Wisconsin’s landscape, characterized by its diverse terrain of rolling hills, forests, lakes, and rivers, offers a picturesque backdrop for the used car market. While rural areas showcase farmland and quaint towns, urban centers like Milwaukee and Madison provide bustling city life and cultural attractions. The state’s harsh winters can impact vehicle conditions, emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections for rust and weather-related damage in the robust used car market, which offers a wide variety of vehicles through dealerships, private sellers, and online platforms.

However, buyers in Wisconsin must remain vigilant against potential fraud in the used car market, including title washing, odometer rollback, and selling stolen vehicles. To protect themselves, buyers should utilize tools like license plate lookups and vehicle history reports, which provide valuable insights into a vehicle’s history, past accidents, title status, and odometer readings. By conducting thorough research and obtaining comprehensive vehicle reports, buyers can navigate the Wisconsin used car market with confidence, ensuring a smooth and secure transaction amidst the state’s scenic landscapes.

VinCheck.info‘s Free Wisconsin License Plate lookup proves invaluable when purchasing a used car in the state. This complimentary online vehicle history tool enables you to acquire information about any vehicle registered in Wisconsin using solely the WI license plate number.

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. For more information, visit or contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation using the address below:

WisDOT Central Office
Hill Farms State Office Building
4822 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705

Phone: (608) 264-7447
https://wisconsindot.gov/

Wisconsin License Plates & Placards

Wisconsin license plates are official registration tags issued by the state’s Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to vehicles registered in Wisconsin. These plates serve as a form of identification for vehicles and display a unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Wisconsin license plates are required to be affixed to both the front and rear of most vehicles, although certain vehicle types may only require a rear plate. These plates typically feature the state’s name, a slogan or graphic representing Wisconsin, and a unique alphanumeric code assigned to the vehicle. Wisconsin license plates must be renewed annually, and certain specialty plates may be available for an additional fee to support specific causes or organizations.

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.

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

Resources for Wisconsin Drivers:

• Wisconsin VIN Check
• 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

Buying a car in Wisconsin? Avoid buying a lemon!

1. Research: Start by researching the specific make and model you’re interested in. Look for reviews, reliability ratings, and common issues associated with that vehicle.
2. Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on the car, including taxes, registration, and insurance costs.
3. Vehicle History Report: Obtain a vehicle history report using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to check for any accidents, title issues, or odometer discrepancies.
4. Inspect the Car: Physically inspect the vehicle or have a trusted mechanic do it for you. Look for signs of wear, damage, or potential issues.
5. Test Drive: Always take the car for a test drive to evaluate its performance and handling.
6. Verify Title and Ownership: Ensure the seller has a clear title to the vehicle and verify the ownership documents.
7. Get a Warranty: Consider purchasing a warranty or certified pre-owned vehicle for added peace of mind.
8. Negotiate Price: Negotiate the price with the seller, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the deal isn’t right.
9. Review the Contract: Carefully read and understand the terms of the sale contract before signing.
10. Registration and Insurance: After the purchase, complete the necessary paperwork for registration and obtain insurance coverage.
11. Lemon Law Protection: Familiarize yourself with Wisconsin’s Lemon Law, which provides protections for buyers of defective vehicles.
12. Keep Records: Maintain all records related to the purchase, including receipts, service history, and the bill of sale.

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

Enter a Wisconsin License Plate: