Car title loans in Wisconsin
Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates; NCUA June 2026 call report; FDIC BankFind, Oct 2026.
Wisconsin title loan rules at a glance
| Governing law | A 'title loan' is a consumer loan of $25,000 or less secured by your motor vehicle (not a purchase-money loan) with an original term of no more than 6 months. A licensed lender must get a DFI certificate for each location before making title loans. (Wis. Stat. § 138.16(1)(c), (1m)) |
|---|---|
| Maximum loan | $25,000, and no more than 50% of the vehicle's retail value. The vehicle may not already be subject to another security interest. (Wis. Stat. § 138.16(1)(c), (2)(a), (4)(a)) |
| Rate / fee cap | No limit on interest before the maturity date. After maturity, interest may not exceed 2.75% a month. (Wis. Stat. § 138.16(2)(b)) |
| Maximum term | Original term of no more than 6 months. (Wis. Stat. § 138.16(1)(c)) |
| Repossession notice / right to cure | Except for voluntary surrender, the lender must send you notice at least 20 days before taking the vehicle, stating its intent and the basis for its right to take possession. A lender may not require a key or copy of a key. A reasonable storage fee may be charged. You may cancel the loan by the close of the next business day by returning the money. (Wis. Stat. § 138.16(3), (4)(b), (4)(c), (4)(d)) |
| Surplus after sale | The lender must return any sale proceeds above what you owed. You are not liable for any shortfall unless you damaged, hid or double-pledged the vehicle or used a car with an undisclosed prior lien. (Wis. Stat. § 138.16(4)(e), (4)(f)) |
Title loans online in Wisconsin
You can start a Wisconsin title loan online: fill out the short form, then the lender values your vehicle from its details and photos or a quick inspection. You keep driving your car while you repay, and the lien is released when the loan is paid off. How online title loans work.
Estimate a title loan
Title loan calculator
Many title lenders lend 25%–50% of a vehicle's value, and you keep driving your car. Estimate only; your lender shows exact terms.
Compare neighboring states
Lenders must follow the law of the state where you live, not where you visit.
| State | Status | Max loan |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Limited | — |
| Iowa | Limited | — |
| Michigan | Not available | — |
| Minnesota | Legal | The title-loan statute covers loans of $1,000 or less. |
Title Loans by city in Wisconsin
Counties in Wisconsin
Show all 72 counties
Also see: Payday Loans in Wisconsin · Personal Loans in Wisconsin · All Wisconsin loan options
Frequently asked questions
Are title loans legal in Wisconsin?
Title loans are legal in Wisconsin from DFI-licensed lenders (s. 138.09) that hold a separate title loan certificate for each location. Loans are limited to $25,000, a 6-month original term and 50% of the vehicle's retail value; there is no interest cap before maturity.
How much can you get for a title loan in Wisconsin?
$25,000, and no more than 50% of the vehicle's retail value. The vehicle may not already be subject to another security interest.
What interest can title lenders charge in Wisconsin?
No limit on interest before the maturity date. After maturity, interest may not exceed 2.75% a month.
When can a title lender repossess my car in Wisconsin?
Except for voluntary surrender, the lender must send you notice at least 20 days before taking the vehicle, stating its intent and the basis for its right to take possession. A lender may not require a key or copy of a key. A reasonable storage fee may be charged. You may cancel the loan by the close of the next business day by returning the money.
Do I get money back if my car is sold in Wisconsin?
The lender must return any sale proceeds above what you owed. You are not liable for any shortfall unless you damaged, hid or double-pledged the vehicle or used a car with an undisclosed prior lien.
How much can I get for a title loan in Wisconsin?
The amount depends mainly on your vehicle's value, along with your income and Wisconsin rules. Lenders typically offer a portion of what your car is worth, so newer vehicles with lower mileage usually qualify for more. You'll see the exact amount and terms before signing. Enter your vehicle's details on our form to see what lenders may offer. It takes about 3 minutes.
Can I refinance my title loan in Wisconsin?
Often, yes. Some lenders let you refinance an existing title loan into a new loan with a different payment amount or term, and a new lender may be able to pay off your current one. Options depend on your vehicle's value, your income and Wisconsin rules. Enter your details on our form to see what lenders in our network can offer you. It takes about 3 minutes.
Can I get a title loan on a financed car in Wisconsin?
Sometimes. If you still owe money on your car, some lenders may approve a title loan based on your equity, meaning the car's value minus what you owe. Others require a title that's fully paid off and in your name. Because policies vary, enter your vehicle and current loan details on our form, and lenders serving Wisconsin will tell you what they can offer.
Can I get a title loan online in Wisconsin?
Yes. Many title lenders let you start and complete most of the process online. You enter your vehicle and income details, then upload photos of your car, title and ID instead of visiting a store. Some lenders may still ask for a quick in-person inspection. Funds are usually sent to your bank account. Start your Wisconsin title loan request in about 3 minutes.