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Wisconsin Side by Side Bill of Sale Requirements

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Reviewed against state DMV requirementsLast reviewed: April 20266 min readEditorial policy

Wisconsin private side by side sale checklist.

Wisconsin Side by Side bill of sale requirements checklist

  1. Seller and buyer full legal names and addresses
  2. Sale date and agreed sale price
  3. Side by Side year, make, model, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
  4. Signatures of both buyer and seller

If you want to generate a printable Wisconsin side by side bill of sale, you can create one here.

Generate Wisconsin side by side Bill of Sale

Does Wisconsin require a bill of sale for a side by side?

Yes, Wisconsin requires a bill of sale for all private-party side by side transfers. The signed document is needed to complete title transfer at the DMV. Both buyer and seller should keep a copy for at least five years after the sale.

What are the fees for a side by side title transfer in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin title transfer fee is $164.5. The state charges 5% sales tax on the sale price. Notarization is not required for most side by side bills of sale in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Side by Side transfer fees and requirements

In Wisconsin, the title transfer fee is $164.5 and registration costs $85 per year. Side by Side sales are subject to 5% sales tax plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. Wisconsin does not require notarization for private-party side by side transfers. Emission testing is required in Wisconsin — verify the side by side passes before completing the sale.

  • Emissions testing required in southeast Wisconsin counties
  • Title transfer at DMV within 60 days
  • Wheel tax applies in some municipalities

Official Wisconsin bill of sale form

The official Wisconsin bill of sale form is MV2928 (Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Wisconsin requirements and can be used in place of the official form.

Wisconsin sales tax on side by side purchases

Wisconsin has a 5% state sales tax rate. 5% state plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. Private-party side by side sales in Wisconsin are subject to sales tax. Sales tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $165.

Side by Side market data and safety information

The most common side by side makes in private-party sales are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average private-party side by side prices range from $5,000–$30,000. Side by sides average 2.6 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Steering, Fuel System, Fire Hazard.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used side by side

Before completing a side by side bill of sale in Wisconsin, verify these safety items:

  • Verify ROPS (cage) is intact and meets manufacturer specifications
  • Check all seat belts and door/net latching mechanisms
  • Inspect CV axles and boots — the highest-wear item on side-by-sides
  • Test power steering operation and differential lock engagement

Side by Side insurance and depreciation in Wisconsin

Insurance averages $200–$600/year. Multi-passenger models cost more. Required for on-road use. Side-by-sides depreciate 30–40% in 3 years. Sport models (RZR, Maverick) depreciate faster than utility models (Ranger). Peak season for private side by side sales is spring for recreation, fall for hunting season, with an average of 25 days on market.

Side by Side registration and titling

Side by Sides are classified as "Off-highway vehicle (OHV) — some states allow street-legal conversion" for registration purposes. Side-by-sides range from 1,000–2,000 lbs. Multi-seat crew models weigh more. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to side by sides.

Side by Side title transfer rules

Side-by-side (SxS) UTV title transfer follows off-highway vehicle (OHV) rules in most states. Many states issue an OHV title or registration card rather than a standard motor vehicle title. A signed bill of sale is critical because some states do not title SxS units at all and rely on the bill of sale as primary proof of ownership. States that title SxS units typically use the same title format as ATVs. States that do not title them rely on the bill of sale and the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO). Always transfer the MCO if it has not been previously surrendered to a state.

Odometer disclosure for side by side sales

Side-by-side UTVs are off-road vehicles and are exempt from federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. Document the hour-meter reading on the bill of sale instead — engine hours are the industry-standard wear indicator for SxS units.

Required disclosures for side by side sales in Wisconsin

When selling a side by side in Wisconsin, the following disclosures apply:

  • OHV registration and trail-use stickers are state-specific — confirm whether the unit is street-legal in your state under the applicable LSV (low-speed vehicle) or ROV (recreational off-highway vehicle) statute.
  • Aftermarket modifications (lift kits, exhaust, larger tires) may affect insurance and warranty status and should be itemized in the bill of sale.
  • Roll cage and seat-belt condition disclosures are recommended — federal ROV safety standards apply to manufacturers but not to private resale.

Wisconsin bill of sale statistics

BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,409 bill of sale documents for Wisconsin transactions, with 38 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.

FAQ

Does Wisconsin require a bill of sale for a side by side?

Wisconsin sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private side by side transfers.

What should be included on a Wisconsin side by side bill of sale?

Seller and buyer names, sale date, sale price, vehicle details, VIN or HIN, and signatures for both parties.

Is a bill of sale legally binding in Wisconsin?

A signed bill of sale documents the private transaction and helps prove the transfer date for records.

What are the Wisconsin fees for a side by side transfer?

Title transfer fee: $164.5. Registration: $85 per year. Sales tax: 5% sales tax plus 0.5% county tax in most counties. Notarization is not required.

What are the most common side by side makes in private sales?

The top side by side makes are Polaris, Can-Am, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki. Average prices: $5,000–$30,000.

Informational purposes only. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and individual circumstances differ. Consult a licensed attorney for jurisdiction-specific guidance on vehicle transfers, title requirements, or related legal matters.