reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.32 - Vehicle to be reregistered if subject to a different fee.

341.32
Vehicle to be reregistered if subject to a different fee.
(1)
Whenever the construction or the use of a registered vehicle is changed in a manner making the vehicle subject to a different registration fee than the fee for which the vehicle currently is registered, the owner shall immediately make application for reregistration. The fee payable upon such reregistration shall be computed as for a vehicle not previously registered in this state but a credit shall be allowed for the unused portion of the fee paid for the previous registration if the registration plates issued upon the previous registration are returned to the department. The credit shall be computed on the basis of one-twelfth of the annual registration fee or one twenty-fourth of the biennial registration fee prescribed for the vehicle as previously registered multiplied by the number of months of registration which have not fully expired on the date the vehicle became subject to the different fee. The credit may be applied toward the reregistration of the vehicle only up to the date when the previous registration would have expired.
(2)
Whenever the owner or other person responsible for registration of a vehicle required to be registered on the basis of gross weight desires to carry a greater load than that permitted under the current registration of such vehicle, he or she shall make application for reregistration of the vehicle at a higher gross weight. Whenever such person is convicted of carrying a greater load than that permitted under his or her current registration, the court, in addition to imposing the penalty prescribed by law, shall order such person to make application for reregistration of the vehicle at a gross weight sufficiently high to cover the load which he or she was convicted of carrying. The fee payable upon reregistration shall be computed on the basis of one-twelfth of the difference between the annual fee prescribed for the vehicle as previously registered and the annual fee prescribed for the vehicle as reregistered or one twenty-fourth of the difference between the biennial fee prescribed for the vehicle as previously registered and the biennial fee prescribed for the vehicle as reregistered, multiplied by the number of months of the quarter or year for which the vehicle is being reregistered which had not fully expired when the vehicle became subject to the higher fee. This subsection does not apply under the circumstances stated in sub. (3).
(3)
A motor truck with a registered gross weight of 10,000 pounds or less and loaded exclusively with fluid milk or cream may, during the months of May, June and July, carry from the point of production of such milk to the primary market therefor 1,500 pounds or less in excess of the gross weight for which such motor truck is registered without a reregistration of such motor truck on account of such excess loading.
History:  1977 c. 29 ss. 1443, 1654 (7) (a); 1989 a. 31.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.33 - When fees refundable.

341.33
When fees refundable.
(1)
The department shall not refund a fee paid to it except when expressly authorized or directed by this section or some other provision of the statutes to do so.
(2)
The department shall refund the unused portion of a registration fee paid for the registration of a vehicle owned by a person who is entering active service in the naval or military forces of the United States or who is a member of the U.S. foreign service appointed under 22 USC 3942 (a) (1) or 3943 entering active service if the person makes application for such refund upon a form prescribed by the department, furnishes any proof that the department requires that the vehicle will not be operated in this or another state during the remainder of the period for which the vehicle is registered, and returns to the department the certificate of registration and registration plates. The refund shall be computed on the basis of one-twelfth of the annual registration fee or one twenty-fourth of the biennial registration fee paid for the vehicle, multiplied by the number of full months remaining in the period for which the vehicle is registered when the vehicle ceases to be operated.
(3)
Upon request, the department shall refund 50 percent of a registration fee paid for a vehicle registered on a biennial basis if the person who registered the vehicle furnishes such proof as the department requires that the person has transferred his or her interest in the vehicle or terminated leasing the vehicle before the beginning of the 2nd year of the period for which the vehicle is registered or that the vehicle will not be operated in this state after the beginning of the 2nd year of the period for which the vehicle is registered. The department may require the person to return the certificate of registration and registration plates for the vehicle to the department. Except as provided in sub. (1), the department may not refund more than 50 percent of the fee paid for the registration of a vehicle registered on a biennial basis.
History:  1975 c. 32, 199; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1444, 1654 (7) (a), (e); 1989 a. 31; 1997 a. 27; 2015 a. 323.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.335 - Notice of change of address, name or vehicle color.

341.335
Notice of change of address, name or vehicle color.
(1)
Whenever any person, after applying for and receiving registration plates, moves from the address named in the application for the registration plates or when the name of the licensee is changed by marriage or otherwise, the person shall within 10 days notify the department in writing of the old and new address or of such former and new names and of all registration plate numbers held.
(1m)
No person is required to notify the department before the next renewal of registration for the vehicle that a vehicle's color has been changed from the color stated in the most recent application for registration of the vehicle.
(2)
Any person who fails to comply with any of the requirements of sub. (1) may be required to forfeit not more than $50.
History:  1973 c. 129; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 273; 1985 a. 332 s. 251 (4); 1999 a. 90.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.36 - Fee to reinstate suspended or revoked registration.

