Drivers & Vehicles > Vehicles > Getting a title and license plates >

Replacement titles

Application

If your Wisconsin certificate of title has been lost, destroyed, or stolen, you may obtain a replacement by filing a Title & License Plate Application form MV1 (401 KB).

What is needed

The application must contain the vehicle identification number, the owner's Social Security number and/or Wisconsin driver's license (identification) number and the signature of the registered owner. The vehicle identification number can be found on your registration card, or on the vehicle itself. Only the owner shown in Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) records may apply for a replacement title.

You may bring the application to any DMV service center offering title and registration services for immediate processing. You will need to show proof of identity in the form of a driver license or identification card when applying for a replacement title. There is an additional $5 counter fee for title processing at the customer service center. You will receive the title the same day.

OR

The application can be mailed to the address given on the application form. The fee for a replacement title is $20. You can receive priority service by including an additional $4 and mailing the application to the priority service address listed on the MV1 application form.

Payment

DMV customer service centers accept cash, checks or money orders.

Permission to pick up title is required

DMV requires anyone picking up a replacement title, for a vehicle they do not own, to present a completed "Permission to Pick Up Title" form MV2932 , and to show proof of identity in the form of a valid driver license or identification card. This form is in addition to the MV1 - Application for Title that should be completed by the last registered owner in DMV's records. If the requestor does not have written permission or proper identification, the Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will mail the title to the vehicle owner.

A replacement title voids all previous titles.

If you have questions:

• E-mail: bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
  Because WisDOT may have to research your question before replying, please allow 4 business days for an e-mail response. Please do not send a second e-mail.
  • Because WisDOT may have to research your question before replying, please allow 4 business days for an e-mail response. Please do not send a second e-mail.
  • 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.
• Call: (608) 266-1466, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Questions about the content of this page:
Bureau of Vehicle Services, bur-veh-services.dmv@dot.state.wi.us
Last modified: December 18, 2007