A Wisconsin vehicle bill of sale is not mandatory in the state when you buy an automobile. However, having this form acts as a receipt for the transaction. You can use it as proof in a disagreement over the sale or a later challenge to the purchase.
A bill of sale may also be helpful for taxation purposes to prove the price paid. Having a record is a good idea for informational purposes or to protect yourself if any issues arise.
Wisconsin Vehicle Registration
Wisconsin requires vehicle registration to identify the automobile’s ownership (Wisconsin Statutes Section 341.03). A vehicle bill of sale in Wisconsin is not required for registration, but it is handy if controversy arises over ownership.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
You must register your vehicle with the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles. There are several ways to do this:
- Online
- By mail
- In person
Documents Required by the DMV Office
The documentation you will need to apply for your registration includes the following:
- Driver’s license
- VIN
- Title
- Wisconsin Title & License Plate Application (for mail or in-person processing)
You will have to pay a fee, so you will also need your payment information when applying online or by mail. For in-person registration, bring a credit card or check.
How to Write a Bill of Sale for a Car in Wisconsin
A Wisconsin bill of sale for vehicle purchases provides you with a transaction record. Since creating one is not a legal requirement, you can do it any way you want, but there are certain steps you may want to follow to ensure you have all the pertinent details.
Step 1 – Get the Bill of Sale Form
You will want to find a form you can use. Make sure to get two copies so that you and the seller will each have one.
Step 2 – Fill in Vehicle and Sale Information
You will want to document information about the vehicle and the sale, including:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Body type
- Purchase price
- VIN
- Sales date
- Delivery date
Step 3 – Complete Seller Details
You will fill in your name and address. You also should include your driver’s license number for identification purposes.
Step 4 – Provide Buyer Information
The seller will complete their details, including their name, address, and driver’s license number.
Step 5 – Sign the Form
You and the seller should sign and date the document. A signature will signify that the Wisconsin vehicle bill of sale information is true and accurate.
Free Wisconsin Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
When buying or selling a vehicle, you should look for a free and simple form to document the purchase. Legal Templates offers a PDF or Word version of a Wisconsin vehicle bill of sale.