341.36
Fee to reinstate suspended or revoked registration.
(1)
Except as provided in sub. (2), the department shall charge a fee of $25 to reinstate a registration previously suspended or revoked under this chapter. The fee under this subsection is in addition to any other fee required to complete the registration of the vehicle.
(1m)
Except as provided in sub. (2), the department shall charge a fee of $50 to reinstate a registration previously suspended or revoked under ch. 344. The fee under this subsection is in addition to any other fee required to complete the registration of the vehicle.
(2)
Subsections (1) and (1m) do not apply to the reinstatement of a registration suspended under s. 341.63 (1) (c), (d) or (e) or to the reinstatement of a registration suspended or revoked as a result of an error by the department.
(3)
If the registrations of more than one vehicle owned by a person are suspended or revoked under ch. 344 as a result of the same occurrence, payment of one fee under sub. (1m) applies to the reinstatement of the registrations of all of those vehicles.
History:  1989 a. 31; 1991 a. 269.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.40 - Exemption of nonresidents and foreign-registered vehicles.

341.40
Exemption of nonresidents and foreign-registered vehicles.
(1)
Except as to foreign-owned vehicles required by s. 341.07 to be registered in this state, any vehicle that is registered in another jurisdiction is exempt from the laws of this state providing for the registration of the vehicles if all of the following apply:
(a)
The vehicle carries a registration plate indicating the registration in the other jurisdiction.
(b)
The vehicle is owned by a nonresident.
(c)
The jurisdiction in which the vehicle is registered allows vehicles that are registered in Wisconsin to be operated tax free upon its highways under conditions substantially as favorable to residents of Wisconsin as to its own residents.
(d)
The vehicle is operated in accordance with rules adopted by the secretary based on the gross weight of the vehicle. The secretary may, by rule, determine the gross weight exemption, giving consideration to reciprocity privileges extended to Wisconsin residents in other jurisdictions.
(1m)
Foreign owned or operated vehicles entering Wisconsin to have special equipment or a body constructed or installed or for repair shall be exempt from the registration requirements of this section.
(2)
If the owner of any vehicle exempted under sub. (1) or (1m) moves to Wisconsin or if the vehicle is purchased by or leased to a Wisconsin resident, the vehicle immediately becomes subject to the laws of this state providing for the registration of vehicles.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (c); 1987 a. 369; 1997 a. 27; 2001 a. 103.
The language referencing a single plate in sub. (1) (a) is the first of a list of criteria that vehicles registered in a jurisdiction other than Wisconsin must meet in order to be exempt from the registration laws of this state. Having been issued at least one plate is a condition precedent for exemption, not a display requirement. Since sub. (1) (a) does not address how nonresidents are to display license plates, there is no conflict with s. 341.15 (1). State v. Boyd, 2012 WI App 39, 340 Wis. 2d 168, 811 N.W.2d 853, 11-1056.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.409 - Reciprocal registration exemption agreements for federally recognized Indian tribes or bands.

341.409
Reciprocal registration exemption agreements for federally recognized Indian tribes or bands.
(1)
The secretary with the approval of the joint committee on finance may enter into a reciprocal registration exemption agreement with the governing body of any federally recognized Indian tribe or band. The reciprocal agreement may exempt designated classes of vehicles registered by the Indian tribe or band from the registration requirements of this state if:
(a)
The vehicle carries a registration plate showing valid registration by the Indian tribe or band.
(b)
The Indian tribe or band registering the vehicle allows reciprocal privileges to similar classes of vehicles registered in this state under conditions substantially as favorable to this state as to the Indian tribe or band.
(2)
The reciprocal agreement may include restrictions, conditions and terms of reciprocal privileges relating to registration, including any proportional registration taxes or fees deemed advisable by the department.
(3)
The department may adopt rules to implement this section.
History:  1983 a. 50.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.43 - Audits and appeals.

