How To Transfer a Car Title in Wisconsin
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If you are in Wisconsin, there’s a great need for you to learn how to transfer a car title. This is because car title transfers are needed in Wisconsin, not only when cars are bought and sold. You will also need to transfer the title of a car to or from trusts, to or from a deceased, or to a minor.
The process of transferring car titles in Wisconsin varies depending on the circumstances surrounding the process. You will need to verify the reason behind the transfer to know which step is applicable.
However, to transfer a car title in Wisconsin, you will need to provide your driver's license, vehicle title signed by the seller, odometer reading, lien release if applicable, and also pay the required fees. The beautiful thing about car title transfers in Wisconsin is that you can do it online or via mail.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about how to transfer a car title in Wisconsin.
Table of Contents
Can You Transfer a Title to a Car Online in Wisconsin?
Yes. In Wisconsin, you can transfer a title online. This process makes it very easy for residents as you can simply get your title transfer done right from the comfort of your home. All online title transfer applications are done on the Wisconsin eMV public website.
The requirements for an online title transfer aren’t entirely different from what is required when transferring your car title in a DMV office in Wisconsin.
You simply need an 8.5 by 11-inch paper and a printer to print off your temporary plate and eApplication/Receipt, if applicable. You will mail the eApplication/Receipt to the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles.
Online car title transfers in Wisconsin require that you have a valid email address and payment information. However, it is important to mention that not all title transfers in Wisconsin are eligible for the online service.
How To Transfer a Car Title in Wisconsin (Online)
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to transfer a car title in Wisconsin.
1. Confirm Eligibility
The first step in transferring a car title online in Wisconsin is by confirming your eligibility. Not all applicants are eligible for an online title application. In some cases, you will need to mail your applications and not use the online service.
Here are a few conditions that make you eligible for an online title transfer in Wisconsin:
- You are up to 18 years and do not have a child support lien listed on the vehicle record.
- The seller is not deceased neither is the vehicle a junk vehicle.
- You don’t have a Wisconsin title in your name.
- Your title is not for a car that will haul packages for hire.
- You don’t and will not have a new loan on the vehicle and the dealer/lender will not assist in your application.
- Your out-of-state VIN must be recognized by the Wisconsin processing system.
2. Get your email and paperwork ready
If you are eligible for a title transfer, then you should get your documents ready.
Here’s a list of documents that you will need for your car title transfer in Wisconsin:
- Driver License
- Odometer Reading
- Payment Info, Social Security Number, date of birth
- Lien Release, if applicable
3. Commence application
You can commence the online title transfer application by visiting the Department of Transportation, state of Wisconsin, eMV public website.
You can simply click “start now” via the application for title and/or license plates (registration) page. This will redirect you to the application, where you will have to choose whether you are applying for a Wisconsin or out-of-state title.
If you are transferring a title in the state, then you will need to enter the Wisconsin title number as provided by the seller, verify that you are not a robot, and click next.
4. Verify the Primary Owner
The second phase of your online title transfer in Wisconsin will require you to verify the vehicle's primary owner. All online service applicants must be up to 18 years old, as no co-owner below 18 years is permitted to use the service.
Applications for car owners below 18 should be mailed in via the DMV mail address:
WisDOT-eMV Public
P.O. Box 7907
Madison, WI 53707-7907
If you are up to 18, select if you are an individual owner or a non-individual owner (business owner). Individual owners can proceed with entering their driver’s license number or ID number, 4 digits of their social security number, and their date of ownership.
In the event that there is a co-owner for the vehicle, sharing equal ownership rights as the primary owner, you must specify in the application. The online title transfer only allows you to add one co-owner. If you wish to add more than one, you will need to send in your application via mail.
If you decide to add a co-owner to your online title transfer application, then you will also need to provide their details while choosing the (AND/OR) relationship between the owners. In the event of signing the vehicle title, all owners will need to be around.
Verification will also include verifying the address of the owner or all co-owners involved.
