculate fees.

Download, complete and bring the MV1 application. Instructions on how to complete and calculate fees are included.

Detect your closest DMV Service Center

Other options to apply in person:

Wisconsin allows third-party agencies to procedure championship transfers and issue new plates for walk-in customers.

DMV championship/registration service agents
Temporary license plate agents

Notation: Titles are printed and mailed from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in Madison.

Complete the MV1 Application online or download MV1 in advance.

DMV customer how-to video guides will assist you complete each section of the MV1 awarding. MV1 section.

Mail service-in application for title and/or plates

How to utilise by mail service for championship/registration (plates)

Y'all must display Wisconsin license plates or temporary plate within 2 business days of buy to legally operate your vehicle.

Note: Processing times will be longer for mailed in applications. If you would like to utilize online to receive your title and license plates faster (including a temporary plate) run across above.

Have these ready:

A printer with eight.5 by 11-inch paper to impress off the required documents.
The Certificate of Championship (not a photocopy) signed by the previous owner.

An odometer reading completed by the seller(s) on the dorsum of the championship for vehicles less than 20 model years former.
If there are any alterations on the championship, consummate Statement of Intent MV2489.

A Wisconsin Title and License Plate application (MV1). Apply this MV1 Application to pre-make full application and summate fees. Included will be a summary sail explaining how to submit all documents and payment.

If you would similar a special plate, include a form for your special plate.
If you lot do non use the MV1 Awarding, please impress out and consummate a Wisconsin Championship and License Plate application MV1 sign (make a copy for your records) and include these fees:

Registration fee for either a license plate transfer or, new plates, or renewal if your current plates expire within the next three months. To legally operate the vehicle on Wisconsin roads, it needs to be registered.
Title fee
Sales revenue enhancement (if applicable)
Local sales tax (if applicable)
Cycle tax (if applicable)
Electric or hybrid electrical vehicle fuel surcharge (if applicative)

The Customer how-to guides will help yous complete each section of the MV1 form.

Do non send cash. Brand check or money order payable to: Registration Fee Trust

Send to:

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

Options to use for license plates (WI championship already in your name)

If you are a new resident to Wisconsin, go to the new resident webpage for data on everything you need.

If y'all practice not have license plates for a vehicle titled in your name (never had plates, or the plates were transferred to some other vehicle) you must apply for new plates to operate the vehicle. See replacement plates if your plates were lost, stolen or damaged.

View listing of special license plates that tin can be applied for through this online application.

Before you become started:

Yous must be the possessor or lessee of the vehicle to utilize for license plates.

Must be an individual, not a business concern

Review the restrictions folio to check whether this online service will piece of work for you lot.
A new license plate number, certificate of registration and stickers will be issued to you lot (add together this further at present)
A document of registration with your new license plate number volition exist emailed to you. Please continue it with you lot when operating the vehicle.
Please check your vehicle title to meet if the body style on the title shows 'UNKNOWN' (see example). If then, please contact the Wisconsin DMV by using the below email earlier using this system. Include the title number or VIN.

Apply online

Have these ready:

Your Wisconsin Driver License or ID Carte number
The last iv digits of your Social Security number
Your date of birth

Your full name
Your complete Social Security number
Your appointment of nativity

AND

A printer with 8.5 by eleven-inch newspaper to print a certificate of registration and temporary license plate, when applicable
A valid e-mail accost
The vehicle identification number (VIN) for the vehicle found on the vehicle
Payment Information

Credit/debit card (convenience fee applies) or
Checking/savings business relationship and avoid the convenience fee

Yous should receive license plate(s) and expiration stickers in the mail within four weeks after completing the online application.

Click the 'START NOW' button below to become started.

Start Now

Once the online transaction is completed, you cannot cancel it or receive a refund. Verify that y'all have entered the information correctly earlier completing payment information.

This service may not exist available on Sundays from 6 a.m.–9 a.m. due to regular system maintenance.