341.43
Audits and appeals.
(1)
The department may conduct such audits as it deems necessary to determine the adequacy of fees paid under the international registration plan or other proportional registration law or agreement and taxes and fees paid under s. 341.45. Audits shall be conducted during normal business hours. Credits shall be given for overpayments and deficiencies shall be assessed, with interest. Actual and necessary expenses incurred by an auditor, plus wages, may be assessed against the person audited.
(2)
Any person feeling aggrieved by a notice under this section of additional assessment, refund or denial of refund may, within 30 days after the receipt of the notice, petition the department for a redetermination. A person feeling aggrieved by a redetermination may appeal to the tax appeals commission in the manner provided for appeals of tax determinations under s. 73.01 (5). If an appeal of a redetermination is not filed within the time period provided under s. 73.01 (5), the redetermination is final and conclusive.
History:  1977 c. 29; 1987 a. 27; 1995 a. 113; 1999 a. 145.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.47 - When vehicles of dealers, distributors, manufacturers and transporters exempt from general registration requirements.

341.47
When vehicles of dealers, distributors, manufacturers and transporters exempt from general registration requirements.
(1)
Except as provided in sub. (2), any motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailer or semitrailer that is owned or repossessed by, or consigned for sale to, a dealer, distributor or manufacturer may be operated on the highways of this state for either private or business purposes without being registered if the vehicle has displayed upon it valid registration plates issued under s. 341.51 to the dealer, distributor or manufacturer and the vehicle:
(a)
Is actually offered for sale by a dealer, distributor or manufacturer, including for sale on consignment; or
(b)
Is in transit from the factory to a distributor or dealer or from the dealer to the purchaser; or
(c)
Is being used by a manufacturer primarily for trial tests; or
(d)
Is being repossessed, being reconditioned for resale or being foreclosed or resold.
(2)
A tow truck, service truck or pickup truck owned by a dealer, distributor or manufacturer must be registered in the same manner as similar vehicles owned by other persons, except that a service or pickup truck actually for sale and only incidentally used for business purposes may be operated under the conditions specified in sub. (1).
(3)
A vehicle that is being transported in tow on its own wheels or under its own power from a distributor, a dealer, the manufacturer, or a branch of the manufacturer to the purchaser, or from any location to a distributor, a dealer, the manufacturer, or a branch of the manufacturer, by a transporter of vehicles who is a 3rd party with no ownership interest in the vehicle, need not be registered if such vehicle has displayed upon it valid registration plates issued to the transporter pursuant to s. 341.51. The requirement under this subsection that the vehicle be transported in tow on its own wheels or under its own power does not apply to trailers, semitrailers, or truck tractors.
History:  1993 a. 23; 1999 a. 9, 91, 186; 2007 a. 175; 2009 a. 180.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.52 - Design of registration plates.

341.52
Design of registration plates.
Registration plates for dealers, distributors, manufacturers, and transporters are subject to the provisions of s. 341.12 (2) and (3) except s. 341.12 (3) (c). In addition, each plate may have displayed upon it a decal or sticker displaying letters that is approved by the department and that is capable of distinguishing the plate from any other plate which may be issued to the same dealer, distributor, manufacturer, or transporter. If such a decal or sticker is displayed on a plate, the decal or sticker shall be affixed on the right side of the plate directly to the right of, and in line with, the numbers or letters or both composing the registration number required under s. 341.12 (3) (a).
History:  1989 a. 31; 2011 a. 32, 90.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.53 - Expiration of registration; transferability of plates.

341.53
Expiration of registration; transferability of plates.
Certificates of registration and registration plates issued to dealers, distributors, manufacturers, or transporters shall be issued for the calendar year and are valid only during the calendar year for which issued. Notwithstanding s. 341.13 (3), the department may renew registration plates issued to dealers, distributors, manufacturers, or transporters without issuing new plates or insert tags, decals, or other evidence of registration. Registration plates are transferable from one motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer to another motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer and from one recreational vehicle to another.
History:  1999 a. 9; 2011 a. 32.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.55 - Penalty for misuse of plates.

341.55
Penalty for misuse of plates.
Any of the following may be required to forfeit not more than $200:
(1)
A dealer, distributor or manufacturer or an employee of any of them who operates or consents to the operation of a vehicle under purported authority of a registration plate issued to the dealer, distributor or manufacturer pursuant to s. 341.51 when such vehicle is not owned or being repossessed by, or consigned for sale to, the dealer, distributor or manufacturer or, even though owned or being repossessed by, or consigned for sale to, the dealer, distributor or manufacturer, does not come within any of the exceptions listed in s. 341.47 (1) (a) to (d) or is not in compliance with s. 341.51 (2m);
(2)
Any person who operates a vehicle under purported authority of a registration plate issued to a dealer, distributor or manufacturer under s. 341.51, knowing that the vehicle is not owned or being repossessed by, or consigned for sale to, a dealer, distributor or manufacturer or does not come within any of the exceptions listed in s. 341.47 (1) (a) to (d) or is not in compliance with s. 341.51 (2m);
(3)
Any transporter who operates a vehicle under purported authority of a registration plate issued to the transporter pursuant to s. 341.51 for any purpose other than that authorized by s. 341.47 (3);
(4)
Any person not registered as a transporter who operates a vehicle under purported authority of a registration plate issued pursuant to s. 341.51 to a transporter.
History:  1971 c. 278, 319; 1991 a. 316; 1999 a. 91.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.57 - Registration of finance companies and financial institutions.

