Chapter 342

342.15(7) (7) Any owner of a vehicle currently registered in this state who fails to comply with the requirements of sub. (4) may be required to forfeit not more than $200.

342.15 History History: 1971 c. 278; 1975 c. 121, 199; 1977 c. 29 ss. 1453, 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 79, 129, 203, 418, 447; 1983 a. 126, 227, 270, 538; 1985 a. 29, 202, 332; 1987 a. 349; 1993 a. 63, 159; 1995 a. 421; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 9, 80; 2011 a. 32; 2021 a. 154.

342.155 342.155 Mileage disclosure requirements of transferors and transferees.

342.155(1) (1) 

342.155(1)(a) (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.

342.155(1)(b) (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.

342.155(1)(c) (c) The department shall promulgate rules that do all of the following:

342.155(1)(c)1. 1. Establish the form and manner of the mileage disclosure.

342.155(1)(c)2. 2. Identify which vehicles are exempt from the mileage disclosure requirements under this subsection.

342.155(1)(c)3. 3. Prescribe the mileage disclosure requirements applicable to leasing companies and their lessees.

342.155(1)(c)4. 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.

342.155(1)(c)5. 5. Establish the form content and format and procedures for any power of attorney disclosing a vehicle’s mileage for purposes of this section.

342.155(1)(c)6. 6. Identify and define terms relating to the mileage disclosure requirement.

342.155(2) (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.

342.155(3) (3) No transferee, nor any other person, may alter, erase or obliterate any information, including the mileage disclosure, contained on any mileage disclosure statement.

342.155(4) (4) 

342.155(4)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), any person who violates this section may be required to forfeit not more than $1,000.

342.155(4)(b) (b) Any person who violates this section with intent to defraud is guilty of Class H felony.

342.155 History History: 1993 a. 159; 1997 a. 27, 283; 2001 a. 109; 2017 a. 363.

342.155 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 154, Wis. adm. code.

342.156 342.156 Transfers of leased motor vehicles.

342.156(1) (1) Prior to transferring ownership of any leased motor vehicle, the lessor shall notify in writing the lessee of the vehicle that the lessee is required to provide the lessor with a written disclosure specifying the leased vehicle’s mileage. The written notification shall include the mileage disclosure requirements applicable to the lessee under 49 CFR 580.7 and rules of the department and the penalties for failure to comply with those requirements.

342.156(2) (2) Upon termination of the lease after written notification from the lessor under sub. (1), the lessee shall disclose the vehicle’s mileage in writing to the lessor. The mileage disclosure record under this section shall be signed by the lessee and include the information required under sub. (1) and rules of the department.

342.156(3) (3) The lessor shall retain and make available for inspection any mileage disclosure record required to be made by a lessee with respect to a leased motor vehicle.

342.156(4) (4) If a lessor transfers ownership of a leased motor vehicle without obtaining possession of the vehicle from the lessee, the lessor may, in making the mileage disclosure statement required under s. 342.155, indicate on the certificate of title or on a supplemental mileage disclosure statement approved by the department, the mileage disclosed by the lessee under this section unless the lessor has reason to believe that the lessee’s mileage disclosure does not reflect the actual mileage of the vehicle.

342.156(5) (5) The department shall promulgate rules to do all of the following:

342.156(5)(a) (a) Specify the information to be included in the lessee’s mileage disclosure to the lessor.

342.156(5)(b) (b) Establish the manner in which and the period of time for which mileage disclosure records under this section shall be retained and made available for inspection.

342.156(6) (6) 

342.156(6)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), any person who violates this section may be required to forfeit not more than $1,000.

342.156(6)(b) (b) Any person who violates this section with intent to defraud is guilty of a Class H felony.

342.156 History History: 1993 a. 159; 1997 a. 283; 2001 a. 109.

342.157 342.157 Motor vehicle salvage pools and auction companies to maintain records. For each motor vehicle sold by a motor vehicle salvage pool or auction company, the motor vehicle salvage pool or auction company shall establish and maintain a record of each sale, including the mileage disclosure of the transferor under s. 342.155. The department shall specify by rule the information that shall be included in such records and the manner in which and the period of time for which the records shall be maintained.

