Motor Vehicle Information

Who has access to accident data?

WisDOT for analysis of highway safety
DMV for administration of the Safety Responsibility Law
Law enforcement agencies for selective enforcement
Traffic Safety Commissions and traffic engineers for safety and elimination of hazards
Driver educators, legislators, insurance companies and other interested parties
County Highway Safety Commissions to meet their duties under S. 83.013, Wis. Statutes
Local units of government to target specific accident locations

For more information contact: Traffic Accident Section at (608)266-8753 between 7:30am - 4:30pm Monday-Friday or contact them at: traffic-accidents.dmv@dot.state.wi.us or visit the WI DOT website at: http://www.dot.state.wi.us/

Vehicle/Title Registration-

If you wish to title and/or register your auto or light truck, use the MV5 application form. Include the original vehicle Certificate of Title (not a copy). Make a copy of the completed MV5 form for your records.

You may also use the MV5 form to apply for a replacement Certificate of Title. (A replacement title voids all previous titles.)

Auto Plate

AUTOMOBILES (passenger vehicles)

Truck Plate

LIGHT TRUCKS (8,000 pounds or less)

Click here to download the MV5 form

You must use the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) form MV-1 to apply for:

title and/or plates for other types of vehicles (heavy trucks, motorcycles, trailers, mobile home/camper, etc.),
special license plates (amateur radio, civilian group, endangered resources, Wisconsin National Guard, etc.),
title and/or plates for leased vehicles

Include the original vehicle Certificate of Title (not a copy). Make a copy of the completed MV1 form for your records.

You may also use the MV1 form to apply for a replacement Certificate of Title. (A replacement title voids all previous titles.)

Note: If you purchase a vehicle from a WI Dealer you may not use the MV-1 form. WI Dealers are required to make application for their customers on the MV-11 Application for Title/Registration.

DMV has authorized several agencies and businesses to act as DMV Title/Registration Service Providers. These businesses can provide title, registration and/or registration renewal services for walk-in customers. Plates or stickers are given to the customer upon completing the transaction. These agents may charge a maximum service fee of $10 for a renewal transaction and $17.50 for a title transaction.

To legally operate your vehicle, you must display license plates within two business days of purchase. If you do not have current plates, apply to a DMV Customer Service Center or an agent authorized by DMV to obtain a temporary plate. An agent may charge a $3 plate fee and/or may also charge a $5 service fee. See "Mandatory display and temporary plate information." Driving without plates is subject to a maximum fine of $200.

Release of Information: The WisDOT uses the information provided on the MV5, MV1 and other forms to title and register vehicles in Wisconsin, collect fees, and enforce Wisconsin laws. Under Wisconsin open records laws, WisDOT must make nonexempt information available upon request. The department makes some information available to companies for business purposes. If you want your name and address withheld from such business mailing lists, please obtain an 'Opt Out' form MV3592, Request to Withhold Name and Address from any DMV Customer Service Center, or in Adobe PDF format. Complete and return form MV3592 to the address given on the form.

ADA: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you have questions, contact 608.266.1466; TTY 608.264.8703; bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us; or the WisDOT DMV Customer Service Center nearest you. If you e-mail us about a specific vehicle, we will not be able to respond to your inquiry unless you provide us with the license plate number or the vehicle identification number.