Seller Notify online tool records private-vehicle sales

As of January 1, 2016, a new Wisconsin state law requires an individual selling a privately-owned motor vehicle to another private party to report that sale to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) within 30 days of the sale. To help state residents, WisDOT has developed an online service where sellers can conveniently submit their notice of sale electronically. Seller Notify is available at wisconsindmv.gov/SellerNotify.

“We understand this is a new process for private-to-private sellers,” said Mitchell Warren, director of Vehicle Services. “Our goal is to make this as easy as possible for them to comply with the new law.” This requirement does not apply to businesses buying or selling vehicles or motor vehicle dealers, Warren said.

Private motor vehicle sellers can report the sale in three steps through Seller Notify. This online tool also enables the seller to print a receipt, email a copy, or save the recorded information for their records. Sellers can also report the sale by completing and submitting a WisDMV form (MV 2870) by mail or at a local DMV Service Center.

The Seller Notify system was designed to be compatible with mobile devices and desktop computers. Sellers can use their preferred platform (including phones and tablets) to submit sale data directly to WisDOT in real-time.

Only the website with .gov is the official state DMV website. Others with .org and .com are not official and may have extra charges for forms or list information that is outdated or incorrect. In addition to the expanding services on its website, WisDOT connects with customers on Facebook (www.facebook.com/WisDOT) and Twitter @WisconsinDOT (https://twitter.com/WisconsinDOT).