341.57
Registration of finance companies and financial institutions.
(1)
Any motor vehicle owned or being repossessed by a finance company licensed under ss. 138.09 or 218.0101 to 218.0163, by a credit union licensed under ch. 186, by a savings bank organized under ch. 214, by a savings and loan association organized under ch. 215 or by a state bank or a national bank with offices in this state, may be operated on the highways of this state for any necessary purpose in repossessing, reconditioning or reselling such vehicle without such vehicle being registered if the vehicle has displayed upon it a valid registration plate issued to such licensee pursuant to this section.
(2)
A finance company licensed under ss. 138.09 or 218.0101 to 218.0163, a credit union licensed under ch. 186, a savings bank organized under ch. 214, a savings and loan association organized under ch. 215 or a state bank or a national bank with offices in this state may apply to the department for registration on such form as the department provides. Upon receipt of the application together with a registration fee of $75, the department shall register the applicant and shall issue one registration plate containing the registration number assigned to the applicant. The department, upon receiving a fee of $5 for each additional plate desired by the applicant, shall issue additional plates as the applicant orders. Section 341.52 applies to the design of the plates. The registration and plates are valid only during the calendar year for which issued. Notwithstanding s. 341.13 (3), the department may renew registration plates issued under this subsection without issuing new plates or insert tags, decals, or other evidence of registration. A plate is transferable from one motor vehicle to another. The department may charge a fee of $2 per plate for replacing lost, damaged or illegible plates issued under this subsection.
(3)
Any of the following may be required to forfeit not more than $200:
(a)
Any person who makes a false statement in an application for registration under this section.
(b)
Any person who uses a plate issued pursuant to this section otherwise than as authorized by this section.
(c)
Any person other than the registered owner thereof who uses a plate issued pursuant to this section.
(4)
Upon conviction of a licensee under sub. (3), the department may revoke or suspend the registration of the licensee and require surrender of the licensee's registration plates issued pursuant to this section.
History:  1971 c. 278; 1973 c. 246; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1979 c. 221; 1983 a. 156; 1985 a. 29; 1991 a. 221; 1999 a. 31; 2011 a. 32.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.60 - Fraudulent application for registration or license.

341.60
Fraudulent application for registration or license.
Any person who does any of the following may be fined not more than $200 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both:
(1)
Provides a false or fictitious name, address, or location where a vehicle is customarily kept in an application for license or registration.
(2)
Applies for a license or registration in the name of a person other than the true owner, or true owner and lessee.
(3)
Submits in an application for registration evidence of inspection under s. 110.20 (6) from an inspection that involved a violation of s. 110.20 (11) (c) if the person was aware of the violation at the time the person submitted evidence of the inspection in an application for registration.
History:  1983 a. 180; 2013 a. 368.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.605 - Unlawful transfer of evidence of registration.

341.605
Unlawful transfer of evidence of registration.
(1)
Except as authorized by the department, no person may transfer to another person or offer for sale a registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration issued by the department. This subsection does not apply to transfers of vehicles under s. 342.15 (4) (c).
(2)
No person may transfer to another person or offer for sale a counterfeit, forged or fictitious registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration.
(3)
Whoever violates sub. (1) or (2) is guilty of a Class H felony.
History:  1995 a. 128; 1997 a. 283; 2001 a. 109.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.61 - Improper use of evidence of registration.

