Selling your vehicle in Wisconsin doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you live in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, or a smaller town like La Crosse or Eau Claire, this guide walks you through exactly how to sell your car legally, safely, and efficiently.
Sell a Car in Wisconsin – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
To sell your car in Wisconsin, you’ll need the following:
- Wisconsin Certificate of Title: Must be in your name and filled out correctly. All listed owners must sign the title.
- Valid ID: A Wisconsin driver’s license or other government-issued ID is required during the transaction.
- Odometer Disclosure: This is required for vehicles less than 10 years old. It can be completed directly on the title or on a separate form.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): While not required, it’s smart to create a bill of sale to document the terms of the sale.
- Lien Release (if applicable): If the car had a loan, you’ll need to provide documentation showing the lien has been satisfied.
Wisconsin DMV Forms You May Need
Here are common forms you may use in a private sale:
- Form MV2928 – Wisconsin Odometer Disclosure Statement (if not completed on the title)
- Form MV1 – Title/License Plate Application (used by the buyer)
- Form MV2118 – Replacement Title Application (if the seller has lost the title)
You can find these forms and other info on the Wisconsin DMV website.
Sell Your Car in Wisconsin — Fast & Easy
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
Get your car’s true value
trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
Want to make a great impression? Clean the car, check the tires, and fix minor issues. But if your car isn’t in perfect shape, no problem.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we’ll buy your car as-is. No cleaning, no repairs. Just a fast, no-pressure offer from a trusted team.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Know your car’s market value before you sell:
- Use Our Free Online Appraisal Tool: Get a no-obligation offer in less than 2 minutes.
- Check KBB or Edmunds: These sites help you estimate resale value based on condition, location, and mileage.
- Look at Listings: Compare pricing for similar vehicles in cities like Kenosha, Appleton, Racine, and Wausau.
Understanding the local market helps you price competitively, or know a great offer when you see one.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
You have several ways to sell your car in Wisconsin:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest Option): We give you a real offer and handle the title and paperwork. No hassle, no games.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: A decent option if you’re buying another car, but don’t expect top dollar.
- Private Sale: You’ll need to list the car, communicate with buyers, and complete all DMV paperwork yourself. It can take time and carries some risk.
Selling to Ken Ganley Buying Center is the fastest and most stress-free option.
Step 5: Get Paid
Private sales can be risky, with bounced checks, shady apps, or sketchy meetups. That’s why we offer secure, same-day payment when you sell to us.
We handle the transaction professionally, quickly giving you peace of mind and real money.
What Affects Car Values in Wisconsin? Local Market Insights to Know
Here’s how local trends may influence your vehicle’s value:
- AWD and 4WD vehicles are in high demand due to harsh winter weather, especially in the north.
- Fuel-efficient sedans and hybrids are more desirable in cities like Madison and Milwaukee.
- Trucks and vans tend to perform well in rural areas and among small business owners.
- Demand for full-size pickups and SUVs is consistently strong statewide; market data shows that in Wisconsin, pickups make up over 21% of all registered vehicles and nearly a quarter of new cars sold
Timing also matters; buyers tend to shop more actively in spring and early summer.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Wisconsin?
Ken Ganley Buying Center is here to make the process smooth and straightforward. No listings. No guesswork. Just a real offer and same-day payment.
Get started with a free online appraisal or call 330-427-3656 today.
We’ll help you sell your car anywhere in Wisconsin, stress-free.
Need help selling your car in Wisconsin? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title in Wisconsin?
No. The title does not need to be notarized, but it must be signed correctly by both the buyer and seller.
Do I keep my plates after selling a car?
Yes. Plates stay with the seller. You can transfer them to another vehicle or return them to the DMV.
Can I sell a car without the title?
No. You’ll need to apply for a replacement title using Form MV2118 before completing the sale.
Is a bill of sale required in Wisconsin?
It’s not required by law, but highly recommended to document the transaction.
Who pays the sales tax when a car is sold?
The buyer is responsible for paying the sales tax at the time of registration.