Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Registration & Plates

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  • 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.
    Registration & Plates

  • 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.
    Registration & Plates

  • 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.
    Registration & Plates

  • Yes, for passenger cars and light trucks.
    Registration & Plates

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

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

  • Temporary registration is available.

    Registration & Plates

  • 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.

    Registration & Plates

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

    Registration & Plates

  • 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.

    Registration & Plates

  • You have to put the title in your name so sales tax is paid.
    Registration & Plates

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

    Registration & Plates

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

    Registration & Plates

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

    Registration & Plates

  • 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.
    Registration & Plates