341.61
Improper use of evidence of registration.
Any person who does any of the following may be required to forfeit not more than $500:
(1)
Lends to another a registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration for display upon a vehicle for which the plate, tag, decal or other evidence of registration has not been issued.
(2)
Displays upon a vehicle a registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration not issued for such vehicle or not otherwise authorized by law to be used thereon.
(3)
Willfully twists, paints, alters or adds to or cuts off any portion of a registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration; or who places or deposits, or causes to be placed or deposited on such plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration any substance to hinder the normal reading of such plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration; or who defaces, disfigures, covers, obstructs, changes or attempts to change any letter or figure thereon; or who causes such plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration to appear to be a different color.
(4)
Possesses a fraudulently or unlawfully obtained registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration.
(5)
Possesses a counterfeit registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration.
History:  1973 c. 218; 1993 a. 470; 1995 a. 128.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.615 - Reproducing evidence of registration prohibited.

341.615
Reproducing evidence of registration prohibited.
Except as authorized by the department, any person who reproduces, by any means whatever, a registration plate, insert tag, decal or other evidence of registration shall forfeit not less than $200 nor more than $500.
History:  1995 a. 128.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.62 - False evidence of registration.

341.62
False evidence of registration.
Whoever operates or possesses a motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, trailer or semitrailer having attached thereto any plate or similar device fashioned in imitation or facsimile of or altered so as to resemble a registration plate issued by the department may be required to forfeit not more than $500.
History:  1973 c. 218; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 273; 1993 a. 470; 1999 a. 9.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.625 - Special registration plates.

341.625
Special registration plates.
(1)
Any person who fraudulently procures or uses special registration plates issued under s. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1e), (1m), or (1q) shall forfeit not less than $200 nor more than $500.
(2)
(b)
A member of a disabled parking enforcement assistance council under s. 349.145 who observes a violation of this section may prepare a written report indicating that a violation has occurred. The report shall contain, if applicable, the time and location at which the violation occurred, and any other relevant information relating to the violation.
(c)
Within 24 hours after observing the violation, the member may deliver the report to a traffic officer of the political subdivision in which the violation occurred. A report which does not contain all of the information in par. (b) shall nevertheless be delivered and shall be maintained by the political subdivision for statistical purposes.
(d)
1.
Within 48 hours after receiving a report containing all of the information in par. (b) and after conducting an investigation, the traffic officer may prepare a uniform traffic citation under s. 345.11 for the violation and may personally serve it upon the person.
2.
If with reasonable diligence the person cannot be served under subd. 1. or if the person lives outside of the jurisdiction of the issuing authority, service may be made by certified mail addressed to the person's last-known address.
History:  1993 a. 256; 2009 a. 246.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 341 - Registration of vehicles. › 341.64 - Transfer of vehicle ownership while registration is suspended.

341.64
Transfer of vehicle ownership while registration is suspended.
(1)
No owner may transfer the ownership or registration of any vehicle whose registration is suspended under s. 341.63 (1) (c) until the registration is reinstated under s. 341.63 (2) or until the secretary is satisfied that such transfer is proposed in good faith and not for the purpose or with the effect of defeating the purposes of s. 341.63 (1) (c).
(2)
Any person violating this section may be required to forfeit not more than $200.
(3)
This section does not apply to or affect the registration of any vehicle sold by a person who, pursuant to the terms or conditions of any written instrument giving a right of repossession, has exercised such right and has repossessed such vehicle from a person whose registration has been suspended under s. 341.63 (1) (c).
History:  1981 c. 165.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.01 - Words and phrases defined.

342.01
Words and phrases defined.
(1)
Words and phrases defined in s. 340.01 are used in the same sense in this chapter unless a different definition is specifically provided.
(2)
In this chapter:
(ac)
“Automated format," with respect to any document, record, or other information, includes that document, record, or other information generated or maintained in an electronic or digital form or medium.
(ag)
“Deliver" includes electronic transmission.
(am)
“Leasing company" means any lessor who, within the preceding 12 months, has leased 5 or more vehicles for a period of at least 4 months.
(b)
“Mileage" means the actual distance that a vehicle has traveled in miles.
(c)
“Transfer" means to change ownership by purchase, gift or any other means.
History:  1993 a. 159; 1997 a. 27; 2009 a. 28.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.02 - Excepted liens and security interests.

342.02
Excepted liens and security interests.
This chapter does not apply to or affect:
(1)
A lien given by statute or rule of law to a supplier of services or materials for the vehicle.
(2)
A lien given by statute to the United States, this state or any political subdivision of this state.
(3)
A security interest in a vehicle created by a manufacturer or dealer who holds the vehicle for sale, which shall be governed by the applicable provisions of ch. 409.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.03 - Motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer leases.

