Selling or junking a car in Wisconsin

How do I sign over a car title in Wisconsin?

The vehicle must be titled in your name before you sell it. On the back of the title, sign and date in the seller signature area. If owners are joined by 'and', all sign; if by 'or', any one can sign. Fill in the odometer statement (required for model year 2011 and newer: actual, not actual, or exceeds mechanical limits), the brand disclosure area if applicable, the selling price, and the buyer's name and address. If a lien is listed, give the buyer a lien release from your lender.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Wisconsin?

For a regular sale, a lost title must be replaced first; sign the replacement and give it to the buyer. For junk, WisDOT says you don't need a replacement title to junk the vehicle if you lost your title, and junk vehicles can be transferred by bill of sale. If you have the title, write 'Junk' across it before giving it to the buyer or salvage dealer. A junked vehicle can never be titled or licensed again.

How do I get a duplicate title in Wisconsin?

Apply online, by mail with the Replacement Title Application (Form MV2119, signed by the owner of record), or in person at a DMV service center. The fee is $20 (plus a $5 counter fee in person). Online applications are mailed within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Wisconsin?

Yes. In an individual-to-individual sale, including a junk vehicle transferred by bill of sale, the seller must report the sale to WisDOT (seller notification) within 30 days. This can be done online. Form MV2928 (Instructions for Selling a Vehicle, with a bill of sale) is optional.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Wisconsin?

Remove the plates when selling or junking an auto or light truck. You may transfer unexpired plates to a similar vehicle titled to you, your spouse or domestic partner; otherwise destroy (cut up) them. Do not return plates to DMV, and there is no refund for remaining registration time. If you left the plates on, file a License Plates Cancellation Application (MV2514). Plates stay with trucks registered at 10,000 lbs or more, farm trucks at 16,000 lbs or more, mopeds and trailers.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Wisconsin?

Anyone owning or possessing a junk vehicle, or one that has been junked or destroyed, must within 10 days notify WisDOT, return the title, and remove the plates to keep or destroy them (Wis. Stat. §342.34). No title may be issued for a junked vehicle. Penalty: forfeiture of up to $200, or up to $1,000 with intent to defraud.

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Wisconsin?

A vehicle left without the property owner's permission for more than 48 hours in 1st-class cities, or for a period set locally elsewhere, is deemed abandoned (Wis. Stat. §342.40). Police have it removed and impounded. Unless it is disposed of early because towing and storage would exceed its value, it is held at least 10 days after certified-mail notice to the owner and lienholders. Local ordinances govern details.

Official sources

1. WisDOT - Selling your vehicle
2. WisDOT - I sold my vehicle
3. WisDOT - Seller notification
4. WisDOT - Replace title, plates or registration
5. WisDOT - DMV fees
6. Wis. Stat. §342.34 Destruction or junking of vehicle
7. Wis. Stat. §342.40 Vehicle abandonment

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (WisDOT DMV) before you sell.