Wisconsin ATV and UTV sales go through WI DNR — not the DMV. There's no title, just registration: the buyer registers the ATV or UTV with DNR using the bill of sale and pays 5% sales tax (plus county and stadium-area tax) at registration. Wisconsin has 18,000+ miles of ATV trails and a strong off-road culture in the Northwoods, the Chequamegon, and Black River. Operators born after 1988 need a safety certificate, and most ATV use on roads requires a local ordinance opening that road to ATV traffic.
ATV titling laws are inconsistent — some states require full title transfers, others only require registration, and a few have no requirements at all. Read our guide to find out exactly what your state requires for off-road vehicle transfers. Read: Do I Need a Bill of Sale? →
Wisconsin ATV Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Wisconsin does not issue titles for ATVs and UTVs — they are registered with the Wisconsin DNR (not WisDOT DMV) using the ATV/UTV registration application. The bill of sale plus VIN/serial number is the primary ownership document. Some manufacturers issue an MCO (Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin) for new units, which transfers to the first private buyer.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
5% Wisconsin state sales tax plus 0.5% county tax (and 0.5% stadium-area tax in 5 SE counties) applies to ATV/UTV sales. Tax is collected by DNR or its authorized agents at registration, similar to boats. The buyer pays based on the actual sale price stated on the bill of sale.
Exemption: Family transfers between immediate relatives (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild) are tax-exempt. Gifts are exempt. ATVs used exclusively for farming under Wisconsin's farm-use exemption may also qualify.
Inspection Requirements
No safety or emissions inspection is required for ATV/UTV sales or registration. Wisconsin requires an ATV safety certificate for operators born on or after January 1, 1988 who are at least 12 years old to ride on public lands and trails. ATVs and UTVs are off-road only on public lands; certain town and county roads are opened to ATV use by local ordinance.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by Wisconsin DNR — not the same agency that handles cars in Wisconsin. Plan for separate filings.
Wisconsin ATV Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
Bill of sale with year, make, model, VIN, engine displacement, sale price, and date
Transfer the MCO (new unit) or signed registration card (used unit) to the buyer
Buyer registers the ATV/UTV with WI DNR within 10 days using the ATV-UTV registration application
DNR collects 5% state tax + 0.5% county tax (+ 0.5% stadium tax in Milwaukee/Ozaukee/Racine/Washington/Waukesha)
Confirm the buyer (if born on/after 1/1/1988 and age 12+) has a Wisconsin ATV safety certificate
Provide owner's manual, spare keys, and any aftermarket modification documentation
Disclose known mechanical issues — clutch, CVT, suspension, frame welds — in writing
Common Pitfalls
Confusing ATV registration with vehicle titling — WI DNR handles ATVs/UTVs/snowmobiles, WisDOT DMV does not
Buyer riding on public trails without a safety certificate (required for operators born on/after 1/1/1988)
Riding ATVs on roads not opened to ATV use by local ordinance — most state and federal highways remain off-limits
Skipping the bill of sale on a "cash deal" — DNR cannot register the ATV without proof of ownership and sale price
Forgetting that UTV/side-by-side registration is the same DNR process as ATVs, but trail rules can differ for width/weight
Pro Tip
WI DNR — not DMV — runs ATV and UTV ownership in Wisconsin. Bill of sale, 10-day registration, 5%-plus tax at the counter, safety certificate for younger operators, and respect the local trail and road rules.
Wisconsin ATV Bill of Sale — FAQs
Do I title an ATV in Wisconsin like a car?
No. Wisconsin does not issue titles for ATVs or UTVs — the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) registers them instead. A registration card and registration decal are the ownership documents, along with the bill of sale and the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) if it was new. This is different from cars and trucks, which go through WisDOT DMV. When you buy an ATV privately, you and the seller sign the existing registration over and the buyer files a new registration with DNR within 10 days.
How much does it cost to register an ATV in Wisconsin?
WI DNR charges $30 for a 2-year public-use ATV registration (residents) and $35 for non-residents. Private-use ATVs that never leave private land are $30 for 2 years. UTV registration is $30 for 2 years. On top of registration, the buyer pays 5% state sales tax plus 0.5% county tax (and 0.5% stadium tax in 5 SE counties) on the purchase price. Replacement decals and duplicate cards are $5. Trail-pass fees are extra for non-residents using public trails.
Does my child need an ATV safety course in Wisconsin?
Yes, in most cases. Wisconsin requires an ATV safety certificate for any operator born on or after January 1, 1988 who is at least 12 years old to operate on public ATV trails, public lands, or roads opened to ATV use. Children under 12 may only operate ATVs on private land owned by their family with adult supervision. The course is offered online and in classroom format through WI DNR (about $10) and is recognized by all states with similar requirements. Snowmobile and boating safety certificates are separate.
Can I ride my ATV on Wisconsin roads?
Only where local ordinances allow it. Wisconsin lets towns, villages, cities, and counties pass ordinances opening specific roads to ATV/UTV traffic, and many Northwoods communities have done so to connect trail systems. State and federal highways are generally closed to ATVs except for direct crossings. Riders must obey posted speeds, ride single file or in formation as posted, and have a valid driver's license if operating on a road (separate from the ATV safety certificate). Always check the local ATV route map before riding.
Is there sales tax when I buy a used ATV from a neighbor?
Yes. Wisconsin charges 5% state sales tax plus 0.5% county tax (and 0.5% stadium-area tax in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Washington, and Waukesha counties) on private-party ATV and UTV sales — there is no "casual sale" exemption like some states have. WI DNR collects the tax when the buyer registers the ATV. Family transfers between spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren are exempt with proper documentation. Gifts (no consideration) are also exempt. Document the actual sale price honestly on the bill of sale.