Wisconsin VIN Lookup

If you want to purchase a used car in Wisconsin, you have the option of over 500 used car dealers. However, to ensure you do not end up with a lemon, it is important to conduct a VIN search. The VIN search provides information about the vehicle, such as odometer readings and accident history.

Also known as the Badger State, the state's biggest industries are agriculture and manufacturing. Most residents prefer using trucks to transport agricultural products and tow equipment in areas around these industries. However, most cities and urban towns have good road infrastructure, and potential buyers can find a wide array of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and hybrid cars.

A vehicle's VIN check provides details about its maintenance, accidents, and title histories. Such information can help buyers avoid purchasing a vehicle with serious concerns.

To check a vehicle's VIN in Wisconsin, residents can use the state's DOT or through the NMVTIS and NHTSA and lookup services. They can also use free and paid online services that offer VIN look-up. services.

VIN Verification

VIN verification is a process where certain authorities in a state inspect the vehicle to confirm that the VIN registered on documents such as the title aligns with the one on the vehicle. In most cases, it is required during registration of out-of-state vehicles.

In Wisconsin, authorities may require VIN verification for salvage or rebuilt titles, out-of-state vehicle registration, title transfer, or when law enforcement requests. VIN verification in Wisconsin is conducted by submitting a completed MV3623B form for VIN certification.

Wisconsin Car Ownership and Driving Information

Ownership Rate

93.4%

Registered Vehicles

2.4 per household

High Car Ownership Rate

Wisconsin has a high car ownership rate, with 93.4% of households having access to at least one vehicle. This brings the average number of vehicles per household to 2.4.

Miles Per Year

15,442

Average Annual Mileage

An average driver in Wisconsin records an annual average mileage of 15,442.

Popular Car

Honda Civic

Popular Car Makes in Wisconsin

The most popular vehicle in Wisconsin is the Honda Civic in 2021.

Crashes

128,830

Fatalities

595

Car Accidents

In 2022, there were 128,830 crashes reported in Wisconsin, resulting in 595 fatalities.

Fatalities

162

Speeding Related Crashes

In 2022, there were 17,895 speed-related crashes in Wisconsin. This resulted in 162 speed-related fatalities.

Crashes

6,230

Fatalities

155

Alcohol-Impaired Driving

Alcohol-impaired driving caused 6,230 crashes and 155 fatalities in 2022.

Crashes

1,821

Fatalities

64

Drug-Impaired Driving

In 2022, Wisconsin recorded 1,821 drug-related crashes, resulting in 64 fatalities.

Crashes

Teen Safety

In 2022, Wisconsin recorded 19,784 teen drivers involved in crashes in 2022.

Wisconsin DMV

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation oversees the state's motor vehicle-related services and issues. Some of the services individuals may access from the department include:

• Driver Licensing: Issuing and renewing driver's licenses, conducting written and road tests for new drivers, and managing commercial driver's licenses (CDL) issuance and renewals.
• Vehicle Registration: Registering and renewing vehicle registrations and issuing license plates and stickers.
• Vehicle Titling: Processing vehicle title transfers and providing information on lien releases and title searches.
• Identification Cards: Issuing and renewing state identification cards.
• Vehicle Inspections: Overseeing vehicle emissions testing in some areas.
• Online Services: Offering online services for certain transactions, such as license renewals and address changes.
• Driver Records: Providing driving records and transcripts.
• Specialty Plates: Offering a variety of specialty license plates for personalization or to support specific causes.
• Driver Improvement Program: Administering programs related to driver improvement and safety education.

Resources for Car Drivers/Owners

There are several federal law compliance and environmental quality resources available for car drivers and owners in Wisconsin. Notable mentions include:

• Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (or WDNR): The WDNR oversees air quality regulations in Wisconsin. The website provides information on vehicle emissions testing requirements and air quality programs.
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT): WisDOT is responsible for driver licensing and vehicle registration. The website offers information on compliance with federal and state regulations for drivers and vehicle owners.
• Wisconsin Vehicle Inspection Program(WIVIP): WIVIP is responsible for vehicle emission testing in specific areas of Wisconsin. The website provides information on testing requirements and locations.
• Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) - Office of Federal Compliance: The Office of Federal Compliance within the Wisconsin Department of Administration oversees compliance with federal regulations. It's a resource for businesses and individuals seeking information on federal requirements in Wisconsin.
• Wisconsin Dept of Safety and Professional Services (or DSPS): DSPS issues various permits related to transportation in Wisconsin. The website provides information on permits for oversized or overweight vehicles, among other transportation-related regulations.

Buying a Used Car in Wisconsin

Individuals who want to purchase a used car in Wisconsin should follow certain procedures to ensure that the purchase goes through smoothly. In addition, there are guidelines for transferring ownership. Key considerations include:

Wisconsin Lemon Laws

The Wisconsin Lemon Law does not recognize used vehicles as lemons. Instead, the law only applies to new or leased vehicles. Therefore, used car buyers must find ways to protect themselves from defective vehicles.

