Transferring a vehicle title out of state in Wisconsin?
When a vehicle registered in Wisconsin is sold to a buyer who will register it in a different state, the Wisconsin seller must sign the existing WI title over to the buyer (or provide a power of attorney if the title is held by a lender), complete a bill of sale recording the VIN, sale price, and odometer reading, and file a release of liability with the WI DMV. The buyer then uses the signed Wisconsin title plus the bill of sale to register the vehicle in their destination state — each state's DMV has its own timeline (typically 15–45 days). A federal odometer disclosure statement is required for vehicles under 10 model years old per 49 CFR Part 580. Wisconsin does not charge any additional out-of-state transfer fee beyond the standard $164.5 title fee.
What you should do in Wisconsin
- Complete a bill of sale with buyer/seller names, VIN, sale price, and signatures.
- Bring the bill of sale to the Wisconsin DMV if required for title transfer.
- Obtain an emission test certificate before completing the sale in Wisconsin.
- Keep a copy for your records for at least five years.
Fastest way to generate a compliant bill of sale
Use the BillOfSaleNow generator to create a Wisconsin-compliant bill of sale and download a signed PDF in minutes.
Wisconsin Car transfer fees and requirements
In Wisconsin, the title transfer fee is $164.5 and registration costs $85 per year. Car sales are subject to 5% sales tax plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. Wisconsin does not require notarization for private-party car transfers. Emission testing is required in Wisconsin — verify the car 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
Wisconsin sales tax on car purchases
Wisconsin has a 5% state sales tax rate. 5% state plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. Private-party car sales in Wisconsin are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $165.
Car market data and safety information
The most common car makes in private-party sales are Toyota, Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan. Average private-party car prices range from $5,000–$25,000. The average NCAP safety rating for recent car models is 4.2 out of 5 stars. Cars average 3.1 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Airbags (Takata), Power Train, Fuel System.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used car
Before completing a car bill of sale in Wisconsin, verify these safety items:
- Verify airbag recall status (Takata recall affected 67M+ vehicles)
- Check tire age — tires over 6 years old degrade regardless of tread depth
- Confirm brake pad thickness and rotor condition
- Test all seatbelts for proper retraction and latching
- Verify ABS warning light cycles off after ignition self-test
- Confirm child-seat LATCH anchor accessibility and integrity
- Test headlight aim and high-beam function on both low and high settings
- Inspect windshield for cracks in the driver sight line that could fail state inspection
Car insurance and depreciation in Wisconsin
Liability insurance required in 49 states (New Hampshire is the exception). Average annual premium: $1,600–$2,200. Cars lose approximately 20% of value in the first year and 60% over five years. Japanese brands retain value best. Peak season for private car sales is spring (march–may) when tax refunds boost demand, with an average of 21 days on market.
Car registration and titling
Cars are classified as "Passenger vehicle" for registration purposes. Standard passenger cars weigh 2,500–4,500 lbs; no special weight-class registration required. Federal odometer disclosure is required for cars under 20 years old.
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.
Frequently asked questions — Wisconsin bill of sale
Transferring a vehicle title out of state in Wisconsin?
When a vehicle registered in Wisconsin is sold to a buyer who will register it in a different state, the Wisconsin seller must sign the existing WI title over to the buyer (or provide a power of attorney if the title is held by a lender), complete a bill of sale recording the VIN, sale price, and odometer reading, and file a release of liability with the WI DMV. The buyer then uses the signed Wisconsin title plus the bill of sale to register the vehicle in their destination state — each state's DMV has its own timeline (typically 15–45 days). A federal odometer disclosure statement is required for vehicles under 10 model years old per 49 CFR Part 580. Wisconsin does not charge any additional out-of-state transfer fee beyond the standard $164.5 title fee.
Does Wisconsin require notarization on a vehicle bill of sale?
No. Wisconsin does not require notarization for standard private-party vehicle transfers. A signed bill of sale with buyer and seller signatures is sufficient for most transactions in Wisconsin.
What form do I need for a vehicle bill of sale in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin designates form MV2928 (Bill of Sale) as the official vehicle bill of sale. This form is available from the Wisconsin DMV. Alternatively, any bill of sale that includes all required fields — VIN, sale price, odometer, party names, and signatures — is legally accepted in Wisconsin.
What are the taxes and fees for a private car sale in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin charges 5% sales tax plus 0.5% county tax in most counties on private-party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $164.5. An emission test is required before completing the sale. The buyer pays these fees when transferring the title at the WI DMV.
Official Wisconsin DMV resource: Wisconsin DMV title transfer information
Wisconsin legal sources and citations
Primary sources reviewed by Marcus J. Webb, J.D. — Legal Content Advisor.
Common variations
Related questions about title in Wisconsin.
- How to transfer a car title in Wisconsin?
How to transfer a car title — Wisconsin-specific guidance.
- How to get a replacement vehicle title in Wisconsin?
To obtain a duplicate vehicle title in Wisconsin, visit any WI DMV office and submit a completed duplicate title application along with valid photo ID and proof of ownership (registration, insurance card, or loan payoff letter).
- What to do if I lost my vehicle title in Wisconsin?
If you have lost your vehicle title in Wisconsin, you must apply for a duplicate title through the Wisconsin DMV before completing any private sale.
- Can I sell a car without a title in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, selling a vehicle without a title is generally not permitted for standard private-party sales — the title is the legal proof of ownership, and the WI DMV requires a signed title to complete a registration transfer for the buyer.
Related resources
Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.