Frequently Asked Questions
I’m the owner of a recreational vehicle, but the system can’t find my vehicle. Why?
Will my shopping cart be saved if I come back tomorrow?
The vehicle information displayed is incorrect, how do I change it?
If I lose my Temporary Operating Receipt, can I re-print it?
Boat Titles - what to do if title cannot be found - By Previous Owner.
Boat Titles - what to do if title cannot be found - By Me (previous owner had signed and given it to me).
Boat Titles - what to do if title cannot be found - Spouse passed away and I don't know where the paperwork is at.
Boat Titles - what to do if title cannot be found - Owner of record has passed away and there is no surviving spouse.
- I'm the owner of a recreational vehicle, but the system can't find my vehicle. Why?
- There are a number of reasons. For example, it's possible that you used a slightly different form of your name when you registered previously (e.g., Bill instead of William). It's also possible that you're not the primary owner of the vehicle, but instead are listed as an additional owner. Only primary owners can renew a vehicle. Contact the DNR and they can help figure out why the system isn't finding your vehicle.
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- Will my shopping cart be saved if I come back tomorrow?
- No, your shopping cart is only valid while you are in the Recreational Vehicle Registration website. Once you leave the website, you will not be able to return to your shopping cart.
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- The vehicle information displayed is incorrect, how do I change it?
- You'll have to contact the DNR and work with our staff to make any corrections.
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- If I lose my Temporary Operating Receipt, can I re-print it?
- Yes, you can for 21 days after renewing a snowmobile or ATV, and 60 days after renewing a boat. Return to the Recreational Vehicle Registration homepage, and click on the RePrint Temporary Operating Receipt button on the lower left corner of the page.
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- Boat Titles - what to do if the title cannot be found - By Previous Owner.
- All boats 16' or longer that are currently registered in the State of Wisconsin have a Wisconsin "Certificate of Title" issued. This "title" is necessary in order to properly transfer the boat into the buyer(s) name.
Applications for a duplicate title and transfer of ownership can be processed at the same time.
- SELLER: The seller(s) needs to fill out all of sections A and B and sign in section E of the Boat Registration and Titling Application. NOTE: All current registered owners must sign applications. SELLER must include a personal check made payable to DNR for $5.00. We must have signatures on the application from all owners listed on the title. Release for any lien listed is also needed.
- BUYER:The buyer needs to fill out sections A, B, C and D on a separate Boat Registration and Titling application and include a check for amount of registration fees and taxes.
BOTH APPLICATIONS AND CHECKS ARE THEN SUBMITTED TOGETHER with a note to DNR Registration Processing that they are to be processed together.
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- Boat Titles - what to do if the title cannot be found - By Me (previous owner had signed and given it to me).
- When the current owner of record (seller) gives their Wisconsin Boat Certificate of Title, signed by all owners listed, to the new owner and the new owner misplaces the title, that new owner may complete a Factual Statement Form (form 9400-469). The Factual Statement form must include what was given to them by the seller and describe the boat they purchased (make, hull id number, reg number.)
NOTE: If there is a lien holder listed on the title from the previous owner, the new owner must submit a copy of a lien release for said boat.
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- Boat Titles - what to do if the title cannot be found - Spouse passed away and I don't know where the paperwork is at.
- SURVIVING SPOUSE OR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: If you are a surviving spouse and do not know where the boat title is for a titled boat your spouse had registered, you can complete the Affidavit for Transfer of Recreational Vehicle or Boat to Surviving Spouse, Form 9400-471. This form has a spot on it that you must indicate that the title cannot be located. Form must be notarized.
NOTE: If there is a lien holder listed on the title, the surviving spouse must provide a lien release to remove the lien from the title to be issued in their name. If the lien is to be assumed onto the new registration, please include a note to the affect.
If you are a surviving spouse and do not know where the boat title is for a titled boat your spouse had registered, you can complete the Affidavit for Transfer of Recreational Vehicle or Boat to Surviving Spouse, Form 9400-471. Below the notary’s signature is a section if the surviving spouse is selling or giving boat to another party, on the bottom of the Affidavit is a bill of sale format that the spouse should complete with the new owner’s name and boat information. There is also a spot to mark and explain if the title is missing.
NOTE: If there is a lien holder listed on the title, the surviving spouse must provide a lien release to remove the lien from the title to be issued in their name. If the lien is to be assumed onto the new registration, please include a note to the affect.
If a person other than the spouse is awarded the boat, then a photocopy of the document that awarded the applicant the boat shall be attached to the application. This may be a court document from a probate court or a photocopy of a will with a letter from the attorney.
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- Boat Titles - what to do if the title cannot be found - Owner of record has passes away and there is no surviving spouse.
- If there is no surviving spouse, a letter from the personal representative of the estate is acceptable along with a photocopy of the domiciliary letter(s) appointment of personal representative issued by the probate court.
Durable Power of Attorney is a document that may transfer to another person the legal authority to act on behalf of another person. A photocopy of the document shall be attached to an application if used.
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