Titling a Car in Wisconsin After Moving From Another State
Last verified: October 2026 against Wisconsin DMV and DOR sources
When you become a Wisconsin resident, you must apply for a Wisconsin title for your vehicle right away.
A car you bought outside Wisconsin as a nonresident at least 90 days before moving is exempt from sales tax.
Step by step
- 1
Apply right away
New Wisconsin residents must immediately apply for a Certificate of Title in their name. eMV Public has a new resident option, or you can apply in person or by mail.
- 2
Claim the new resident exemption
Choose the New Wisconsin Resident exemption if you bought the vehicle outside Wisconsin, as a nonresident, for personal use, 90 days or more before moving here with it.
- 3
Know when tax is due
A vehicle bought within 90 days of moving can owe Wisconsin tax. Tax you paid to someone who is not a licensed dealer can be listed under the Paid to Seller exemption with a receipt.
- 4
Get Wisconsin plates
Register the car for Wisconsin plates. Automobile registration is $85 a year; electric vehicles add $175 and hybrids $75.
- 5
Pay the title fee
The title is $214.50, and a lien listed on the title is $10.
What to bring
- Your out-of-state title
- eMV Public application or Form MV1
- The purchase date and place, for the new resident exemption
- Lienholder information, if any
- Payment for the title and registration