How to Title a Private Car Sale in Wisconsin
Last verified: October 2026 against Wisconsin DMV and DOR sources
When you buy a car from a private seller in Wisconsin, you apply for the title yourself right away and pay the sales tax with your application.
Here is the order to do it in, what it costs, and what to bring.
Step by step
- 1
Get a title signed by the seller
Never buy a vehicle without receiving a title signed by the previous owner. Note the price you paid, less any trade-in allowance.
- 2
Apply for the title right away
Apply online through eMV Public, in person, or by mail with the Wisconsin Title and License Plate Application (Form MV1). Use Form MV1 if you are claiming a tax exemption that eMV Public does not list.
- 3
Get plates within two business days
To drive the car legally, display Wisconsin plates or a temporary plate within two business days of the purchase. To get a temporary plate, you must pay the regular registration fee.
- 4
Pay the sales tax
The state tax is 5% of the purchase price, which is the money paid minus any trade-in allowance. Add the county tax where the car is kept: 0.5% in most counties, none in Waukesha and Winnebago, 0.9% in Milwaukee County, plus 2% inside the City of Milwaukee.
- 5
Pay the title and registration fees
The title is $214.50 and listing a lien is $10. Automobile registration is $85 a year. Electric vehicles add $175 and hybrids $75, and your municipality or county may add a wheel tax.
What to bring
- The title, signed by the seller
- The purchase price, less any trade-in allowance
- eMV Public application or Form MV1
- Lienholder information, if you financed the car
- Payment for the tax, $214.50 title, and registration