A Wisconsin bill of sale shows that a buyer has paid a seller to obtain ownership of a vehicle, boat, gun, animal, or another piece of personal property. It explains the transaction’s details, such as the sales price, item description, date, and parties’ information.
How to Register a Vehicle in Wisconsin
Register your vehicle by applying for a new Certificate of Title in your name through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Types of Bill of Sale
A form to buy or sell a motor vehicle in the state of Wisconsin
Vehicle Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis) in the state of Wisconsin
Boat Bill of Sale
A form to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle) in the state of Wisconsin and register it at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Trailer Bill of Sale
A document to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun) in the state of Wisconsin, and avoid legal or criminal issues involving the weapon after it is sold
Firearm Bill of Sale
Use a Wisconsin motorcycle bill of sale to record the transfer of a motorcyle in the state of Wisconsin
Motorcyle Bill of Sale
Requirements
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation doesn’t require the buyer to produce a bill of sale when they’re registering their vehicle. Instead, it’s simply a document for the buyer’s and seller’s convenience. However, the buyer should title and register their vehicle within two business days after buying it. This way, they will be able to operate it legally.
Language and Copy Requirements
- Language: The state doesn’t implement any language requirements for bills of sale, so your document can appear in any language that the buyer and seller agree on.
- Number of Copies: It’s advisable to issue a copy to the buyer and the seller, but the DOT won’t need one.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Certificate of Title (with Form MV 2489 if there are any alterations to the title)
- Title and License Plate Application (Form MV1) (if not applying online)
- Bill of Sale
- Driver’s license or valid photo ID
- Proof of insurance meeting minimum state requirements [1] :
- $10,000 for property damage
- $50,000 for the injury or death of more than one person
- $25,000 for the injury or death of a single person
- Lien release (if vehicle is subject to a lien at the time of sale)
- Motor vehicle power of attorney (if an agent represents the buyer or seller)
- Proof of payment of all taxes and fees
Boat Registration Forms
- Boat Registration and Titling Application (Form 9400-193) (Buyers can use a photocopy of a completed form as temporary proof of registration until receiving an official registration card in the mail)
- Bill of Sale
- Original certificate of title (seller must sign over to buyer)
- Lien release from the seller (if the boat is subject to liens)
- Proof of payment of all sales taxes and registration fees
Wisconsin Bill of Sale Sample