342.157 History History: 1993 a. 159.

342.16 342.16 Transfer to or from dealer.

342.16(1) (1) 

342.16(1)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (c), if a dealer acquires a new or used vehicle that is not a salvage vehicle and holds it for resale, or acquires a salvage vehicle that is currently titled as a salvage vehicle and holds it for resale or accepts a vehicle for sale on consignment, the dealer may not submit to the department the certificate of title or application for certificate of title naming the dealer as owner of the vehicle. Upon transferring the vehicle to another person, the dealer shall immediately give the transferee on a form prescribed by the department a receipt for all title, registration, security interest and sales tax moneys paid to the dealer for transmittal to the department when required. The dealer shall promptly execute the assignment and warranty of title, showing the name and address of the transferee and of any secured party holding a security interest created or reserved at the time of the resale or sale on consignment, in the spaces provided therefor on the certificate or as the department prescribes. Within 7 business days following the sale or transfer, the dealer shall process the application for certificate of title, and within the next business day after processing the application, the dealer shall mail or deliver the original application for certificate and all associated materials required by the department to the department. A nonresident who purchases a motor vehicle from a dealer in this state may not, unless otherwise authorized by rule of the department, apply for a certificate of title issued for the vehicle in this state unless the dealer determines that a title is necessary to protect the interests of a secured party. The dealer is responsible for determining whether a title and perfection of security interest is required. The dealer is liable for any damages incurred by the department or any secured party for the dealer’s failure to perfect a security interest which the dealer had knowledge of at the time of sale.

342.16(1)(am) (am)

342.16(1)(am)1. 1. Except as provided in subd. 2., a motor vehicle dealer, as defined in s. 218.0101 (23), who processes an application for transfer of title and registration as provided in par. (a) shall utilize an electronic process prescribed by the department under this paragraph or provided for under ss. 341.20 and 341.21.

342.16(1)(am)2. 2. The department may, by rule, exempt a motor vehicle dealer from the requirements of this paragraph. A motor vehicle dealer who is exempted shall pay a fee to the department to process applications for transfer of title and registration that are submitted to the department by the exempted dealer.

342.16(1)(am)3. 3. The department shall promulgate rules to implement and administer this paragraph.

342.16 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Trans 141, Wis. adm. code.

342.16(1)(b) (b) A dealer who assists a transferee in the registration of a vehicle as provided in par. (a) and s. 341.25 (3) shall not be liable for damages caused by operation of the vehicle at a weight in excess of the manufacturer’s maximum gross weight rating.

342.16(1)(c) (c) Except when all available spaces for a dealer’s or wholesaler’s reassignment on a certificate of title have been completed or as otherwise authorized by rules of the department, a dealer or wholesaler who acquires a new or used vehicle that is not a salvage vehicle and holds it for resale, or acquires a salvage vehicle that is currently titled as a salvage vehicle and holds it for resale or accepts a vehicle for sale on consignment may not apply for a certificate of title naming the dealer or wholesaler as owner of the vehicle. The rules may regulate the frequency of application by a dealer or wholesaler for transfer of registration or credits for registration from a previously registered vehicle to another vehicle that the dealer or wholesaler intends to register in his or her own name.

342.16(1)(d) (d) Unless exempted by rule of the department, a dealer or wholesaler who acquires a new or used vehicle that is not a salvage vehicle and holds it for resale or acquires a salvage vehicle currently titled as a salvage vehicle and holds it for resale shall make application for a certificate of title naming the dealer or wholesaler as owner of the vehicle when all of the available spaces for a dealer’s or wholesaler’s reassignment on the certificate of title for such vehicle have been completed.

342.16(1g) (1g) No transferee who, for the purpose of resale, accepts a motor vehicle on consignment or acquires ownership of a motor vehicle may accept any mileage disclosure required under s. 342.155 or rules of the department if the mileage disclosure has been altered or is incomplete.

