Fill Your Wisconsin Aircraft Registration Form

Who needs to register their aircraft with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation?

All aircraft based in Wisconsin must be registered with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, except for those specifically exempted under the guidelines provided in the instructions.

What are the exemptions from aircraft registration in Wisconsin?

There are several exemptions from registration, including aircraft that are severely damaged or in a major state of disrepair (considered unairworthy), incomplete amateur-built aircraft until they become airworthy, and aircraft owned by state, county, or local government and the Civil Air Patrol. Additionally, museum aircraft that are qualified under section 501 of the IRS code and used solely for recreation or display are exempt.

What information is required for the Wisconsin Aircraft Registration form?

The form requires detailed information about the owner(s) including their complete legal name, address, and daytime telephone number. It also asks for the aircraft's FAA “N” number, make, model, year, serial number, gross weight, type of power (engines), and information regarding the aircraft's base location. Details about the purchase or other basis for the registration, such as entry into Wisconsin, construction completion, or restoration, are also required.

How is the registration fee for an aircraft determined in Wisconsin?

The registration fee is based on the aircraft's gross weight and whether the registration is for an even or odd year, with a schedule provided to calculate the amount due. Fees vary for initial registration, restoration, transfer, amateur-built aircraft, and antiques, with specific amounts outlined in the fee schedule included in the instructions.

What is the penalty for late registration of an aircraft in Wisconsin?

Aircraft owners must file their registration within 30 days of purchase, restoration, completed construction, or entry of the aircraft into Wisconsin. A $5.00 administrative fee is charged for late registration. Additionally, if transferring registration of an aircraft, a $10.00 administrative fee is applied for applications filed more than 30 days after the purchase date.

Are there any fees for transferring aircraft registration to a new owner?

Yes, there is a $5.00 fee for transferring aircraft registration to the name of the new purchaser when the aircraft is sold within Wisconsin.

How does one compute taxes due upon registering an aircraft?

Taxes are computed based on the full purchase price of the aircraft. Owners must include proof of the purchase price and, if applicable, proof of sales tax paid to another state. If the tax paid to another state is less than Wisconsin's rate, the difference must be paid. Local and county sales taxes may also apply depending on where the aircraft is based.

What should an owner do if their aircraft is considered unairworthy?

Owners of unairworthy aircraft must complete the application in full, including a statement about the aircraft's condition and an estimated date of repair if applicable. Upon verification, an unairworthy aircraft certificate will be issued, expiring upon sale of the aircraft or its restoration. If sold in an unrestored condition, the new owner must apply for the exemption and pay a $10.00 fee.

Filling out the Wisconsin Aircraft Registration form can seem straightforward, but errors can easily occur. Understanding common mistakes can help in avoiding delays or issues in the registration process. Below are nine mistakes often made when completing this form:

1. Not Including the FAA “N” Number: The form requires the FAA assigned “N” number. Overlooking or incorrectly entering this number can invalidate the form or lead to processing delays.
2. Incomplete Owner Information: All sections under Owner(s) must be filled out completely, including the legal name, address, and daytime telephone number. Missing or inaccurate information can complicate registration.
3. Incorrect Gross Weight: The gross weight must match the manufacturer's specification for the aircraft model. Incorrectly reported weights can affect the fee calculation and registration validity.
4. Engine/Burners Information: For specific aircraft types like balloons or sailplanes, the correct number of burners or sustainer engines must be included. Failing to do so may misrepresent the aircraft’s capabilities.
5. Not Specifying the Power Type: For balloons, the power type should be marked as “other.” Overlooking this detail can lead to incorrect categorization of the aircraft.
6. Application Type Confusion: Choosing the wrong application type (Initial Wisconsin, Restored, Transfer, etc.) can lead to incorrect fee calculations and registration processing errors.
7. Incorrect or Missing Fee Computations: The fee computation must align with the type of aircraft and its registration needs. Incorrect fees or missing information can delay the form's approval.
8. Omission of Tax Information: Not including full purchase price details, sales tax computation, or tax exemption claims can result in incomplete registration and possible financial discrepancies.
9. Signature and Date: The form must be signed and dated by the owner(s) to be considered valid. An unsigned or undated form will not be processed.

Common errors also involve the sections for unairworthy aircraft and exemptions. Individuals sometimes miss that they must complete the application in full, including detailed statements and possible photographs for unairworthy aircraft. Accurately reporting the aircraft's condition, estimated repair dates, and last flown date are crucial steps often overlooked:

• Unairworthy Aircraft Statement Details: Failing to provide a comprehensive statement on the aircraft’s condition and repair estimations can affect exemption eligibility.
• Exemption Fees: For those applying for an exemption (such as unairworthy aircraft or municipal aircraft), correctly filling out the exemption details and including the fee is a mistake often made.

