Wisconsin title answers · Forms and paperwork
Can you title a car in Wisconsin without a Social Security number?
Short answer
Yes. Wisconsin title forms ask an individual for a Social Security number, but MV1 lets you give a Wisconsin driver license number instead. If you have neither, Wisconsin statute 342.06(1)(eh) allows a sworn statement that you do not have a Social Security number. WisDOT's title pages do not post a separate form for that statement, so call WisDOT before you mail the application.
What the forms actually ask for
MV1 (the regular title application), MV2119 (replacement title) and MV2082 (bonded title) all have the same identity row: Social Security number, or Wisconsin driver license number, or FEIN for a business. You fill in one, not all three.
The MV1 instructions explain it: an individual must give an SSN under Wis. Stat. 342.06(1)(eg), but if you have a Wisconsin driver license you may give that number instead. Corporations and other non-individual owners use a federal employer identification number.
If you have a Wisconsin driver license
Write the license number in its box and leave the SSN box empty. That is the whole fix for most people. Make sure the name on the application matches the license exactly, middle initial included, because a mismatch is an easy reason for an application to come back.
Each co-owner listed needs their own number too. MV1 marks the co-owner's SSN, license or FEIN as required, so a spouse or partner without one of those holds up the whole title.
If you have neither an SSN nor a Wisconsin license
State law covers you. Under 342.06(1)(eh), an applicant without a Social Security number gives a statement, made under oath or affirmation, saying so. The statute says the Department of Children and Families sets the form of that statement.
WisDOT's title forms do not explain how to submit it, and MV1 does not mention an ITIN, passport or foreign license as a substitute. Call WisDOT at (608) 264-7447 and ask exactly what to send before you mail anything. Guessing is how a paper application sits for weeks and then comes back.
Take the oath part seriously. The statute says a title issued on a false no-SSN statement is invalid, and knowingly making a false statement on a title application is a felony under 342.06(2).
The workaround that backfires
Some people put the car in a friend's or relative's name because that person has a Social Security number. Under Wisconsin law the owner is the person who holds legal title, so that friend owns the car on paper. They have to sign to sell it, their name follows any ticket or claim, and if they move away or fall out with you, you are stuck. If the car is yours, title it in your name using one of the routes above.
Who can see your number
Less widely than people fear. 342.06(1)(eg) bars WisDOT from disclosing the SSN except to a short list of state agencies for set purposes, such as child support and tax administration. Separately, the MV2119 instructions say you can ask, on form MV3592, to keep your name and address off bulk records lists.
Common questions
Can I apply online without a Social Security number?
WisDOT's online title system asks for a Wisconsin driver license or ID card. Without one, plan on a paper application by mail or in person.
Will a Wisconsin ID card number work on MV1?
MV1 names only a driver license number as the substitute. If you have a state ID card instead, ask WisDOT whether it will accept that number before you send the form.
Does a bonded title have the same rule?
Yes. MV2082 has the same SSN, driver license or FEIN row as MV1, and you file MV1 with it, so the same options apply.
Can a business own the car instead?
Yes. A corporation or other non-individual owner uses its FEIN on the title application.
Want us to do the paperwork?
You tell us your situation. We fill out the WisDOT forms for it and give you a checklist of what to include. You review, sign and mail the package yourself.
If the state asks for a bond, you buy it from a licensed surety of your choosing. We take no commission.
- ✓ $299, one flat fee, bonded titles included
- ✓ Track your case online
- ✓ The application is in your name from the start
State fees are paid to WisDOT. Any bond premium is paid to the surety you choose.
Prefer to fill out the forms yourself? The $97 do-it-yourself kit walks you through every form field, the real costs, and the 12 reasons packets get rejected.
Related answers
What is Wisconsin form MV1?
MV1 is Wisconsin's Title and License Plate Application: it puts a vehicle in your name and gets plates. What each section asks and where to mail it.
Read this guide →How do you add someone to a car title in Wisconsin?
There is no add-a-name form. Sign the title over to both names, file form MV1, pick AND or OR, and pay the $214.50 title fee.
Read this guide →Can a minor own a car in Wisconsin?
Yes. A minor can own a car in Wisconsin, but a parent or legal custodian must sign the notarized Consent to Purchase (Section H) on form MV1.
Read this guide →WisDOT sent my title application back. What now?
It usually means one missing item: a signature, odometer reading, lien release, ID number or fee. Fix only what the notice flags and resend.
Read this guide →Where do you mail a Wisconsin title application?
Most Wisconsin title applications go to WisDOT, P.O. Box 7949, Madison WI 53707-7949. Bonded and online applications use different boxes. The full list.
Read this guide →Sources, checked 2026-10-31: Wis. Stat. 342.06 (title application contents) · WisDOT: MV1 Title and License Plate Application · WisDOT: MV2119 Replacement Title Application · WisDOT: MV2082 Application for Bonded Certificate of Title · WisDOT: Apply for title online (eMV Public) · Wis. Stat. 340.01(42) (definition of owner). Rules can change; confirm with WisDOT before you file.
TitleSolved is a document-preparation and title-recovery assistance service operated by Nuvent66 LLC, a Wisconsin limited liability company. It is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice, and is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by any DMV or government agency, including the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). We do not guarantee that any agency will approve or issue a title. Information on this page is provided for general reference, was verified against official WisDOT sources on the date shown, and is not legal advice.