Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Wisconsin? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Wisconsin transfers ownership through the assigned title and the Title and License Plate Application (Form MV1) at the DMV, but a bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tolls, tickets, or accidents once the keys change hands.
Wisconsin requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Wisconsin?
Not strictly. Ownership transfers through the assigned title and the Title and License Plate Application (Form MV1) at the DMV. But a bill of sale is strongly recommended — it proves the price and sale date and shows you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. Wisconsin does not require a vehicle bill of sale or the title to be notarized. You can notarize it voluntarily for extra proof, but it is not needed to transfer the title.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must apply for a new title (Form MV1) at the Wisconsin DMV within 30 days of the sale. Applying late adds a counter service or late fee on top of the title fee.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Wisconsin charges 5% state sales tax on the purchase price, paid by the buyer when titling. Most counties add a 0.5% county tax (and a few areas add a small stadium or premier-resort tax), so the total varies by location.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Wisconsin county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files Form MV1 at the Wisconsin DMV within 30 days.
Ready to create your Wisconsin bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Wisconsin bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Wisconsinbuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Confirm the details with the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Wisconsin bill of sale FAQ
Does a Wisconsin motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Wisconsin does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The legal transfer happens through the assigned title and Form MV1 at the DMV — notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Wisconsin?
It isn't legally required to transfer the title (the assigned title and Form MV1 handle that), but it's strongly recommended. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in Wisconsin?
At the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — online via the MV1 application or by mail or at a DMV center. The buyer submits the assigned title, a completed Form MV1, and payment for the title fee and sales tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Wisconsin?
The buyer has 30 days from the date of sale to apply for a new title at the DMV. After 30 days, Wisconsin adds a late fee on top of the title fee, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Wisconsin?
5% state sales tax on the purchase price, plus a 0.5% county tax in most counties (and a small stadium or resort tax in a few areas). The buyer pays it at the DMV when titling, which is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Wisconsin?
Yes — Wisconsin doesn't mandate a specific form, so a handwritten bill of sale is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the DMV.
Is this Wisconsin bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.