By paying attention to these commonly made mistakes and ensuring all form details are accurately entered, individuals can streamline their Wisconsin Aircraft Registration process. Remember, clarity and completeness are key to a successful submission.

When registering an aircraft in Wisconsin, several other forms and documents may be necessary to ensure full compliance and legal operation of your aircraft. Below is a list of documents often used alongside the Wisconsin Aircraft Registration form, each with a brief description to help you understand their purpose and importance.

• Bill of Sale: This is crucial for proving ownership of the aircraft. It details the transaction between the seller and the buyer, including the purchase price and the aircraft's description.
• Proof of Insurance: This document provides evidence of liability insurance for the aircraft, which is a requirement for operation in many jurisdictions.
• FAA Airworthiness Certificate: Issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, this certificate verifies that the aircraft meets safety and design standards.
• Proof of Sales Tax Payment: Required to prove that any sales tax due on the purchase of the aircraft has been paid. If the aircraft was purchased in another state, this document can help determine if additional taxes are due in Wisconsin.
• Application for Airworthiness: For those who are building or restoring an aircraft, this application is necessary to begin the process of certifying the aircraft as airworthy by the FAA.
• Maintenance Records: A log detailing all maintenance, repairs, and inspections performed on the aircraft, which is essential for both safety and regulatory compliance.
• Lease Agreement: If the aircraft is leased rather than owned outright, a copy of the lease agreement must be provided.
• Exemption Documents: If the aircraft qualifies for any exemptions from registration fees or taxes, the appropriate documentation must be submitted.
• FAA Registration Certificate: This federal registration is separate from state registration but is equally important, serving as a national record of the aircraft and its owners.
• Certificate of Deletion of Registration: Necessary if the aircraft was previously registered in another state and that registration needs to be cancelled.

Understanding and preparing these documents in conjunction with the Wisconsin Aircraft Registration form will streamline the registration process. Gathering these documents in advance can save time and ensure that your aircraft registration goes smoothly, keeping you compliant with both state and federal regulations. Always verify the current requirements with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the FAA to ensure you have all the necessary paperwork for your specific situation.

The Wisconsin Aircraft Registration form shares similarities with the Vehicle Registration form used for automobiles. Both serve the primary function of officially recording the ownership and specifics of the transportation entity, ensuring it is legally authorized for operation within the state. They both require the owner’s information, the make and model of the entity (be it an aircraft or a vehicle), and the assignment of an identification number—FAA "N" number for aircraft and a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for automobiles. Additionally, each involves a fee schedule based on various characteristics (such as gross weight for aircraft and possibly the value or weight for vehicles) and requires renewal within specified periods to maintain legal operation status.

The Boat Registration form is another document with remarkable parallels to the Wisconsin Aircraft Registration form. In many jurisdictions, boats used in public waterways must be registered, similar to aircraft and vehicles. The registration process for both aircraft and boats includes providing detailed information about the owner(s), the make and model, and specific characteristics unique to the mode of transport (e.g., gross weight for aircraft and length or type of boat). Fees are assessed, often based on the size or type of the boat, mirroring the aircraft’s registration fee structure. Moreover, both forms include sections for determining tax obligations related to the purchase or transfer of ownership.

The Business License Application, while not directly related to transportation, shares the conceptual framework of formalizing an entity’s status for regulatory and tax purposes. Similar to the aircraft registration, a business license application requires the identification of the entity (in this case, the business) and its owners, operational details, and often, information about the location and nature of the business activities. Tax obligations and operational legitimization are core elements, akin to the aircraft registration’s focus on ensuring that each aircraft is properly accounted for in state records and tax assessments.

Lastly, the Homestead Exemption form also presents similarities. This document is used for tax purposes, allowing homeowners to claim exemption on a portion of their property tax based on their primary residence. Like the Aircraft Registration form, which includes sections for exemptions based on specific criteria (e.g., antique aircraft or unairworthy status), the Homestead Exemption requires detailed information about the property and ownership and provides tax relief under certain conditions. Both seek to validate the status of an asset for tax regulation purposes, demonstrating the state's role in both asset registration and tax incentive management.

When filling out the Wisconsin Aircraft Registration form, it's essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process is completed correctly. Here are some do's and don'ts to help guide you through the process:

• Ensure all information is accurate and complete, specifically the FAA "N" number, owner's legal name, address, and daytime telephone number.
• Refer to the registration fee schedule provided in the form to calculate your fee correctly based on the aircraft's gross weight and the registration period.
• Include all necessary documents such as proof of purchase price, bill of sale, invoice, or tax exemption proofs if applicable.
• Sign and date the form in the certification section to attest that the information provided is true and correct.