342.03
Motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer leases.
Notwithstanding s. 401.201 (2) (t) or ch. 409, a transaction involving a motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer does not create a conditional sale or a security interest merely because it includes a provision that permits or requires the rental price to be adjusted under the agreement by reference to the amount realized upon the sale or other disposition of the motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer.
History:  1991 a. 148; 2009 a. 320.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.05 - When certificate of title required.

342.05
When certificate of title required.
(1)
The owner of a vehicle subject to registration in this state, whether or not such vehicle is operated on any highway of this state, shall make application for certificate of title for the vehicle under the following circumstances:
(a)
If the owner has newly acquired the vehicle, he or she shall make application under s. 342.15.
(b)
If the owner applies for registration of a vehicle without holding a valid certificate of title previously issued to that owner by the department for the vehicle, he or she shall at the same time apply for a certificate of title.
(2)
Except as provided in sub. (3), an applicant's eligibility for a certificate of title is a prerequisite to registration of the vehicle. If the applicant for registration holds a valid certificate of title previously issued to the applicant by the department for the vehicle, that is prima facie evidence of ownership of the vehicle and the applicant need not apply for a new certificate of title on application for registration.
(3)
This section does not apply in a situation where the law expressly authorizes registration of a vehicle in the name of a person other than the owner or where the law expressly authorizes registration without a certificate of title.
(4)
Any owner who operates or consents to the operation of a vehicle for which a certificate of title is required without such certificate having been issued or applied for or any other person who operates a vehicle for which a certificate of title is required, knowing that the certificate of title has not been issued or applied for, may be required to forfeit not more than $200. A certificate is considered to have been applied for when the application accompanied by the required fee has been delivered to the department or deposited in the mail properly addressed and with postage prepaid.
(5)
Unless otherwise authorized by rule of the department, a nonresident owner of a vehicle that is not subject to registration in this state may not apply for a certificate of title under this chapter unless the vehicle is subject to a security interest or except as provided in s. 342.16 (1) (a). Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a nonresident may purchase temporary operation plates under s. 341.09 (4). Any temporary operation permit or plate issued under s. 341.09 shall not be considered registration of the vehicle for purposes of this subsection.
History:  1971 c. 278; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 273; 1981 c. 150; 1987 a. 100 s. 3; 1993 a. 159.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.07 - Title for repaired salvage vehicle.

342.07
Title for repaired salvage vehicle.
(1)
Application for registration of and a new certificate of title for a repaired salvage vehicle must be accompanied by all of the following:
(a)
The required fees.
(b)
A properly assigned salvage certificate of title or a properly assigned certificate of title by a dealer under s. 342.16 (1) (a) for the vehicle.
(c)
Any other transfer document required by law.
(d)
The certificate of inspection under sub. (4).
(2)
A repaired salvage vehicle may not be registered or be issued a new certificate of title until an inspector authorized by the department examines it for the following, as specified in rules promulgated by the department:
(a)
To determine whether the vehicle is the same vehicle for which the title submitted under sub. (1) was issued;
(b)
To verify the source and ownership of the major parts and components used to recondition the vehicle; and
(c)
To determine whether the vehicle is in compliance with safety equipment requirements.
(3)
(a)
The applicant shall pay a fee of $80 to the department for the examination in sub. (2).
(b)
If the examination is conducted by an inspector employed by a city, village, town or county, 75 percent of the fee paid under par. (a) shall be credited to the appropriation under s. 20.395 (5) (ch) and the city, village, town or county employing the inspector shall be reimbursed this amount from that appropriation.
(4)
If the vehicle passes the examination in sub. (2), the inspector shall provide the applicant with an inspection certificate showing that the vehicle satisfies the inspection standards.
History:  1975 c. 385, 421; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1987 a. 349; 1993 a. 16, 437; 1999 a. 9.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.08 - Department to examine records.

342.08
Department to examine records.
The department shall check the application for a certificate of title against records of stolen vehicles:
(1)
Before issuing a certificate of title for a vehicle last previously registered in another jurisdiction.
(2)
Upon receipt of an application for a certificate of title showing a transfer of ownership of a vehicle.
History:  1973 c. 169; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1987 a. 349; 2003 a. 184.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.09 - When department to issue certificate and to whom; maintenance of records.

