Shopping for a used car in Wisconsin? Protect yourself from used car fraud. Verify the vehicle history report. Check maintenance records. Make sure the car is not branded or has pending recalls. There are two ways to get a free vehicle report. You can either run a VIN check do a free license plate lookup.

VinCheck.info offers free license plate lookup. Using your Wisconsin license plate, you can get a complete vehicle report at no cost. Every report contains:

•    Market Value
•    Vehicle Specifications
•    Equipment Details
•    Fuel Efficiency
•    Safety Rating
•    Inspection Checklist
•    Current Warranty
•    NMVTIS Report

The Wisconsin DMV also offers a License Plate Search. Using this tool, you can check the registration expiration date. It will also show basic information about the vehicle.

Title and Vehicle Registration in Wisconsin

New Wisconsin residents must obtain Wisconsin registration and license plates. The DMV takes care of vehicle registration and license plates. Most transactions can be completed online. Make sure to check with your nearest DMV office the needed documents to complete your transaction.

How To Get a Vehicle Title in Wisconsin

When purchasing a new or used car, you must obtain a vehicle title at your local DMV. You should apply for a vehicle title as soon as you acquire a new vehicle.

To apply for a certificate of title in Wisconsin, you must present the following:

• Certificate of title signed by the previous owner.
• Completed Form MV1, Wisconsin Title & License Plates.
• License plates, if you plan to transfer them to the new vehicle. If your current plates expire in less than 3 months, include your annual registration fee.
• Title fee and sales tax payment by check or money order payable to “Registration Fee Trust.”
• Current WI driver license or copy for mail transactions.

How To Register a Vehicle in Wisconsin

Wisconsin residents must register their vehicles. Vehicle registration is valid for one year from the date of registration. To register your vehicle, submit the following to your DMV:

• A Wisconsin​ ​title​​, signed by the seller(s), including:
  • ​An odometer reading completed by the seller(s) on the back of the title for vehicles less than 10 model years old.
  • A lien release if there is a lien holder listed on the front of the title and the loan is paid off.
• ​​A Wisconsin Driver License or Identification card, last four digits of your social security number and date of birth.
• Payment Information
  • Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit, debit card. Your credit or debit card will be charged a convenience fee for this service.

or

• • Checking/savings account using ACH (Automated Clearing House) and avoid the convenience fee
• A printer with 8.5 by 11 inch paper.

After you pay and complete your transaction, you must mail the following items to receive your vehicle title, registration and/or license plates. The mailing address is on the eMV Public eApplication/Receipt – there is no need to visit a DMV Service Center or an agency/business that offers title and registration services:

• eMV Public receipt (see sample)
• Valid original title signed by the seller
• Other items, if applicable, such as
  • a valid original lien release if the vehicle currently has a lien
  • an MV2790 Trustee Statement for Certificate of Title if the seller is a trust

Types of Wisconsin License Plates

Wisconsin issues a variety of license plates and registration stickers. It depends on the use of the vehicle or the owner’s special interest.

• Automobile – for regular passenger vehicles
• Disabled parking – for vehicles owned or used by persons with disabilities, and
• Collector – for vintage vehicle enthusiasts

Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP) are issued apportioned plates. See special license plates or the Wisconsin license plate guide for more information.

How do I get a replacement license plate in Wisconsin?

If your license plates need to be replaced because one or both of the plates have been lost, stolen, damaged, or are illegible, you must obtain replacement plates. You may order replacement plates online or submit an application by mail or in person. A new license plate number will be issued. When you receive your new plate, destroy the old plate.

Can you transfer license plates to another person in Wisconsin?

If you would like to transfer plates in your name to a different vehicle in your name, you can use this online service. Check which license plates may be transferred online to confirm if this online service will work for your vehicle. Plates are transferable between spouses or same sex domestic partners.

Resources for Wisconsin Drivers:

• Wisconsin Driver Licenses and Identification (ID) Cards
• Wisconsin Vehicle Registration
• Wisconsin License Plates Information
• Apply for Vehicle Title in Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
• Wisconsin Motorists Handbook

Avoid buying a lemon. Verify the car is clean. Check out any used car’s history before purchase.

1. Look for signs that the vehicle has been damaged in a crash. Check for major repairs done.
2. Check the title status of the vehicle. Title brands include salvage or rebuilt.
3. Find out how many previous owners the car had or if it was used as a taxi service.
4. Check for any discrepancy in the car’s history. See if the car’s VIN matches up with what’s in the vehicle title and records.
5. Check to see for any safety recalls issued and if the problem was fixed.

Run a Wisconsin Free License Plate Lookup to uncover the full-story of your Wisconsin-registered vehicle.