Transferring Boat Ownership: Wisconsin's Guide To Title Transfer

If you're looking to transfer boat ownership in Wisconsin, there are a few key steps you need to take. The process involves registering your boat and obtaining a certificate of title, and it's important to understand the specific requirements and exemptions for your vessel. Wisconsin requires registration for most boats, including all motorized boats and sailboats over a certain length. The registration process can be completed online, in person, or by mail, and you'll need to provide various documents proving ownership. The cost of registration and titling depends on the length and type of your boat. So, whether you're planning to explore Wisconsin's 15,000 lakes or its larger lakes like Superior and Michigan, make sure you follow these steps to ensure a smooth transfer of your boat's title.

Requirements for registration and titling

The requirements for registering and titling your boat in Wisconsin depend on the type of boat you own and where you purchased it. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for processing all boat title and registration applications.

Registration

In Wisconsin, you must register the following boats:

• All motorized vessels, including electric trolling motors
• Sailboats greater than 12 feet in length

The following boats are exempt from registration:

• Non-motorized boats (non-sailboats)
• Non-motorized sailboats 12 feet or less in length
• Boats registered in another state and using Wisconsin waters for less than 60 consecutive days
• Boats operated under the authority of a temporary operating receipt, no greater than 60 days from the date of application and payment
• Boats from a country other than the United States temporarily using the waters of the state
• A military or public boat of the United States, except recreational-type public vessels
• A boat whose owner is a state or subdivision of a state, which is used principally for governmental purposes, and which is clearly identifiable
• A ship's lifeboat
• Boats present in this state, for a period of not more than 10 days, for the express purpose of competing in a race conducted under a permit from a municipality or an authorized agency of the US government

Titling

In Wisconsin, all boats 16 feet in length or greater are required to be titled. The following boats are exempt from titling requirements:

• Boats under 16 feet
• Boats voluntarily registered
• Boats purchased by non-residents who intend to register the boat in another state
• Boats exempt from registration requirements

Fees

The fees to register and title your boat in Wisconsin depend on the length and type of your boat. Here are the initial and renewal registration fees:

• Motorized boats measuring less than 16 feet: $22
• Motorized boats measuring between 16 and 26 feet: $32
• Motorized boats measuring between 26 and 40 feet: $60
• Motorized boats measuring 40 feet or more: $100
• Non-motorized sailboats between 12 and 16 feet in length: $17

The fee for a boat title in Wisconsin is $5.

How to register a new boat

Registering a new boat in Wisconsin is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the registration process:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before initiating the registration process, ensure you have all the necessary documents for boat registration and titling. This includes the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) for new boats or boats that have never been registered. If you built the boat yourself, you will need to submit copies of the materials/supplies receipt.

Step 2: Complete the Application

You will need to fill out the Boat Registration and Titling Application (Form 9400-193). This can be done online or by mail. Ensure that all fields on the application are completed accurately and provide all the required information, including your name, address, date of birth, and one of the following identifiers: DNR Customer ID number, Social Security Number, or Driver's License number. The application must also include the boat's model name and model year.

Step 3: Provide Previous Registration Information (if applicable)

If the boat was previously registered in Wisconsin or another state, you will need to provide the previous owner's certificate of registration along with your application. For boats previously registered in Wisconsin, you will also need the original Certificate of Title signed by the seller. For boats registered in another state, you will need either the original signed Certificate of Title or a registration card, depending on the state's requirements.

Step 4: Include Additional Documentation (if applicable)

If there are outstanding liens on the boat, you must include a lien release from the lien holder to transfer ownership. This document should identify the lien holder, the boat owner, and the boat by hull ID number or Wisconsin registration number.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

You can submit your registration application online through your GoWILD customer account at GoWild.WI.Gov. After submitting your application, you will have the option to print a 60-day temporary operating receipt, which allows you to operate your boat immediately while waiting for your registration materials to arrive by mail. However, please note that for boats 16 feet or longer, you must mail in the boat title, MSO, and other supporting documents to complete the transaction. Alternatively, you can choose to mail in your complete registration application to the DNR Processing Center.

