Dealer Surety Bond in Wisconsin: $10,000–$100,000 Requirement
Wisconsin requires all licensed dealers to maintain a $10,000–$100,000 surety bond. Here is exactly what you need, what it costs, and what happens when a claim is filed.
Bond Requirement at a Glance
Amount varies by state and dealer license category. Contact your state DMV for the exact requirement.
Who Needs a Surety Bond in Wisconsin
Most states require a surety bond as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a dealer license.
- New vehicle dealer
- Used vehicle dealer
- Wholesale dealer
- Motorcycle dealer
How to Get a Bond in Wisconsin
Where to get it: Any state-licensed surety company
Use the state DMV-approved bond form. File with your dealer license application.
Annual Premium Cost
0.5%–3% of bond face value per year
Premium is based on your personal credit score. Good credit = lower annual cost.
How Claims Work
Injured buyer files with state DMV or directly with the surety company.
Valid claims are paid up to the bond face value. Dealer must reimburse the surety for any paid claims.
Penalties for Operating Without a Bond
Wisconsin-Specific Note
Wisconsin-Specific Facts for Dealer Surety Bond
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
- Stolen Vehicle Recovery in Wisconsin
- Temporary Operating Permit in Wisconsin
- Trade-In Tax Credit in Wisconsin
- Vehicle Import Rules in Wisconsin
- Vehicle Impound Recovery in Wisconsin
- Service Contract vs Warranty in Wisconsin
Each guide is written specifically for Wisconsin laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a dealer surety bond in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires a $10,000–$100,000 surety bond for licensed dealers. Amount varies by state and dealer license category. Contact your state DMV for the exact requirement.
Who requires a dealer surety bond in Wisconsin?
State DMV or Motor Vehicle Division requires the bond. Most states require a surety bond as a condition of obtaining and maintaining a dealer license.
How much does a dealer surety bond cost annually in Wisconsin?
Expect to pay 0.5%–3% of bond face value per year. Premium is based on your personal credit score. Good credit = lower annual cost.
What happens if a Wisconsin dealer doesn't have a surety bond?
Dealer license denial, suspension, or revocation. Possible criminal charges for operating without a bond.
How does a surety bond claim work in Wisconsin?
Injured buyer files with state DMV or directly with the surety company. Valid claims are paid up to the bond face value. Dealer must reimburse the surety for any paid claims.
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Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV Dealer Licensing Division. Verify current bond amounts with your state DMV before purchasing.