How To Get a Car Title in Wyoming 2026
Wyoming statutes mandate certificates of title for motor vehicles, trailers, snowmobiles, and watercraft under Title 31, Chapter 2. The Wyoming Department of Transportation oversees titling policy, while county clerk offices in each county seat administer title issuance and lien documentation.
Where to Apply for a Wyoming Certificate of Title
Wyoming residents may file title requests with the county clerk's office in their county of residence.
- County Clerk Offices – Located in all 23 county seats, including Cheyenne (Laramie County), Casper (Natrona County), Gillette (Campbell County), Rock Springs (Sweetwater County), Sheridan (Sheridan County), Laramie (Albany County), Jackson (Teton County), Riverton (Fremont County), and others
- Electronic Filing – Available through approved systems where implemented by individual counties
- Mail Submission – Documents forwarded to the county clerk's office in the applicant's residence county
Vehicle registration and license plates are processed separately through county treasurer offices, not county clerks.
Required Documents for Title Application in Wyoming
Requestors must provide designated documentation when completing the Application for Certificate of Title and VIN/HIN Inspection Form per Wyoming Title 31 requirements.
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin | Current title bearing notarized signatures from all registered owners, or manufacturer's certificate of origin for first-time titled automobiles |
| Application for Certificate of Title and VIN/HIN Inspection Form | Finalized state-prescribed form containing vehicle particulars, proprietor data, and ownership verification |
| VIN/HIN Inspection Certificate | Inspection conducted by Wyoming law enforcement or authorized dealer certifying vehicle identification number accuracy |
| Sales or Use Tax Receipt | County treasurer receipt demonstrating payment or valid exemption from Wyoming sales/use tax obligations |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Designated circumstances require extra materials:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Odometer Disclosure Statement | Documents mileage reading at ownership transfer | Mandatory for automobiles model year 2011 or newer; federal and state regulations require accurate disclosure |
| Bill of Sale | Confirms transaction value and terms | Required when purchase amount needs verification; county treasurer determines necessity for tax purposes |
| Surety Bond | Establishes ownership when standard documentation unavailable | Amount determined by vehicle valuation; required for bonded title applications |
| Lien Release Documentation | Demonstrates security interest termination | Lienholder must furnish proper release showing satisfaction of obligation |
| Affidavit for Proof of Ownership | Substantiates ownership claim when title missing | Department-prescribed form utilized uniformly across all Wyoming counties |
| Power of Attorney | Authorizes representative to transact business | Notarized document permitting agent to execute title matters on the owner's behalf |
| NMVTIS Report | Reveals vehicle history and brand information | Wyoming brands vehicles based on National Motor Vehicle Titling Information System data, even if the current title shows no brands |
Wyoming Title Fees and Costs
Wyoming statute establishes title fees processed through county clerk offices.
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $15.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $15.00 |
| VIN/HIN Inspection | $10.00 |
| New Lien Filing | $20.00 |
| Partial Lien Release | $5.00 |
| Amendment to Lien | $5.00 |
| Assignment of Lien | $5.00 |
| Continuation of Lien | $5.00 |
| Transfer of Equity | $5.00 |
Additional Processing Fees
Automobile titling involves supplementary costs beyond fundamental charges:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sales and Use Tax | 4% of purchase price or 5% optional county tax | County treasurers assess and collect; family transfer exemptions may apply; contact treasurer for specific rates |
| Registration Fee | Varies by vehicle type | $30 passenger cars, $25 motorcycles/multipurpose vehicles; trucks based on weight; contact county treasurer |
| License Plates | Varies by type and county | Standard plates plus county-specific fees; new plate series issued periodically |
| Delayed Title Penalty | Varies | Assessed when title application exceeds statutory deadline |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Obtain Proper Ownership Records
Secure the properly executed certificate of title from the transferor with notarized signatures from every person listed on the title (for Wyoming titles issued before January 1, 2020, or when owners are designated as JTWROS). For Wyoming titles issued on or after January 1, 2020, only one notarized signature is required when multiple names are joined by "or" without JTWROS designation. For first-registration automobiles, receive the manufacturer's certificate of origin from the dealership. Confirm the vehicle identification number on the title corresponds to the VIN affixed to the physical automobile. Procure lien termination paperwork showing all previous liens properly released.
Step 2: Complete VIN Inspection Requirement
Arrange for vehicle identification number inspection by a Wyoming law enforcement officer or licensed Wyoming dealer (for dealer inventory only). For automobiles currently in Wyoming, inspection must be conducted within the state's boundaries. For automobiles outside Wyoming, authorized law enforcement from city, county, or state agencies, or commissioned officers of a federal military installation, may inspect department-approved forms. The inspection certifies that the VIN displayed on the vehicle is correct and must be current at the time of application.
Step 3: Prepare Application Documentation
Complete the Application for Certificate of Title and VIN/HIN Inspection Form with precise data encompassing proprietor identities and locations, comprehensive vehicle particulars with VIN and factory price, transaction details, and secured party information if financing. Include odometer declaration for automobiles model year 2011 or newer, stating actual mileage or appropriate disclaimer. Gather the bill of sale documenting the transaction if required by the county treasurer for sales tax purposes.
Step 4: Address Sales and Use Tax Obligations
Visit the county treasurer's office in your residence county to calculate and remit Wyoming sales and use tax (4% state rate plus optional county rate up to 1% additional). Treasurer evaluates the purchase price and applicable exemptions (such as immediate family transfers, if proposed), and issues a receipt. Alternative: obtain the county treasurer's receipt noting a valid tax exemption. The county clerk cannot issue a title without a sales/use tax receipt or exemption documentation.
Step 5: File Application With County Clerk
Attend the county clerk's office in your residence county seat during business hours with complete documentation: application form, VIN inspection certificate, assigned title or manufacturer's certificate, sales/use tax receipt, and payment for title and lien fees. County clerk examines materials for accuracy, genuineness, and legal compliance. Upon completion of the application, the clerk issues a certificate of title bearing the office seal and signature. Most Wyoming counties issue titles within a few business days, though processing times vary. If a security interest is recorded, the clerk delivers a lien copy and a title copy to the financial institution within three business days.
Step 6: Obtain Certificate of Title
The county clerk issues a paper certificate of title upon a form approved by the Department of Transportation. Certificate bears a document control number with county designation and title number, contains a complete vehicle description, including factory price, indicates all encumbrances or liens, and shows the issuance date. Certificate remains valid while the vehicle is owned by the person in whose name the title is issued and constitutes prima facie proof of ownership. Titles with liens delivered to lienholder; clear titles provided to registered owner.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Wyoming statutes establish particular exceptions from certificate of title mandates under W.S. 31-2-102:
- Automobiles owned by the United States government
- Implements of husbandry (excluding multipurpose vehicles qualifying as implements of husbandry)
- Automobiles belonging to nonresident owners titled in another state (except nonresident business entities operating vehicles in Wyoming for business/commercial purposes)
- Vehicles specifically exempted by department regulation or statute
Contact Information
For guidance regarding title requests, required documentation, or general titling matters, contact your county clerk office. For registration and sales tax questions, contact your county treasurer office.
Wyoming Department of Transportation
Motor Vehicle Services, 5300 Bishop Boulevard, Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340
Phone: (307) 777-4375
Official Website: Wyoming DOT