Apply by mail

Accept these ready:

A printer with 8.5 by xi-inch newspaper to print off the required documents
A completed Wisconsin Title and License Plate Awarding (MV1). Apply this online MV1 Application to pre-fill the application and calculate fees or download MV1. Included volition be a summary sheet explaining how to submit all documents and payment. This form must exist signed past the current possessor on record.
Payment information

Make check or coin order (do non send cash made payable to: Registration Fee Trust

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

Note: If applying for personalized plates or plates that crave approval or eligibility verification (e.g. Military, Firefighter, Operating Engineer, Collector/Hobbyist). Delight submit the appropriate application and fees by mail for these plates. Encounter Special plates for specific plate requirements and applications.

Apply in person

Have these ready:

Commuter license/identification bill of fare as proof of identity
Payment for your license plates
In improver, there is a $5 counter service fee
Payment options

Cash, check/money order, credit/debit (convenience fee applies)

For faster service:

Bring a pre-filled MV1 Application which will also assistance summate fees

Download, complete and bring the MV1 application. Instructions on how to complete and summate fees are included.

Find your closest DMV Service Center

DMV client how-to video guides will help you lot complete each section of the MV1 class.

Options to transfer license plates (WI title already in your name)

If the vehicle is not titled in your name, select "Apply online for both championship AND transfer existing plates" above.

If the vehicle championship is already in your proper noun, and y'all have current Wisconsin license plates in your name from another vehicle that you lot no longer own or operate, you can transfer plates to the showtime vehicle. Both vehicles must be the same type (instance: transfer plates from motorcar to auto, or truck to same weight grade truck).

Plates are transferable between spouses or same sex domestic partners
Examples where transferring plates is not valid and requires new registration: parent or grandparent to child; betwixt friends

View listing of special license plates that tin can be transferred through the online application.

Before you get started:

In that location is no fee for this service if you are transferring unexpired license plates
You lot must exist the owner or lessee of the vehicle to transfer license plates

Must be an individual not a concern

Review the restrictions page to check whether this online service volition work for you
A new certificate of registration with your new vehicle data volition be emailed to y'all
Please check your vehicle title to run into if the torso style on the title shows 'UNKNOWN' (see instance). If so, delight contact the Wisconsin DMV by using the below email before using this organisation. Include the title number or VIN.

Apply online

Accept these ready:

Your Wisconsin Driver License or ID Carte du jour number
The last four digits of your Social Security number
Your appointment of birth

Your full name
Your complete Social Security Number
Your date of birth

AND

A printer with standard white viii.five x 11-inch paper to impress a certificate of registration and temporary license plate, when applicable
A valid email address
The vehicle identification number (VIN) for the vehicle plant on the vehicle
Payment Information

Credit/debit card (convenience fee applies) or
Checking/savings account and avoid the convenience fee

Click the 'START NOW' push below to get started.

Start Now

This service may not be available on Sundays from vi a.m.–nine a.m. due to regular system maintenance.

Apply past mail

Have these ready:

A printer with viii.5 by xi-inch paper to print off the required documents
Consummate Title and Registration Application form (online with MV1 Application or download MV1) using the plate number y'all want to transfer. Included will be a summary sheet explaining how to submit all documents and payment. This form must be signed by the current owner on record.
If the plate being transferred has expired or volition expire in 60 days, you must mail a cheque or money social club (come across the license plate fee) to renew and send with the MV1 application. Exercise not send cash, make check payable to: Registration Fee Trust
Ship to:
WI Dept. of Transportation
P.O. Box 7949
Madison, WI 53707-7949

Notation: If transferring personalized plates or plates that require blessing or eligibility verification (e.g. Military, Fire-eater, Operating Engineer, Collector/Hobbyist). Please submit the appropriate application and fees by mail for these plates. Run across Special plates for specific plate requirements and applications.

Utilise in person

Take these set up:

Driver license/identification card as proof of identity
Payment for your license plates if renewing
In addition, at that place is a $5 counter service fee
Payment options

Cash, bank check/money order, credit/debit (convenience fee applies)

For faster service:

Bring a pre-filled MV1 Application which will also assistance summate fees

Download, complete and bring the MV1 application. Instructions on how to complete and calculate fees are included.

Find your closest DMV Service Eye

DMV customer how-to video guides will help y'all complete each section of the MV1 grade

Check when you can await to receive your certificate of title, registration, license plates or renewal stickers. See processing times for DMV products.