Fees and Additional Information

There is a registration fee for boats in Wisconsin, which varies based on the length of the boat. For boats under 16 feet, the fee is $22; for boats 16 feet to less than 26 feet, the fee is $37; for boats 26 feet to less than 40 feet, the fee is $65; and for boats 40 feet and greater, the fee is $105.

Keep in mind that Wisconsin has specific boating laws and regulations that you should be aware of before operating your boat on state waterways. These laws cover various topics such as boating education, operator age, boat noise, titling, and safety equipment.

How to register a used boat

To register a used boat in Wisconsin, you'll need to follow a few steps and provide some documentation. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure you have all the required documents for boat registration and titling. This includes proof of ownership and a completed application form. You can register your boat online, in person at a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office, or by mail. The state requires all boat owners to register within 10 days of purchasing their boat.

For a used boat, you'll need to provide the original certificate of title, signed by all previous owners. If there is an outstanding lien on the title, you'll also need to submit a signed lien release form. If you're purchasing the boat from out-of-state, you'll need to provide either the original certificate of title or registration.

Next, you'll need to fill out the Boat Registration and Titling Application form. This form can be found on the DNR website or at any DNR office. Make sure all fields are completed unless stated otherwise, as incomplete applications will result in processing delays. The application must include the boat's model name and model year and all owners' names, addresses, dates of birth, and identification numbers.

After you've gathered all the required documentation and completed the application form, you can submit your registration by mail or in person. To register by mail, send the completed application, proof of purchase, and payment to the DNR Processing Center in Milwaukee, WI. If registering in person, go to any DNR service center.

Once the DNR receives your application, they will provide you with a temporary operating receipt, allowing you to use your boat while waiting for your official registration and title to arrive by mail. The registration fee varies depending on the length and type of your boat, and it covers your boat registration for 3 years.

Keep in mind that most boats required to be registered in Wisconsin also need to be titled. However, boats measuring less than 16 feet, boats registered voluntarily, and boats purchased by non-residents who intend to register and operate in another state are exempt from titling requirements.

How to register a boat from out-of-state

To register a boat from out-of-state in Wisconsin, you must follow the same steps as registering any other boat in the state. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for processing all boat title and registration applications.

Firstly, you must complete an accurate and signed application form. All fields on the application must be filled out unless stated otherwise. Incomplete applications will result in processing delays. You must provide your name, address, date of birth, and one of the following identifiers: DNR Customer ID number, Social Security Number, or Driver’s license number. The application must also include the boat’s model name and model year of the vessel.

Secondly, you will need to provide the information from the previous owner’s certificate of registration, along with your application and fees. If the boat was previously registered in another state, you will need to provide the original signed Certificate of Title if the state titles boats, or a registration card if the state does not title boats.

Thirdly, you may need to provide a Certificate of Title or Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO). This is required for boats previously registered in Wisconsin that are 16 feet in length or greater. If there are multiple owners listed on the title, all must sign unless the word “or” separates the names, in which case any one of the owners may sign.

Finally, if there are any outstanding liens identified on the Certificate of Title, your application must include a lien release from the lien holder to transfer ownership.

You can submit your application online, in person at a DNR office, or by mail. If you submit your application online, you will need to mail in the boat Certificate of Title and any supporting documents to complete the transfer of ownership. Once your online boat registration application is submitted, you will receive a 60-day temporary operating receipt, allowing you to use your boat immediately while you wait for your registration materials to arrive by mail.

Where to register your boat

You can register your boat in Wisconsin online, in person, or by mail.

Online

To register online, go to https://gowild.wi.gov/ and fill out the electronic application. If you go the online route, you will still need to submit your proof of purchase and transfer of ownership documents by mail. After submitting the electronic application, you will be granted a 60-day temporary operating receipt that allows you to legally start operating your boat. The rest of your registration materials must be mailed to Wisconsin’s DNR office within this window for your permanent application to be processed.

In Person

You can submit a title/registration application in person at any DNR service center.

By Mail

To register by mail, send the completed boat registration and titling application, the document that shows your proof of purchase, and payment to:

DNR Processing Center

PO BOX 78701

Milwaukee, WI 53278-0701

After the DNR processes your application, all DNR registration documents such as your certificate of registration, expiration decals, or Certificate of Title will be sent to you via US mail at the address on file.

Frequently asked questions