How to Register a Vehicle

The state of Wisconsin mandates that all vehicles must present with valid temporary or permanent plates within two days of the sale of a vehicle. You can obtain your provisional license plate by visiting your closest WisDOT in person, along with the appropriate fees (approximately $8 for application, tags, and service fee). The seller must first inform WisDOT (Wisconsin Department of Transportation) via Seller Notification (Law 342.41)within 30 days of the sale of the vehicle. This can be completed online or at the nearest WisDOT location. After submitting the seller notification, the buyer must then go to a local WisDOT with the following materials in hand:

• The title for transfer, complete with sellers’ signature, odometer mileage statement (if the vehicle is less than ten years old), buyer’s information, and sale price.
• Lien release if applicable.
• Prepared Wisconsin Title/License Plate Application (MV1)
• All associated fees and taxes

How to Register a Vessel

Any vessel that is mechanically propelled or any sailboat with a length of 12 feet or longer must maintain active registration and title to be utilized upon water inside the state. Boats deemed as exceptions from this mandate are as follows:

• Vessels with confirmed registration from an outside state or country to be in operation within Wisconsin for a 60-day period or less.
• Vessels with an authorized Native American tribal organization watercraft registration.
• Emergency lifeboats.
• Vessels held in possession by state or federal governments.

Title obligation is necessary should a vessel’s indicated length measure 16 feet or more. When purchasing a new or used watercraft, remember that registration must be carried out within the 10-day grace period before incurring penalty fees. If your vessel meets the previous specifications and requires registration without title, the transaction can be done online using the Wisconsin Go Wild Page. Initially, you must create a new account, select the link to register, and follow the prompts to complete the application. In the case your vessel requires the application for registration, along with a title, gather the below materials for delivery to your nearest local Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources office or authorized sales agent location:

• A Filled and signed Wisconsin Boat Registration and Titling Application (Form 9400-193).
• Proof of Ownership is dependent on your method of purchase, such as a manufacturer’s certificate of origin, a reassigned and endorsed title, and/or prior registration from the previous owner.
• Acceptable payment for all taxes and fees (amounts listed on the application).