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Registration and title information for new residents

Welcome to Wisconsin! We are happy that you have decided to make Wisconsin your new home. We think you’ll like it here!

This page provides links to information on how new Wisconsin residents can title and register their vehicles. It will tell you what you need to present to obtain your Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) products and services, let you download DMV forms so that you can fill them out in advance and give you several options for where you can get service from DMV or one of its partners around the state.

First things first:

When you become a Wisconsin resident, you must obtain Wisconsin registration (license plates) for your vehicle within two days of moving here. We cannot give credit for unused registration on your previous state’s license plate. For a detailed list of forms and other items you need to bring to receive a Wisconsin license plate see: Title and plates for new residents.

Service locations:

Wisconsin DMV has service centers located around the state. In addition, we have contracted with numerous partners, or DMV agents to provide even more locations in more communities in Wisconsin. Please note, the services and fees vary according to the option you choose. DMV customer service centers accept cash or checks only. For more information and the locations nearest your new home or workplace, visit one of the following links:

DMV service centers:

DMV customer service centers accept cash or checks only.

For DMV service center hours and locations, see Motor Vehicle service centers. Some service centers only provide driver licensing services, while others provide both driver licensing and registration/titling services. If everything is in order, you’ll walk out with your new vehicle title and Wisconsin license plates. DMV service centers charge a $5 service fee in addition to registration and title fee. For a complete list of DMV registration fees, see Vehicle registration fees.

DMV title-registration service providers:

DMV has contracted with third party agencies and businesses to provide title, registration and/or registration renewal services for walk-in customers. Plates or stickers are given to the customer upon completing the transaction. Vehicle titles are printed and mailed from the DMV in Madison within 10 business days.

Our service agents are located in many communities around Wisconsin, and some offer later and weekend hours. These agents may charge a maximum service fee of $10 for a renewal transaction and up to $19.50 for a title transaction (in addition to DMV title or registration fees).

For a list of agents, the services they provide, hours and locations, see Title-registration service providers.

Temporary license plate agents:

We also have agents that will issue a temporary, cardboard license plate that you can display on your vehicle until your vehicle title and metal plates arrive in the mail from the DMV, generally within six weeks. The agents will take your application, check to make sure it is completed correctly and collect all fees due to DMV. They will charge $3 for the temporary plate and a $5 service fee. The temporary plate is good for 90 days from the date of purchase by which time you should receive your metal plates. For a list of the temporary plate agents, see Temporary license plate agents.

Wisconsin driver license:

If you have questions:

• E-mail bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us Because WisDOT may have to research your question before replying, please allow 4 business days for an e-mail response. Please do not send a second e-mail. If you e-mail us about a specific vehicle, we need your license plate number, the year and make of the vehicle and/or the vehicle identification number to respond.
• Call (608) 266-1466, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Questions about the content of this page:
Bureau of Vehicle Services, bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: December 18, 2007