--- title: "Wisconsin Car Title Transfer: Notary, Forms & Deadline | MCC" description: "Selling a car in Wisconsin: seller notary not in the steps, buyer has 2 business days, bill of sale, plates and fees, from the agency's own pages." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/car-title-transfer-wisconsin" --- Car title transfer · Wisconsin # Wisconsin car title transfer What the seller and buyer sign, whether a notary is needed, and what Wisconsin DMV (WisDOT) says about the bill of sale, the deadline, plates, fees and reporting the sale. ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) **Short answer.** WisDOT's seller steps: fill out the title, sign as seller and have the buyer sign; no notary step. The buyer has 2 business days to title the car. Plates stay with the seller. ## At a glance Seller's signature WisDOT's seller steps: fill out the title, sign as seller and have the buyer sign; no notary step. Buyer's signature The buyer signs the title alongside the seller; WisDOT's steps have no notary. Bill of sale The state's bill of sale form is a convenience, not a requirement. Odometer For model year 2011 or newer, the seller writes the odometer reading on the back of the title. Buyer's deadline The buyer should title and register within two business days of buying. Plates The seller removes the plates, except on heavy trucks, mopeds and trailers. Title fee $214.50 for an original title or a title transfer. Seller's report The seller completes seller notification for a private sale. Agency Wisconsin DMV (WisDOT) ## If you're selling - **Find the title and clear any lien.** Have the original title in hand. If a lender is listed, get the lien release or the lender's sign-off before the sale; the buyer can't title the car over an open lien. - **Sign the title over.** WisDOT's seller steps: fill out the title, sign as seller and have the buyer sign; no notary step. Don't sign until the buyer is ready, and write in the buyer's name and the sale date exactly. - **Write down the mileage.** For model year 2011 or newer, the seller writes the odometer reading on the back of the title. - **Give the buyer a bill of sale.** The state's bill of sale form is a convenience, not a requirement. - **Deal with the plates.** The seller removes the plates, except on heavy trucks, mopeds and trailers. - **Report the sale.** The seller completes seller notification for a private sale. - **Cancel insurance and keep copies.** Once the car is gone and the plates are off, call your insurer. Keep a photo of the signed title, the bill of sale and any sale report. ## If you're buying - **Check the title against the car and the seller.** The VIN on the title should match the car, and the seller's ID should match the owner's name on the title. Ask about any lien listed on it. - **Watch the title get signed.** Seller: WisDOT's seller steps: fill out the title, sign as seller and have the buyer sign; no notary step. Buyer: The buyer signs the title alongside the seller; WisDOT's steps have no notary. - **Get a bill of sale.** The state's bill of sale form is a convenience, not a requirement. - **Check the mileage entry.** For model year 2011 or newer, the seller writes the odometer reading on the back of the title. - **Insure the car before you drive it.** Most states require insurance to register. Arrange it before driving away. - **Title it in your name in time.** The buyer should title and register within two business days of buying. - **Plates and fees.** The seller removes the plates, except on heavy trucks, mopeds and trailers. Title fee: $214.50 for an original title or a title transfer. Sold on the first of a month? [See the due date for a December 1, 2026 sale](/notary/selling-a-car-checklist-by-state?state=wi&role=buyer&date=2026-12-01). Your own checklist, marked step by step: [seller](/notary/selling-a-car-checklist-by-state?state=wi&role=seller) · [buyer](/notary/selling-a-car-checklist-by-state?state=wi&role=buyer). ## In the agency's words **Seller** "sign the title as the seller, and have the buyer sign as well." **Buyer** "sign the title as the seller, and have the buyer sign as well." **Bill of sale** "The Bill of Sale is provided for your convenience, it is not a required form." **Deadline** "the buyer should title and register it within two business days after purchase." **Plates** "Remove the license plates from the vehicle." **Report of sale** "Complete seller notification if it was a private sale from one individual to another individual." ## Official sources - [Wisconsin DMV: Selling your vehicle](https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/sll-jnk-vhcl/sellyourvehicle.aspx) (checked November 2026) - [Wisconsin DMV: Vehicle title fees](https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/titles.aspx) (checked November 2026) - [Wisconsin DMV: Selling a vehicle - points to remember](https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/sll-jnk-vhcl/sold.aspx) (checked November 2026) General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Checked November 2026 against the official pages listed above. Forms, fees and deadlines change, a county office can add its own steps, and gifts, estates, liens and out-of-state titles follow other rules; the agency or an attorney can tell you how a rule applies to your sale. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with any motor vehicle agency. ## Common questions **Does the seller's signature on a Wisconsin title need a notary?** WisDOT's seller steps: fill out the title, sign as seller and have the buyer sign; no notary step. The agency's page: "sign the title as the seller, and have the buyer sign as well." **Does the buyer sign in front of a notary in Wisconsin?** The buyer signs the title alongside the seller; WisDOT's steps have no notary. **How long does a buyer have to title a car in Wisconsin?** 2 business days. The buyer should title and register within two business days of buying. **Is a bill of sale required in Wisconsin?** The state's bill of sale form is a convenience, not a requirement. **Do the plates go with the car in Wisconsin?** The seller removes the plates, except on heavy trucks, mopeds and trailers. **Does a Wisconsin seller have to report the sale?** The seller completes seller notification for a private sale. All states: [car title notarization by state](/notary/car-title-notarization-by-state) · [Washington](/notary/car-title-transfer-washington) ## Need a vehicle title notarized in New Jersey? [See vehicle title notary](/notary/vehicle-title-notary)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)