Effective September 1, 1998, all cars and light trucks (8,000 pounds or less) must display license plates within two business days of purchase.
License Applied For (“L.A.F.”) signs are no longer accepted.
WHERE TO APPLY: In the Columbia County Clerk Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is located in the:
Columbia County Administration Building
112 East Edgewater Street
Portage, Wisconsin
What we CANNOT do in our office:
- Title Only Transfers
- Brand New Vehicle Transfers
- Some RVs, Motor Homes and Trailer Transfers
- Specialty Plates - Antique, Collector, Hobbyist, etc.
- Replacement Titles
You may also apply at many Department of Motor Vehicle Offices. The Motor Vehicle Office in Portage may provide limited services, based on their staff.
DOCUMENTATION NEEDED WHEN APPLYING FOR TITLE TRANSFER/METAL PLATES:
- Social Security Number or Driver License Number for all parties that will be listed on the title. If two people sign the title then both parties need to be present when titling the vehicle.
- The Wisconsin Certificate of Title for the vehicle signed by the seller(s) and purchaser(s). The odometer reading needs to be on the form, along with the purchase price. PLEASE DO NOT CROSS OR WHITE OUT ANYTHING ON THE TITLE.
- A lien release if there is a lien holder listed on the Wisconsin Certificate of Title.
- If it is a situation where a Power of Attorney is being used to transfer title, a signed copy of the Power of Attorney must be provided.
- The fee can ONLY be paid with CASH or CREDIT/DEBIT CARD. We DO NOT accept checks. If you use a debit card, the transaction fee is $2.50. If you use a credit card, the transaction fee depends on the total amount charged.
ADDITIONAL FEES:
- A service fee of $16.25 for renewals or $38.00 for title transactions will be included in your total at the time of service.
- New Plate Issuance Fee is $6.00.
- Annual Hybrid Electric Vehicle Surcharge is $75.00. Annual Electric Vehicle Surcharge is $175.00.
- City of Baraboo, City of Lodi, City of Montello, City of Portage, and Village of Doylestown are subject to a $20.00 Wheel Tax.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS CONTACT:
Columbia County Clerk
608-742-9654