Wisconsin DMV Issues “Special Release” Plain Dealing E-Bulletin on Electronic Signature Requirements

Today, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”), issued a “Special Release” of its Plain Dealing e-bulletin focused on “E-signature requirements for vehicle sales transactions.” The guidance acknowledges the ability of dealers to conduct certain transactions electronically, but cautions that “[t]he Department does not endorse, cannot refer, and will not recommend, any electronic signature software provider over another. The sole responsibility and liability fall on the dealer and their decision to use that software provider.” The guidance also reviews several common sales scenarios, and the forms associated with such transactions, to assist dealers in determining when they “can collect a purchaser’s signature electronically to complete” a vehicle transaction. The guidance also reminds dealers to be mindful of additional laws and requirements governing vehicle sales, submission of documents, and document retention.

Although the Special Release e-bulletin does not appear to include any change in previously existing law or DMV policy, the e-bulletin is a helpful reminder on e-signature requirements governing vehicle sales by Wisconsin dealers during a time when electronic transaction activity has increased, dramatically.

Dealers can sign up to be on the Plain Dealing email distribution list by visiting the WisDOT website here. Additional resources are available from dealer trade associations, and please contact me, at 608-285-92000 or eric@widealerlaw.com, if you need any assistance.