If you have a damaged, stolen or lost car registration in Wisconsin, be mindful that you will be required to apply for a replacement credential. Overall, your vehicle registration certificate is a very important document, as it is the legal proof that your car is up-to-date with its auto insurance policy and tax payments. Consequently, you may need to present a copy of a vehicle registration in case you are stopped by local law enforcement. Without a valid registration on hand, you could be subject to traffic penalties and fines.

To properly replace a car registration in Wisconsin, you need to file a request through the state Department of Transportation (DOT). In general, the DOT offers various methods for you to apply for a duplicate credential. To learn more about these procedures and their requirements, read the following sections.

When do you need to get a copy of your vehicle registration in Wisconsin?

If you have a WI DMV lost registration, you must request a replacement credential. Moreover, you will need to obtain a duplicate document if your registration is damaged, destroyed or stolen. Otherwise, requesting a DMV copy of registration in Wisconsin can be useful for:

  • Moving out of WI and needing to re-register your vehicle in a new state.
  • Proving that your car is legally covered by insurance and up-to-date with property taxes in a court of law.
  • Selling your vehicle without needing to deal with complicated paperwork for unregistered vehicles.

How to Obtain a Replacement Vehicle Registration in Wisconsin

Getting a replacement vehicle registration in Wisconsin is something that any driver in the state can do, even if nothing has happened to the original copy. However, be mindful that you will need to pay close attention to the DOT’s specific instructions for filing this request, as your responsibilities could be different depending on the method that you choose and the type of registration that you have. In general, your WI vehicle registration replacement application will require at least the following:

  • Your basic information, including your name, address, date of birth, last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN), phone number and email address.
  • Your vehicle information, including its model year, make, body type and vehicle identification number (VIN).
  • Your drivers license number and license plate number.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration Online

You can get a copy of a vehicle registration online through the WI DOT online portal. This will allow you to input all of the information listed in the previous sections, as well as your credit card information for payment. Additionally, if you are only getting your registration certificate without the need for a new sticker, you will be required to print your new document from your own home. This could allow you to have your duplicate credential on the same day that you apply.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration by Mail

You can also get a DMV duplicate registration in Wisconsin through the mail. By mailing copies of all of the required documents and a check or money order for payment to the DOT, you will be able to get your new document in the mail within 30 days. To do so, you must mail your completed form to:

Wisconsin Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 7911
Madison, WI 53707

Wisconsin Stolen Car Registration Requirements

Having a stolen car registration in Wisconsin may subject you to identity fraud. Your vehicle registration not only has information on your vehicle’s insurance and taxes, but also details about yourself. In order to protect your online accounts and finances, you should contact local law enforcement if your registration has gone missing and you suspect that it was stolen.

Wisconsin DMV Sticker Replacement

You can obtain a Wisconsin DMV sticker replacement for no additional cost, as it comes along with your registration certificate copy. In general, this decal must be attached to your vehicle’s windshield or license plate, as it serves as an outward sign of your registration status for law enforcement officers in the state.

Wisconsin Vehicle Registration Replacement Fees

A replacement for your lost car registration papers in Wisconsin comes with a cost, which must be paid for your DOT application to be processed. Overall, the duplicate registration fee is $2. If you are paying online with a credit card, convenience fees may also apply. Moreover, if you are uninsured, you may get a registration card for $50.

In any case, once you get a copy of a car registration in WI, that new document will act as your official registration.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.