342.16(1r) (1r) No motor vehicle dealer or motor vehicle salesperson may transfer a motor vehicle without disclosing in writing to the transferee whether any of the information specified in s. 342.10 (3) is applicable to the vehicle. No motor vehicle dealer or motor vehicle salesperson may knowingly give a false statement to a transferee in making the disclosure. The department shall prescribe the manner in which the written disclosure shall be made and retained.

342.16(2) (2) Every dealer shall maintain for 5 years a record in the form the department prescribes of every vehicle bought, sold or exchanged, or received for sale or exchange, which shall be open to inspection by a representative of the department or a peace officer during reasonable business hours.

342.16(3) (3) Except as provided in sub. (4), any dealer who fails to comply with this section may be required to forfeit not more than $200.

342.16(4) (4) 

342.16(4)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), any dealer who violates sub. (1r) may be required to forfeit not more than $1,000.

342.16(4)(b) (b) Any dealer who violates sub. (1r) with intent to defraud may be fined not more than $5,000.

342.16 History History: 1973 c. 218; 1975 c. 121, 286, 351, 421; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 273, 418; 1981 c. 150, 151, 391; 1985 a. 29, 202, 332; 1987 a. 100, 349; 1989 a. 31; 1991 a. 239; 1993 a. 63, 159; 1999 a. 9; 2005 a. 25; 2009 a. 180.

342.17 342.17 Involuntary transfers.

342.17(1) (1) If the interest of an owner in a vehicle passes to another other than by voluntary transfer, the transferee shall, except as provided in sub. (2), promptly mail or deliver to the department the last certificate of title, if available, and the documents required by the department to legally effect such transfer, and an application for a new certificate in the form the department prescribes.

342.17(2) (2) If the interest of the owner is terminated or the vehicle is sold under a security agreement by a secured party named in the certificate of title, the transferee shall promptly mail or deliver to the department the last certificate of title, an application for a new certificate in the form the department prescribes, and a statement made by or on behalf of the secured party that the vehicle was repossessed and that the interest of the owner was lawfully terminated or sold pursuant to the terms of the security agreement.

342.17(3) (3) A person holding a certificate of title whose interest in the vehicle has been extinguished or transferred other than by voluntary transfer shall mail or deliver the certificate to the department upon request of the department. The delivery of the certificate pursuant to the request of the department does not affect the rights of the person surrendering the certificate, and the action of the department in issuing a new certificate of title as provided herein is not conclusive upon the rights of an owner or secured party named in the old certificate.

342.17(4) (4) 

342.17(4)(a) (a) In all cases of the transfer of a vehicle owned by a decedent, except under par. (b), ward, trustee or bankrupt, the department shall accept as sufficient evidence of the transfer of ownership the following:

342.17(4)(a)1. 1. Evidence satisfactory to the department of the appointment of a trustee in bankruptcy, of a certification of trust under s. 701.1013 or the appointment of a testamentary trustee, or of the issuance of domiciliary letters or other letters authorizing the administration of a decedent’s estate, guardianship, conservatorship, special administration, or trust;

342.17(4)(a)2. 2. The title executed by the personal representative, guardian, or trustee; and

342.17(4)(a)3. 3. The evidence concerning payment of sales or use taxes required by s. 77.61 (1) or evidence that the transfer is exempt from such taxes.

342.17(4)(b) (b)

342.17(4)(b)1. 1. The department shall transfer the decedent’s interest in any vehicle to his or her surviving spouse or domestic partner under ch. 770 upon receipt of the title executed by the surviving spouse or domestic partner and a statement by the spouse or domestic partner which shall state:

342.17(4)(b)1.a. a. The date of death of the decedent;

342.17(4)(b)1.b. b. The approximate value and description of the vehicle; and

342.17(4)(b)1.c. c. That the spouse or domestic partner is personally liable for the decedent’s debts and charges to the extent of the value of the vehicle, subject to s. 859.25.

342.17(4)(b)2. 2. The transfer shall not affect any liens upon the vehicle.

342.17(4)(b)3. 3. Except as provided in subd. 4., this paragraph is limited to no more than 5 vehicles titled in this state that are less than 20 years old at the time of the transfer under this paragraph. There is no limit on transfer under this paragraph of vehicles titled in this state that are 20 or more years old at the time of transfer under this paragraph.

