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Are title loans legal in Wisconsin?

By Lenditup Editorial Team · Law last verified · How we verify

Yes. Title loans are legal in Wisconsin, and lenders must follow the Wisconsin Title Loans statute, Wis. Stat. § 138.16.

Title loan rules in Wisconsin at a glance

Title loan rules in Wisconsin
Title-loan lawWisconsin Title Loans statute, Wis. Stat. § 138.16
Rate capNo cap before maturity (§ 138.16(2)(b)1.); 2.75% per month after maturity
Loan termUp to 6 months
Loan-to-value limit50.00
Rollovers and renewalsNo statutory renewal limit in Wis. Stat. § 138.16
RepossessionAllowed after default
Time to catch up before repossession20 days
Owe the balance after the car is sold?No, the lender cannot collect a remaining balance
Lender licenseRequired (Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI))
StatuteWis. Stat. § 138.16

Source: Wis. Stat. § 138.16 (read the law). We last checked it against the statute on October 3, 2026. See title loan laws in every state.

What a title loan costs in Wisconsin

Rate rule in Wisconsin: No cap before maturity (§ 138.16(2)(b)1.); 2.75% per month after maturity. We don't show a worked example for Wisconsin because the law doesn't fix one price. Compare the APR and the total you will repay in each lender's written disclosure before you sign.

What happens if you can't repay

If you fall behind, the lender can repossess your car, but Wisconsin gives you 20 days to catch up on missed payments first. If the car is sold, the lender cannot come after you for any balance the sale did not cover.

If you think you will miss a payment, call the lender before the due date and ask what options it offers.

How to check a lender in Wisconsin

Title lenders in Wisconsin must be licensed (Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)). Search for the lender on the official license lookup before you sign. Lenditup does not check lender licenses for you (see how we verify).

Looking for a loan in Wisconsin?

A title loan puts your car at risk, so compare it with a personal installment loan first. If a title loan is still the right fit, you can send one request and see what lenders and lending marketplaces in our network offer.

Start a title loan request

Lenditup is not a lender. Sending a request does not mean you will be approved; each lender sets its own rates and terms within Wisconsin law.

Title loan questions for Wisconsin

01What is the most a title lender can charge in Wisconsin?
No cap before maturity (§ 138.16(2)(b)1.); 2.75% per month after maturity. Your contract must show the APR before you sign.
02How long is a title loan in Wisconsin?
Up to 6 months, under Wisconsin law.
03Can I roll over a title loan in Wisconsin?
No statutory renewal limit in Wis. Stat. § 138.16. Each renewal adds cost, so ask for the total you will repay.
04What happens if I can't repay a title loan in Wisconsin?
If you fall behind, the lender can repossess your car, but Wisconsin gives you 20 days to catch up on missed payments first. If the car is sold, the lender cannot come after you for any balance the sale did not cover.
05How do I check that a title lender is licensed in Wisconsin?
Title lenders in Wisconsin must be licensed (Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)). You can look a lender up in the official license search.
06Is Lenditup a title lender in Wisconsin?
No. Lenditup is not a lender. We connect you with lenders and lending marketplaces in our network, and the lender you choose sets your rate and terms within Wisconsin law.

Title loan laws in other states

Compare every state side by side on the state title loan law table, or read how title loans work and what lenders ask for.