JDM Car Dealerships in Wisconsin

Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from federal NHTSA and EPA import standards, and Wisconsin is one of the easier states for JDM registration — there is no statewide safety inspection program. Right-hand-drive imports are permitted, and basic equipment requirements (lights, mirrors, wipers, horn) apply.

Bring your federal import paperwork (CBP Form 7501, EPA Form 3520-1, DOT Form HS-7), the Japanese export certificate with a notarized translation, your bill of sale, and proof of insurance meeting Wisconsin's 25/50/10 minimums (uninsured motorist coverage required) to your local DMV service center. A VIN inspection by law enforcement or a DMV-authorized agent is required, and short Japanese chassis numbers are accepted. Note that Wisconsin's title fee is $164.50 — higher than most states — plus $85 registration and 5% sales/use tax.

Wisconsin has historically permitted kei trucks for road use, and Wisconsin dealers continue to sell road-titled kei mini trucks. As kei truck rules have shifted in some states recently, confirm the current titling situation with the DMV or your dealer before purchasing.

Emissions testing is required in seven southeastern Wisconsin counties: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha — and only applies to vehicles 2006 and newer. All JDM imports 25+ years old are fully exempt, and all other counties have no emissions requirement.

Yes — most Wisconsin dealers ship nationwide and provide the bill of sale and federal import documents your home state's DMV will need.