Title Transfer and Registration

After buying the vehicle, the seller should sign and date the title. In addition, they must fill in the vehicle odometer mileage statement on the title. The seller should also complete the brand disclosure area on the title if it is applicable.

Because the state Department of Revenue examines titles and investigates suspiciously low sale prices, the seller must also include the selling price on the title. Finally, the seller must remove the license plates from the vehicle. Buyers can use these documents and other information to transfer the vehicle registration and get new plates (or transfer old ones).

Conducting a VIN Check

Individuals should consider performing a VIN check to ensure the vehicle is fit for the road and free from performance concerns.

Sales Tax

The statewide sales tax for new and used cars in Wisconsin is 5%. In addition, individuals may have to pay a local tax depending on the area.

Reasons to Do a VIN Check in Wisconsin

Performing a VIN check in Wisconsin can provide valuable information. Here are reasons to conduct the VIN check:

• Verifying Vehicle Authenticity: A VIN check helps ensure the vehicle's authenticity by confirming that the VIN on official documents matches the vehicle's title. This can prevent issues related to VIN cloning or theft.
• Checking for Recalls: Using the VIN, you can check for any open recalls on the vehicle. This information is crucial for addressing potential safety issues and ensuring that any necessary recall repairs have been performed.
• Tracking Vehicle Maintenance Records: Some VIN check services provide access to maintenance records. This information can be beneficial when assessing the overall condition of a used vehicle and understanding its past servicing and repairs.
• Protecting Against Fraud: A VIN check helps protect against fraud by revealing if the vehicle has been reported as stolen or if there are any discrepancies in the title history. This is crucial for ensuring that the transaction is legitimate.
• Confirming Title Status: Verifying the title status through a VIN check ensures that the vehicle has a clear title and has not been salvaged or reconstructed. This is essential for understanding the vehicle's legal standing.

How to Lookup a VIN Number in Wisconsin

Potential buyers in Wisconsin can look up a vehicle's history using its VIN in a couple of ways. They include:

VIN Replacement in Wisconsin

Wisconsin does not have a documented procedure for replacing a damaged VIN. People who want to replace their vehicle's VINs should contact their nearest DOT office and ask for the proper procedures to follow.

It is important to note that the vehicle might undergo inspection to verify its VIN information. However, if an inspector suspects that the VIN has been modified or altered, the driver may face penalties or have their vehicle impounded.

New Vehicle Registration in Wisconsin

Wisconsin requires residents to register new cars within 60 days after purchasing them. The state's Department of Transportation is in charge of registering and renewing all vehicles.

If someone wants to register a new car in Wisconsin, they should bring the following information to the nearest DOT office:

• State-issued identification card, social security number, or driver's license.
• The original certificate of title, with both the buyer's and seller's signatures, or the complete Statement of Intent - Form MV2489
• An inspection certificate if the vehicle was bought out-of-state.
• A completed and signed MV1 Form.
• A lien release statement if the car's loan is cleared.
• A bill of sale.
• Proof of payment of sales tax.
• Payment of registration fees.

The state also requires vehicle owners to renew registration annually within 14 days after registration expires.

How to Transfer the VIN During a Sale in Wisconsin

Wisconsin residents should apply for a new Certificate of Title immediately after purchasing a vehicle. The state's DOT is responsible for conducting title transfers and changing vehicle ownership, including the VIN.

When a person buys a vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will submit the necessary title and registration paperwork to the DOT. However, if residents purchase a car in a private sale, the new owners should transfer the vehicle's title themselves.

A person can apply for a title transfer online or by physically going to the nearest DOT office. To transfer a vehicle's title, a person should have the following information:

• Proof of vehicle ownership, either as a certificate of title or court order.
• A state-issued driver's license or identification card.
• A lien release if the vehicle has a lien holder listed and the loan is paid off.
• An odometer disclosure statement or odometer readings at the back of the vehicle's title.
• A completed MV1 Form.
• A vehicle inspection certificate of any vehicle registered or titled out of state.
• A bill of sale.
• Proof of sales tax payment.
• Payment of title transfer fee.

What Would a Vehicle History Report Include in Wisconsin?

This report, generated using the VIN, encompasses details such as title information, odometer readings, accident history, salvage or total loss records, and any instances of flood damage. It may also reveal whether the vehicle has been involved in recalls and whether the necessary repairs have been conducted.

How Can I Find the VIN using a License Plate?

Individuals may use a license plate lookup service like vinlookup.com to find the VIN. The platform allows you to enter the license plate number of a vehicle and receive information about it, including the VIN.

Vehicle Inspections in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has emissions test requirements for any vehicle purchases within 45 days every other year before plate renewals, for new residents transferring to Wisconsin, and for certain vehicle models. Individuals may get emission testing at any of the approved inspection stations. Then, they may look up their emission test results online.

What Does the Vehicle Inspection Report Include in Wisconsin?

This report typically includes information on the vehicle's emissions levels, exhaust system functionality, tire conditions, brake performance, lighting systems, and other crucial safety components. Emission testing is a vital aspect of the inspection, helping to verify that the vehicle meets environmental standards. The report may also highlight any issues or deficiencies found during the inspection and recommendations for repairs or maintenance if necessary.