342.09
When department to issue certificate and to whom; maintenance of records.
(1)
(a)
The department shall maintain a record of each application for certificate of title received by it and, when satisfied as to its genuineness and regularity and that the applicant is entitled to the issuance of a certificate of title, shall issue and, except as provided in par. (b), deliver a certificate to the owner of the vehicle.
(b)
If there is a perfected security interest in a vehicle, the department shall deliver the certificate of title to the secured party having the primary perfected security interest in the vehicle.
(2)
The department shall maintain a record of all applications and all certificates of title issued by it:
(a)
According to title number.
(b)
According to engine or identification number.
(c)
Alphabetically, according to name of owner.
(d)
In any other manner which the department determines to be desirable.
(3)
The department shall charge a fee of not less than $2 for conducting a file search of vehicle title records.
(4)
(a)
The department may maintain any certificate of title or other information required to be maintained under this section in an automated format and may consider any record maintained in an automated format under this paragraph to be the original and controlling record, notwithstanding the existence of any printed version of the same record.
(b)
Records maintained by the department under this section are the official vehicle title records.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1979 c. 221; 1989 a. 31; 2009 a. 28; 2011 a. 32.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.11 - Grounds for refusing issuance of certificate of title.

342.11
Grounds for refusing issuance of certificate of title.
The department shall refuse issuance of a certificate of title if any required fee has not been paid or for any of the following reasons:
(1)
The department has reasonable grounds to believe that:
(a)
The person alleged to be the owner of the vehicle is not the owner.
(b)
The application contains a false or fraudulent statement.
(2)
The applicant has failed to furnish any of the following:
(a)
If applicable, the power of attorney required under 15 USC 1988 or rules of the department.
(b)
Unless exempted by rule of the department, the mileage disclosure from the most recent titled owner and of all subsequent nontitled owners of the vehicle.
(c)
Any other information or documents required by law or by the department pursuant to authority of law.
(3)
The applicant is a motor vehicle dealer and is prohibited from applying for a certificate of title under s. 342.16 (1) (a) or (c).
(4)
Except as provided in ss. 342.05 (5) and 342.16 (1) (a) for a certificate of title and registration for a vehicle owned by a nonresident, the applicant is a nonresident and the issuance of a certificate of title has not otherwise been authorized by rule of the department. Any temporary operation permit or plate issued under s. 341.09 shall not be considered registration of the vehicle for purposes of this subsection.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1993 a. 159.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.12 - Withholding certificate of title; bond.

342.12
Withholding certificate of title; bond.
(1)
No certificate of title shall be issued by the department until the outstanding evidence of ownership is surrendered to the department.
(2)
If the department is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or that there are no undisclosed security interests in it, the department, subject to sub. (3), shall withhold issuance of a certificate of title until the applicant presents documents reasonably sufficient to satisfy the department as to the applicant's ownership of the vehicle and that there are no undisclosed security interests in it.
(3)
Notwithstanding sub. (2), the department may issue a certificate of title if the applicant fulfills either of the following requirements:
(a)
The applicant is a dealer licensed under ss. 218.0101 to 218.0163 or 218.11 and is financially responsible as substantiated by the last financial statement on file with the licensor, a finance company licensed under ss. 138.09 or 218.0101 to 218.0163, a bank organized under the laws of this state, or a national bank located in this state; or
(b)
The applicant has filed with the department a bond in the form prescribed by the department and executed by the applicant, and either accompanied by the deposit of cash with the department or executed by a person authorized to conduct a surety business in this state. The bond shall be in an amount equal to one and one-half times the value of the vehicle as determined by the department and conditioned to indemnify any prior owner and secured party and any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle or person acquiring any security interest in it, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss or damage, including reasonable attorney fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title for the vehicle or on account of any defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Any such interested person has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons shall not exceed the amount of the bond. The bond, and any deposit accompanying it, shall be returned at the end of 5 years or prior thereto if, apart from this section, a certificate of title could then be issued for the vehicle, or if the vehicle is no longer registered in this state and the currently valid certificate of title is surrendered to the department, unless the department has been notified of the pendency of an action to recover on the bond.
History:  1973 c. 116 s. 6; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1991 a. 39, 277; 1993 a. 317, 490; 1997 a. 199, 237; 1999 a. 31, 109, 179, 185; 2003 a. 184; 2009 a. 100; 2011 a. 262.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.13 - Lost, stolen or mutilated certificates.

