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Title for a vehicle purchased from a dealer

State law requires 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.

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:

• Email: DMV Title and Registration Processing (allow four business days for a reply). Include your vehicle identification number shown on your copy of form MV11.
• Call: (608) 266-1466, between 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

WisDOT Dealer & Agent Section can help

Occasionally the dealership fails to process applications or if necessary, to send applications to the DMV on time or at all. If this happens to you, you may contact WisDOT's Dealer & Agent Section at (608) 266-1425 or by e-mail at dealers.dmv@dot.state.wi.us to learn more about filing a dealer complaint. Dealer & Agent Section can help you get your title and plates.

To file a complaint against a dealership

Complete WisDOT’s MV2338 Dealer Complaint form. 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.

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? Contact us: Wisconsin DMV email service
Call: (608) 266-1425
FAX: (608) 267-0323

You will need the Adobe Reader (provided free of charge) to view PDF files. For more information about getting your free copy of the Adobe Reader, visit WisDOT's Software information page.

Last modified: September 7, 2007