Wisconsin Bill of Sale Forms

A Wisconsin bill of sale form furnishes a buyer and seller with evidence of financial activity between one another in exchange for personal property. It defines the terms of the deal, such as the amount the new owner paid the seller and the item’s condition. The person selling the item has a legal duty of disclosing its accident (or damage) history and known mechanical or physical defects. Legal action can ensue if they fail to reveal this information before signing the bill of sale.

Summary

Residents must utilize the official Wisconsin boat and car bill of sale forms.
Notarization is not obligatory but suggested.
Gun purchasers do not need a license to buy via a private sale.

Types (5)

Boat Bill of Sale – A covenant between two (2) Wisconsin residents about a vessel transaction.

Download: PDF

Firearm Bill of Sale – Serves as a testimonial that a gun owner lawfully gave another person a handgun, rifle, or shotgun in exchange for money or a similarly valued firearm.

Download: PDF | WORD | RTF

General Bill of Sale – A simple receipt that outlines the technicalities of a sales deal from a seller to a buyer.

Download: PDF | WORD | RTF

Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale – Provides two (2) individuals with documentation of an ownership transfer for an automobile.

Download: PDF

Trailer Bill of Sale – Paperwork that operates as a record of a utility trailer sale.

Download: PDF | WORD | RTF

Signing Requirements

Bill of Sale Type	Buyer Signature	Seller Signature	Notarization
Boat	Required	Required	Not required
Firearm	Required	Required	Not required
General (others)	Required	Required	Not required
Motor Vehicle	Required	Required	Not required
Trailer	Required	Required	Not required

What is a Wisconsin Bill of Sale?

A Wisconsin bill of sale serves as a contract stating that the buyer will pay the seller the total amount for an item to become the owner or titleholder. The bill of sale represents the transaction and proves to authorities that the transfer happened legally. In other words, it shows that the possessor did not steal or unlawfully obtain the personal property.

The state does not require buyers and sellers to complete bill of sale forms. Nonetheless, officials recommend completing one to verify ownership and avoid legal claims whenever a transaction occurs. Furthermore, it releases the previous owner from having to pay for repairs, fines, or damages accrued by the new owner. Instead, the responsibility falls onto the buyer since they rightfully possess the item of discussion.

Registration Forms: Boats

Bill of Sale – Formally names the person who purchased a vessel as the new owner.
Boat Registration and Titling Application (Form 9400-193) – For Wisconsin watercraft registration and titling.
Payment – Fees depend on the length of the boat, in addition to standard registration and title costs.
Registration & Title – Original registration and title. Owners can apply for a duplicate form using the online portal.
Identification (ID) – DNR customer ID number, social security number, or driver’s license number.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Add / Remove Owner or Add Lien Application (Form 9400-623) – To update a lien or lienholder information.
Affidavit of Surviving Spouse or Domestic Partner (Form 9400-471) – For spouses or partners to obtain ownership of a boat from a deceased loved one.
Lien Release – Needed if the owner pays off the loan on the vessel. Applicants can also complete the applicable forms online.

Registration Forms: Vehicles

Bill of Sale (Form MV2928) – Defines the terms and conditions of a car transfer.
Title / License Plate Application (Form MV1) – Can be completed by hand or online.
Insurance (Minimum Policy) –
- Bodily Injury (one person): $25,000
- Bodily Injury (2+ people): $50,000
- Property Damage: $10,000
Title – Official title that includes odometer reading and lien release (if applicable). Complete a replacement title application (Form MV2119) to request a new one.
Proof of Paid Sales Tax – Rates vary by county.
Payment – Includes registration and titling fees. May or may not include fuel surcharges and wheel taxes.
Identification (ID) – A valid state or government-issued photo ID.

Additional (Optional) Documents

Lien Release – To prove the owner paid the lienholder in full, therefore giving them the title.
Statement of Intent (Form MV2489) – Required if the title has an error on it.
Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney – Grants another person the right to handle car registration, titling, and other applicable duties.

Registration Forms: Trailers

Bill of Sale – Pertains to the lawful transaction of a utility trailer.
Title / License Plate Application (Form MV1) – To obtain registration and title for a homemade or standard trailer.
Payment – Rates depend on the trailer’s gross weight.