State law requires Wisconsin dealers to process (electronically or by mail) your application for title and plates with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) within 7 business days after your transaction.
Vehicles purchased from out of state dealers are the
purchaser's responsibility to title and register.
Missing information or other problems with your application could delay DMV processing. The DMV will contact you for more information if needed.
Your title and plates will arrive separately. If they have not arrived a month after your purchase, check the
DMV processing times. If the DMV is working on applications submitted after your date of purchase:
WisDOT Dealer & Agent Section can help
Occasionally the dealership fails to process applications when necessary, or fail to send applications to the DMV on time or at all. If this happens to you, you may contact
WisDOT's Dealer & Agent Section by email or phone at (608) 266-1425. The Dealer & Agent Section can help you obtain a title and plates, or they can assist you in filing a dealer complaint.
To file a complaint against a dealership
Complete the Dealer Complaint form
MV2338 (Spanish
MV2338s). Mail the form to WisDOT Dealer & Agent Section at the address below. Attach readable copies or originals of documents related to your vehicle purchase or lease. Include a copy of your Application for Title and Registration form (WisDOT form MV11). WisDOT will use the information you provide to resolve your complaint and enforce the laws. It may share the information with the dealer you name in your complaint. Under Wisconsin’s Open Records Law, your complaint will be available for public review upon request.
File a complaint online.
About Dealer & Agent Section
WisDOT Dealer & Agent Section licenses, regulates and educates the motor vehicle industry, and resolves disputes about dealership sales and warranty repairs. It also investigates complaints about odometer tampering involving dealerships and private sellers.
Questions?