Deal with a vehicle in Wisconsin

You need to continue regular car payments, maintain vehicle registration, and then transfer the car's ownership. You cannot drive the car unless you have proper registration, and penalties will be charged if this is not done on time.

Transfer a Vehicle to a Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner

If the deceased had sole ownership of the vehicle (only the deceased’s name was listed on the title), the surviving spouse or domestic partner can transfer ownership of up to five vehicles to their name. The survivor can either title the vehicle to their name or sign the back of the title in order to sell the vehicle. The following must be submitted by mail (address listed at the bottom of this document) or at a DMV Customer Service Center:

  • Statement of Transfer of Vehicles to a Surviving Spouse, Domestic Partner or Heir (Form MV2300)

  • Certificate of Title

  • Wisconsin Title and License Plate Form (Form MV1)

  • If the deceased owner was a Wisconsin resident and died in Wisconsin, then a death certificate is not required. Otherwise, the survivor must submit a death certificate

  • There is no title fee associated with this transaction

If the deceased solely owned more than five vehicles that are less than 20 years old, the remaining vehicles must be disposed through an administrator of the estate, an executor of the estate, or a court order.

If the vehicle was under joint ownership with a spouse or domestic partner and the vehicle title includes the word “or” between the spouses or partners, the surviving owner should sign as the seller. If the vehicle was under joint ownership with a spouse or domestic partner and the vehicle title includes the word “and” between the spouses or partners, the deceased’s legal representative must sign the title as the seller. To remove the deceased’s name from the title and receive a new title, the survivor must submit a completed Statement of Transfer of Vehicles to a Surviving Spouse, Domestic Partner or Heir (Form MV2300) and the Certificate of title.

Transfer a Vehicle to a Surviving Heir

An heir or heirs may transfer vehicle titles when the descendent leaves solely owned property not exceeding $50,000 in value. To transfer the title, the heir must submit the following by mail (address listed at the bottom of this document) or at a DMV Customer Service Center:

  • Statement of Transfer of Vehicles to a Surviving Spouse, Domestic Partner or Heir (Form MV2300)

  • Certificate of Title

  • Wisconsin Title and License Plate Form (Form MV1)

  • If the deceased owner was a Wisconsin resident and died in Wisconsin, then a death certificate is not required. Otherwise, the survivor must submit a death certificate

  • A $164.50 transfer fee for each title transfer

If the solely owned property exceeds $50,000 in value, the vehicle(s) must be transferred through the submission of the following:

  • A copy of the personal representative papers

  • Certificate of Title

  • Wisconsin Title and License Plate Form (Form MV1)

  • If the deceased owner was a Wisconsin resident and died in Wisconsin, then a death certificate is not required. Otherwise, the survivor must submit a death certificate.

  • A $164.50 transfer fee for each title transfer

Department of Transportation Mailing Address:

WI Dept of Transportation

PO Box 7949

Madison WI 53707-7949

If you need assistance with the driver’s license, license plates, or disabled person placards of the deceased, please click here.