Wisconsin VIN Check

Vehicle History

A primary reason for performing a VIN check in Wisconsin is to obtain detailed vehicle history reports on vehicles before purchasing. More than 450 car dealers across Wisconsin advertise various makes and models of used vehicles to interested buyers. With the vehicle history report obtained from a VIN check, you verify if a vehicle's features and condition align with what is advertised and also confirm that it meets your requirements.

Title Verification

A vehicle's title is a crucial legal document that proves ownership - there are approximately 5.5 million light-duty vehicles titled, registered, and operational across Wisconsin. You can verify this title through a VIN check. Title verifications are essential when buying used cars; they ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the vehicle and also protect you from buying vehicles with outstanding liens, salvage titles, and other undisclosed issues that could complicate ownership.

Accident History

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, one crash occurs every four minutes; in 2021 alone, over 128,000 crashes were recorded across the state, representing a continued increase in reported crashes for nine consecutive years. A VIN check can provide details on a vehicle's accident history, such as the nature of the accidents, repairs and rebuilds done, and potential safety concerns arising from the incidents. This ultimately ensures that you avoid buying a vehicle that might require costly repairs.

Mileage Verification

Odometer tampering is a fraudulent act that not only costs Wisconsin residents millions of dollars but also disproportionately affects those who can least afford expensive repairs - the NHSTA estimates that there is a 3.5 percent chance that a car has had its odometer rolled back. You can protect yourself from odometer fraud by running a VIN check before purchasing a used car. This lets you access its reported odometer reading and the mileage recorded each time a title was issued, compare it with the mileage currently displayed, and identify any discrepancies. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation at (608) 266-1425 to report matters involving odometer tampering.

Recalls and Safety Standards

Over 4.2 million vehicles nationwide require recall repairs. Reports generated from VIN checks typically include a section that covers NHTSA recalls, crash test ratings, and safety, security, and performance issues. Access to this information ensures that buyers are fully aware of any defects with the car and can take necessary steps to address these issues before finalizing the purchase.

Theft Check

A vehicle is stolen every 39 seconds in the US, equaling approximately a million vehicles stolen nationwide each year. Conducting a VIN check is essential due diligence for individuals buying used vehicles, as it helps them determine if the car they are interested in has been reported stolen (but not recovered) or flagged as salvaged. Making a purchase without taking this step can lead to legal and financial issues, such as having the car confiscated and returned to its original owner or possibly facing criminal charges for knowingly purchasing a stolen vehicle.

Disaster-related Damages

Wisconsin experiences natural and man-made disasters such as flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, and intense and frequent heavy rains, which result in flooding and failing dams – there have been 10 FEMA disaster declarations in the state over the past decade. VIN checks can reveal whether a vehicle has sustained flood damage or other hidden issues caused by these events.

The Title Transfer Process

To transfer a title in Wisconsin, the vehicle seller must sign and date the title in the designated area for the selling owner(s). All owners must sign if names are separated by "and"; any owner can sign if separated by "or." The seller must also fill out all the requested information on this designated area (at the back of the title), like the odometer mileage statement, the vehicle’s selling price, the brand disclosure, and the buyer's name and address, then have the buyer sign the title as well. Once this is done, the buyer must submit the original, properly signed title to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation within two business days (after the purchase) and apply to get the vehicle titled and registered in their name. The seller must also submit a Seller Notification to the department within 30 days of the sale.

Wisconsin Insurance and Registration Requirements

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not typically require vehicle owners to show proof of insurance when registering their vehicles. However, they must show proof of liability coverage of at least $10,000 for property damage and $25,000 for the injury or death of one person, or $50,000 for more than one person at traffic stops or accidents if requested by law enforcement.

Vehicles purchased through private sales, received as gifts, and out-of-state vehicles must be registered within two days - Wisconsin dealers typically submit vehicle registration paperwork for their customers. Registration can be done online or in person at a DMV Service Center or through a DMV title/registration service agent. You will typically need the following documents to register your vehicle in Wisconsin:

• The vehicle’s title
• A valid ID
• A completed Title/License Plate (MV1) Application. An online version of this form can also be pre-filled and used to calculate the required fees. Note that an additional $5 counter fee is usually charged for in-person registrations.

Wisconsin Titling Requirements and Sales Tax

In Wisconsin, dealerships generally handle the titling and registration paperwork on behalf of their customers. For vehicles gotten outside a dealership, you will need the properly assigned title, a completed Title/License Plate (MV1) Application, a valid ID, a titling fee of $164.50, and other applicable registration fees. Note that additional documents may be required depending on your specific situation.

Be aware that Wisconsin imposes a sales tax on motor vehicle purchases, sales, and titling. The state also offers exemptions to this tax for several reasons; however, none of these reasons are specifically for active-duty military members or veterans. Nonetheless, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation offers modified licensing and registration procedures for resident service members on active duty outside the state. These include special license plates and commercial driver's license waivers.

Wisconsin-Assigned VINs

VINs are unique identifiers that auto manufacturers assign to vehicles during production. However, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation also issues a Wisconsin-assigned VIN for homemade vehicles. These are:

• Motor vehicles built from new or used parts, using a body and frame that doesn't come from or resemble any existing vehicle
• Motorcycles that are copies of an original from another manufacturer, made with a reproduction body combined with a new, used, or replica frame and drive train.

These state-assigned VINs serve the same purpose as the manufacturer-assigned VINs for other vehicles; as such, they can be used to identify the homemade vehicle for official and records purposes.