How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Wisconsin-Specific Note
Wisconsin-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Wisconsin Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Wisconsin, the title transfer fee is $164.5 and registration costs $85 per year. Vehicle sales are subject to 5% sales tax plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. Wisconsin does not require notarization for private-party vehicle transfers. Emission testing is required in Wisconsin — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Emissions testing required in southeast Wisconsin counties
- Title transfer at DMV within 60 days
- Wheel tax applies in some municipalities
Official Wisconsin bill of sale form
The official Wisconsin bill of sale form is MV2928 (Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Wisconsin requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
Wisconsin sales tax on vehicle purchases
Wisconsin has a 5% state sales tax rate. 5% state plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. Private-party vehicle sales in Wisconsin are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $165.
Wisconsin bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,409 bill of sale documents for Wisconsin transactions, with 38 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Wisconsin Vehicle Guides
- Leasing vs Buying in Wisconsin
- Mechanic's Lien on Vehicle in Wisconsin
- New Resident Vehicle Registration in Wisconsin
- Out-of-State Buyer Vehicle in Wisconsin
- License Plate Transfer in Wisconsin
- Rebuilt Title Cars in Wisconsin
Each guide is written specifically for Wisconsin laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Wisconsin?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Wisconsin?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Wisconsin?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Wisconsin require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Wisconsin bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.