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1. When I buy a vehicle, do plates stay on the vehicle or stay with the previous owner?

For automobiles, trucks A-C plates, farm plates, and motorcycles, the plates stay with the previous owner.

Heavy trucks D-T plates stay with the vehicle.

2. What do I need to do when selling a vehicle I own?

You must sign the title over to the new owner and indicate on the title the mileage at the time of the sale. It is also a very good idea to create a bill of sale dated and signed by the new owner. The Division of Motor Vehicles also provides a Statement of Vehicle Transfer (MV2488) for this purpose. Completing this DMV form will help eliminate your liability if the new owner fails to properly register the vehicle. These forms are available at DMV Service Centers and at our department.

3. May you put your vehicle license plates in areas other than the designated area?

If two plates are issued, one should be in the front and one in the back. The rear plate shall have the month and year sticker attached to it as prescribed by the Department of Transportation. Attach firmly and rigidly in a horizontal position and a conspicuous place. Plates must be displayed so they can be easily read. The rear plate must have a lamp illuminating the plate making it visible 50 feet to the rear.

4. Do I have to display a front license plate?

Yes, for passenger cars and light trucks.

5. What types of vehicles don't need front license plates in Wisconsin?

Municipal, state, apportioned vehicles, and base plate tractors don't need front license plates.

6. When I buy a vehicle from another state, how do I register it in Wisconsin? May I drive it home?

You should be able to get an in-transit plate or temporary permit, then register the vehicle when you return to Wisconsin.

7. If l buy a car in Wisconsin and want to register it in another state, how do I get it home?

Temporary registration is available. WisDOT Temporary Registration

8. After I buy a vehicle, how many days do I have to register it in my name?

Wisconsin law requires buyers of cars and small trucks (8000 pounds or less) to display a permanent or temporary plate within two business days of purchase. WisDOT Temporary Plates

9. I lost my title and now I want to sell my vehicle. How do I go about it?

You must make application for a duplicate title. You cannot sell a vehicle without a title.

WisDOT Replacement Titles

10. I've recently moved. How do I notify DMV of my address change?

You can call (608)266-2353, 24 hours a day to change your address on your driver license. See change of address for information on change of address for your registration/license plates.

WI DOT Change of address

11. I just bought a vehicle from a private party and I want to sell it. Do I have to register the title in my name or can I sign over the original title?

You have to put the title in your name so sales tax is paid.

12. I want to transfer my title to my son. How do I do that?

Click on the link below to download an MV1 form. No tax is paid if the transfer is to immediate family.

WisDOT Title & Registration Application

13. I lost my renewal notice? What do I do?

See the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website for a Replacement renewal notice.

WisDOT Replacement Renewal Notice

14. How do I renew my license plates?

See the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website for information on how to renew license plates.

WisDOT License Plate Renewal

15. What do I do with a vehicle I can’t sell or no longer want?

You can contact either a charitable organization that accepts motor vehicle donations, a license salvage yard or a scrap recycler. The last thing you want to do is abandon it. Owners who abandon their vehicles are subject to any or all of the following: fines of $102, towing and storage fees, suspension of their driver’s license, suspension of the registration of any vehicle they own, and interception of any income tax refunds.