• Leave any sections blank that are applicable to your aircraft. Incomplete forms may result in processing delays or rejections.
• Misinterpret the aircraft's gross weight or incorrectly identify the aircraft type, as these errors can lead to incorrect fee calculations.
• Forget to include the transfer fee if the aircraft is already registered in Wisconsin and you're transferring ownership.
• Delay submitting the form beyond the 30-day window from the date of purchase, completion of construction, restoration, or entry into Wisconsin, to avoid penalty fees.

When dealing with the Wisconsin Aircraft Registration form, various misconceptions can lead to misunderstandings about the registration process. It's crucial to clarify these to ensure aircraft owners comply correctly with state requirements.

• All aircraft are subject to registration fees: A common misconception is that all aircraft require a paid registration. However, certain exemptions can eliminate the registration fee, such as for unairworthy aircraft, municipal, and amateur-built aircraft that are not yet airworthy. These categories still require registration but do not necessitate a fee until they meet specific conditions.
• Registration is only for powered aircraft: Another misunderstanding is that only airplanes with engines need to be registered. In contrast, the form clearly accommodates a variety of aircraft, including gliders, balloons (noting the number of burners), and even amateur-built aircraft, which demonstrates the inclusivity of the registration process beyond just conventional, engine-powered airplanes.
• Immediate payment of full registration fee: There's a misconception that the full registration fee must be paid upfront at registration. The form explains that fees can be prorated based on the month of registration, and for some categories, such as antique aircraft, there is a one-time fee per owner, which changes the payment expectations significantly.
• Static exhibition aircraft submit to regular fees: Owners sometimes assume that aircraft used solely for display or recreation, like those manufactured in 1955 or earlier, are subject to the standard fee schedule. In reality, antique aircraft benefit from a special one-time registration fee that acknowledges their limited use and historical value.
• Sales tax is universally applied: A widespread misconception is that sales tax is applicable to all transactions involving aircraft. The form specifies exceptions and adjustments, such as credit for sales tax paid to another state or exemptions for aircraft leased back to flight schools (FBOs), which can significantly alter tax obligations.
• Late fees are heavily punitive: There’s a belief that late registration results in heavy penalties. While there is an administrative fee for late applications, it is relatively small ($5 for late registration and an additional $10 for applications filed more than 30 days after the purchase), designed more as a procedural nudge than a severe financial penalty.

Understanding these key points can dispel common myths and ensure that aircraft owners navigate the registration process with a clearer perspective, adhering to all regulations while taking advantage of exemptions and special conditions they may qualify for.

When filling out the Wisconsin Aircraft Registration form, there are several key takeaways to keep in mind to ensure the process is completed correctly and efficiently. Understanding these points can help aircraft owners navigate the registration procedure smoothly.

• Every aircraft based in Wisconsin must be registered with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, except for those specifically exempted.
• The "FAA NUMBER" section requires the FAA-assigned "N" number, which is crucial for identifying the aircraft in the FAA's registry.
• Owner information, including complete legal name, address, and a daytime telephone number, should be accurately provided to facilitate communication regarding the registration.
• Details about the aircraft, such as make, model, gross weight, and type of power, must be filled in. The definition of "gross weight" follows the manufacturer's designated maximum takeoff weight for the aircraft make and model.
• Various types of application categories are available, including Initial Wisconsin, Restored, Transfer, Amateur Built, and Antique, each with specific fees and requirements. Select the correct category to ensure proper processing.
• The form allows for declaring the aircraft as unairworthy or exempt for other reasons, with a section dedicated to explaining the aircraft's current status and estimated repair timelines if applicable.
• A tax computation section requires information on the full purchase price, and adjustments or exemptions may apply based on specific criteria, such as taxes already paid to another state or exemptions for aircraft on leaseback arrangements.
• A penalty fee is applied if the application for registration is filed more than 30 days after the aircraft's purchase, completion, restoration, or entry into the state, emphasizing the importance of timely filing.
• Proof of purchase price, potential trade-in allowances, and any applicable sales or county taxes must be calculated and documented, underscoring the financial obligations accompanying aircraft registration in Wisconsin.

It is essential to make a copy of the completed and signed Aircraft Registration or Exemption form for personal records. This ensures that the owner has a record of the submission, which can be useful for future reference or if any questions arise about the registration status of the aircraft.