342.13
Lost, stolen or mutilated certificates.
(1)
If a certificate of title is lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, or becomes illegible, the owner or person in possession of the certificate, as shown by the records of the department, shall promptly make application for and may obtain a replacement upon furnishing information satisfactory to the department. The replacement certificate of title shall contain a notation, in a form determined by the department, identifying the certificate as a replacement certificate that may be subject to the rights of a person under the original certificate.
(3)
A person recovering an original certificate of title for which a replacement has been issued shall promptly surrender the original certificate to the department.
History:  1975 c. 297; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1991 a. 239; 1993 a. 475; 2003 a. 184; 2009 a. 100; 2011 a. 32.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.14 - Fees.

342.14
Fees.
The department shall be paid the following fees:
(1)
For filing an application for the first certificate of title, $157, by the owner of the vehicle.
(2)
For the original notation and subsequent release of each security interest noted upon a certificate of title, a single fee of $10, by the applicant.
(3)
For a certificate of title after a transfer, $157, by the owner of the vehicle, except that this fee shall be waived with respect to an application for transfer of a decedent's interest in a vehicle to his or her surviving spouse or domestic partner under ch. 770.
(3m)
Upon filing an application under sub. (1) or (3), a supplemental title fee of $7.50 by the owner of the vehicle, except that this fee shall be waived with respect to an application under sub. (3) for transfer of a decedent's interest in a vehicle to his or her surviving spouse or domestic partner under ch. 770. The fee specified under this subsection is in addition to any other fee specified in this section. This subsection does not apply to an application for a certificate of title for a low-speed vehicle.
(4)
For each assignment of a security interest noted upon a certificate of title, $1 by the assignee.
(5)
For a replacement certificate of title, $20, by the owner of the vehicle.
(7)
For processing applications for certificates of title which have a special handling request for fast service, a fee to be established by rule which shall approximate the cost to the department for providing this special handling service to persons so requesting.
(8)
For the reinstatement of a certificate of title previously suspended or revoked, $25, except that if the certificate of title and registration of a vehicle are suspended or revoked as a result of the same occurrence, payment of the fee under s. 341.36 (1) shall apply to the reinstatement of both the registration and certificate of title. The fee under this subsection is in addition to any other fee specified in this section.
History:  1975 c. 39, 297, 422; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1452, 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 418; 1979 c. 221; 1981 c. 20; 1983 a. 27; 1987 a. 110; 1989 a. 31, 137, 359; 1991 a. 309; 1993 a. 159; 1995 a. 27; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 9, 80; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 33; 2005 a. 25; 2007 a. 20, 33; 2009 a. 28, 311; 2011 a. 32; 2019 a. 9, 165.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 342 - Vehicle title and anti-theft law. › 342.155 - Mileage disclosure requirements of transferors and transferees.

342.155
Mileage disclosure requirements of transferors and transferees.
(1)
(a)
Unless exempted by rule of the department, no transferor may transfer ownership of a motor vehicle without disclosing the vehicle's mileage in writing to the transferee by specifying the odometer reading. The disclosure shall state either that the reading is known to be actual mileage, or that the reading is not the actual mileage and should not be relied upon, or that the reading reflects the mileage in excess of the designed mechanical limit.
(b)
The mileage disclosure statement required under par. (a) shall be made in the spaces provided on the certificate of title or on a form or in an automated format authorized by the department. The transferee shall print his or her name on the mileage disclosure statement, sign the statement and return a copy of the statement to the transferor. Except as authorized by rule of the department, no person may sign a mileage disclosure statement as both the transferor and transferee in the same transaction.
(c)
The department shall promulgate rules that do all of the following:
1.
Establish the form and manner of the mileage disclosure.
2.
Identify which vehicles are exempt from the mileage disclosure requirements under this subsection.
3.
Prescribe the mileage disclosure requirements applicable to leasing companies and their lessees.
4.
Establish requirements relating to the creation, retention and inspection of mileage disclosure records of persons who acquire or consign motor vehicles for resale or lease, including motor vehicle salvage pools and auction dealers.
5.
Establish the form content and format and procedures for any power of attorney disclosing a vehicle's mileage for purposes of this section.
6.
Identify and define terms relating to the mileage disclosure requirement.
(2)
No transferor may knowingly make a false statement, including providing an odometer reading that is different from the actual reading on the odometer, in disclosing the vehicle's mileage to a transferee under this section.
(3)
No transferee, nor any other person, may alter, erase or obliterate any information, including the mileage disclosure, contained on any mileage disclosure statement.
(4)
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), any person who violates this section may be required to forfeit not more than $1,000.
(b)
Any person who violates this section with intent to defraud is guilty of Class H felony.
History:  1993 a. 159; 1997 a. 27, 283; 2001 a. 109; 2017 a. 363.