How to Complete a VIN Inspection in Wisconsin

A Wisconsin VIN inspection is not part of the ordinary process for titling a vehicle brought in from another state. For a standard out-of-state title transfer, WisDOT generally only needs the original out-of-state title, a completed Wisconsin Title/License Plate Application (Form MV1), and confirmation that the VIN on the application matches the VIN on the title. A physical VIN inspection instead becomes a requirement when a salvage-titled vehicle has been repaired and is being titled again.

When is a Wisconsin VIN Inspection Required?

Under Wisconsin's administrative rules governing repaired salvage vehicles (Trans 149), a repaired vehicle titled as salvage must be inspected before it can be retitled. The inspection confirms that the vehicle and its individual parts are not stolen, that the vehicle has the proper equipment, and that it is in safe operating condition.

Who Performs a Wisconsin VIN Inspection, and Where

Salvage vehicle inspections are performed by a certified salvage title inspector. To be certified, a person must be either a Wisconsin law enforcement officer or a full-time employee of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Division of State Patrol; the Division of State Patrol is responsible for coordinating, training, and certifying these inspectors. WisDOT publishes a list of salvage vehicle inspecting agencies that owners can contact to arrange an inspection.

What to Bring to a Wisconsin VIN Inspection

For a repaired salvage vehicle inspection, bring:

• The vehicle itself, so the VIN and repaired components can be physically verified
• A completed Repaired Salvage Vehicle Major Parts Statement (Form MV2673), in triplicate
• Receipts or documentation for new or used major parts, including the VIN of any donor part used in the repair
• The salvage title or certificate for the vehicle

What Happens After the Inspection

Once the certified inspector completes the inspection and signs off on the Certificate of Inspection, you submit that documentation along with your title application (Form MV1) to WisDOT. Completing the inspection does not by itself issue a title — WisDOT still needs to process the application and applicable fees before a Wisconsin title reflecting the vehicle's repaired-salvage history is issued.