5. Enter Vehicle Details
You will need to proceed with entering the details of the vehicle. This includes specifying the color of the vehicle and the date of the odometer reading. The VIN you provided should automatically generate the car's make, body style, model year, and vehicle type.
You may have to specify the new ‘brand’ of the vehicle. This is where you declare if the car was once a flood-damaged vehicle, hail-damaged, previous police vehicle, or taxicab. Verify the brands that the seller inputted on the title and ensure that it is the same as your input.
In the event that there is a lien holder, you will need to include a lien release in the application that you will mail to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
You will also need to proceed with verifying where the vehicle will be primarily kept. Indicate the city/town/village/unincorporated community, or you can specify if the vehicle is kept out of state.
6. Pay Fees and Tax
The next step of your Wisconsin online title transfer application is to provide the vehicle's purchase price. This will help allocate a sales tax. However, if there is a tax exemption, you will have to select and input the reason and qualifier for the exemption.
Tax exemption on title transfers is reserved for, but not limited to, vehicles gotten as gifts. You are entitled to a tax exemption if there was no exchange of money during the transaction.
7. Register for a New License Plate
You are almost done with your title transfer. However, you will need to require new plates or transfer existing plates. Use the plate process box to indicate if you need new plates or if you wish to transfer existing plates.
Select the plate type. If you choose a new plate, enter an operation date. This is the first date that the car is operated by the owner.
For plate transfers, simply select the plate that you wish to transfer, specify the plate type, and acknowledge the need to order plate replacement if the plates are lost, damaged, stolen, or faded.
In Wisconsin, you can transfer plates from spouses or domestic partners as long as the procedure for transfer aligns with the laws as stated in ch. 770 Wis. Stat.
8. Review the Application
Before you submit your application, review your input and details. You can make edits from any category and ensure that you are fully satisfied before submitting.
Enter your contact information, a valid phone number, and email address. This will allow you to receive calls or emails regarding your application. Your receipt and temporary plate will also be sent to the email address that you provided.
9. Complete Payment
Choose your payment method: cheque or savings credit/debit card. This will open you up to a list of fees attached to your title transfer, with an additional 2% convenience fee for credit and debit transactions.
The payment method that you choose will determine the payment portal that you are transferred to. Input your details and payment information, then review and complete the payment. Print the confirmation page to know your confirmation number.
10. Finalize the Application
After completing payment, go to the state agency website to print your eApplication receipt. Sign the receipt and mail it together with the original certificate of title, your eApplication, and any other supporting documents to:
eMV Public
P.O. Box 7907
Madison, WI 53707-7907
Keep a copy of your submissions, print your temporary plate, and display it on your vehicle. For plate transfers, mail the eApplication receipt and title, so you can continue using the plate on your vehicle.
How To Transfer a Car Title in Wisconsin to a Heir?
Transfer of car titles to hiers in Wisconsin is only applicable if the heir did not leave any property that exceeds $50,000 in value.
To transfer a car title to an heir in Wisconsin, you will need to do the following:
- Complete and submit a statement of transfer of vehicles directed to the heir, surviving spouse, domestic partner, or named heir.
- Certificate of Title
Request a title replacement with the MV2119 form if the title is lost or misplaced
- Complete the Wisconsin title and license plate application
- Pay the required fees.
All car title transfer applications for heirs, surviving spouses, and domestic partners should be mailed to:
WI Dept of Transportation
P.O. Box 7949
Madison WI 53707-7949
In the event that the heir's sole-owned property exceeds $50,000, then the vehicles will be transferred by also submitting a copy of the personal representative papers instead of the statement of vehicles to a surviving spouse, domestic partner, or heir, Form MV2300.
Conclusion
The process of transferring a car title in Wisconsin isn’t entirely difficult. You just need to learn how to do it.
You can decide to apply via the online option or mail your applications. Ensure that the details are correct, and always seek help when confused.
