How to Sell a Car Privately in Wisconsin

Sources checked October 9, 2026 · Every rule below links to the official page it came from

Selling your car yourself in Wisconsin comes down to a signed title, the right paperwork, and a few steps people often miss. This guide summarizes what the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles and state law say, so you and the buyer can finish the transfer cleanly.

Transferring the title

• The vehicle must be titled in the seller's name before it can be sold, and a lost title must be replaced first. wisconsindot.gov
• The seller signs and dates the title, and if owner names are joined by AND all owners sign, while OR means any one owner may sign. wisconsindot.gov
• The seller enters the selling price and the buyer's name and address on the title, and the buyer submits the original signed title, not a photocopy. wisconsindot.gov
• The seller completes any brand disclosure area, and failing to disclose brand information carries penalties up to $5,000. wisconsindot.gov
• The buyer should apply for a new title right away online, in person or by mail using the MV1 application. wisconsindot.gov

Bill of sale

• A bill of sale is not required for a private vehicle sale. wisconsindot.gov
• A bill of sale you write yourself should list the vehicle make, year, model, VIN and odometer reading. wisconsindot.gov
• It should also include both parties' names, addresses and phone numbers, both signatures, and the price and date. wisconsindot.gov
• The seller keeps a record of the sale. wisconsindot.gov

License plates

• The seller removes the plates from an auto or light truck before the sale. wisconsindot.gov
• Unexpired plates can be moved to a similar vehicle the seller owns, and otherwise are destroyed rather than returned to DMV. wisconsindot.gov
• A seller whose plates stayed on the vehicle can file form MV2514. wisconsindot.gov
• The buyer must display Wisconsin plates or a temporary plate within two business days of purchase to legally drive. wisconsindot.gov
• Online title-and-plates applications for eligible vehicles such as cars and SUVs can produce a temporary plate by email. wisconsindot.gov

Telling the state you sold the car

• A seller who sells to an individual files seller notification online within 30 days of the sale. wisconsindot.gov
• The online filing uses the VIN, buyer's identity, sale price, sale date, and the seller's driver license or ID details and date of birth. wisconsindot.gov
• Only an individual owner, not a business, can file online, and the seller can print or save a confirmation. wisconsindot.gov
• Seller notification does not replace the seller's other responsibilities, such as properly signing the title. wisconsindot.gov

Taxes and fees the buyer pays

• The buyer pays sales or use tax when titling, based on the state rate of 5 percent plus any county tax where the vehicle is kept. wisconsindot.gov
• A private seller does not collect the tax, so the buyer pays it to the state when registering or titling. revenue.wi.gov
• The buyer also pays the title fee, registration fee and any wheel tax or other charges, with checks payable to Registration Fee Trust. wisconsindot.gov
• A $5 counter service fee applies for in-person applications. wisconsindot.gov

Loans and liens

• The seller must pay off the loan to get the title in hand before selling. wisconsindot.gov
• If a lienholder is listed on the title, the seller gives the buyer a lien release, because the buyer needs both documents. wisconsindot.gov
• When applying online, the buyer mails the original lien release after finishing the transaction. wisconsindot.gov
• A mail-in application must include the original lien release if the vehicle still shows a lien. wisconsindot.gov

Easy-to-miss rules in this state

• A Wisconsin dealer license is required to sell more than five vehicles in 12 months or to buy vehicles to resell. wisconsindot.gov
• A vehicle sold as junk must have the word Junk written across the title, and it can never be titled or licensed again. wisconsindot.gov
• The Department of Revenue checks for suspiciously low sale prices on the title. wisconsindot.gov
• A title with alterations requires a Statement of Intent (form MV2489). wisconsindot.gov
• The buyer is warned never to buy a vehicle without a title signed by the previous owner. wisconsindot.gov

Official Wisconsin resources

• WisDOT: Sell your vehicle
• WisDOT: Selling a vehicle, points to remember
• WisDOT: Seller notification
• WisDOT: Title and register with eMV Public
• WisDOT: Emission test
• WisDOT: Title application guide (sales tax and fees)
• Wisconsin DOR: Sales and use tax on used vehicles (Fact Sheet 2113)

Next steps

Once you know the rules, create a free listing and print a QR code sign for the car window. For the general process, see our step-by-step private sale guide, the paperwork checklist, and how to get paid safely. Need paperwork? Use our free bill of sale generator.

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• Selling a car in Alaska
• Selling a car in Arizona
• Selling a car in Arkansas
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