342.17(4)(b)4. 4. The limit in subd. 3. does not apply if the surviving spouse or domestic partner is proceeding under s. 867.03 (1g) and the total value of the decedent’s property subject to administration in the state, including the vehicles transferred under this paragraph, does not exceed $50,000.

342.17(4)(c) (c) Upon compliance with this subsection neither the secretary nor the department shall bear any liability or responsibility for the transfer of such vehicles in accordance with this section.

342.17(4)(d) (d) This subsection does not apply to transfer of interest in a vehicle under s. 342.15 (1) (d).

342.17 History History: 1971 c. 164 s. 82; 1973 c. 40, 243; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a), (c); 1977 c. 273; 1985 a. 141; 1991 a. 125, 239; 1995 a. 338, 421; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 94; 2001 a. 102; 2005 a. 216; 2009 a. 28; 2023 a. 127; s. 35.17 correction in (4) (a) 1.

342.18 342.18 When department to issue a new certificate.

342.18(1) (1) The department, upon receipt of a properly assigned certificate of title, with an application for a new certificate of title, the required fee and any other transfer documents required by law, to support the transfer, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner.

342.18(2) (2) The department, upon receipt of an application for a new certificate of title by a transferee other than by voluntary transfer, with proof of the transfer, the required fee and any other documents required by law, shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner. If the transfer constituted a termination of the owner’s interest or a sale under a security agreement by a secured party named in the certificate, under s. 342.17 (2), the new certificate shall be issued free of the names and addresses of the secured party who terminated the owner’s interest and of all secured parties subordinate under s. 342.19 to such secured party. If the outstanding certificate of title is not delivered to it, the department shall make demand therefor from the holder of such certificate.

342.18(3) (3) The department shall retain for 5 years a record of every surrendered certificate of title, the record to be maintained so as to permit the tracing of title of the vehicle designated therein.

342.18(4) (4) Under each of the following circumstances only, the department shall issue a certificate of title for a transferred vehicle without requiring registration of the vehicle:

342.18(4)(a) (a) Whenever application therefor accompanied by the required fee is made by 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, and the vehicle in question is a used vehicle for which the department had issued a certificate of title to the previous owner or a vehicle previously registered in another jurisdiction or is a recreational vehicle.

342.18(4)(b) (b) Whenever application therefor accompanied by the required fee is made by any other person and the vehicle in question is a vehicle for which the department had issued a certificate of title to the previous owner or is a vehicle previously registered in another jurisdiction or is a recreational vehicle and the department is satisfied that the present owner has not operated or consented to the operation of the vehicle since it was transferred to that owner and that he or she understands that the certificate of title merely is evidence of ownership of the vehicle and does not authorize operation of the vehicle on the highways of this state.

342.18(4)(c) (c) Whenever application therefor accompanied by the required fee is made by a dealer or wholesaler to comply with the requirements of s. 342.16 (1) (d).

342.18 History History: 1973 c. 116 s. 6; 1977 c. 29 s. 1654 (7) (a); 1977 c. 273; 1989 a. 31; 1993 a. 159; 1999 a. 9, 31, 186.

342.19 342.19 Perfection of security interests.

342.19(1) (1) Unless excepted by s. 342.02, a security interest in a vehicle of a type for which a certificate of title is required is not valid against creditors of the owner or subsequent transferees or secured parties of the vehicle unless perfected as provided in this chapter.

342.19(2) (2) 

342.19(2)(a) (a) Except as provided in sub. (2m), a security interest is perfected in one of the following ways:

342.19(2)(a)1. 1. If the secured party is an individual or a person exempted by rule under s. 342.245 (3), by the delivery to the department of the existing certificate of title, if any, an application for a certificate of title containing the name and address of the secured party, and the required fee.

342.19(2)(a)2. 2. Except as provided in s. 342.245 (3), if the secured party is not an individual, by the filing of a security interest statement containing the name and address of the secured party, and payment of the required fee, in the manner specified in s. 342.245 (1).

342.19(2)(b) (b) A security interest is perfected as of the later of the following: