Wisconsin Motor Vehicle Salesperson Manual Practice Test

When showing a consignment vehicle to a customer, what piece of documentation do you need?

1. Original title

2. Photocopy of the title

3. Vehicle history report

4. Mechanic's inspection report

The correct answer is: Original title

When showing a consignment vehicle to a customer, having the original title is crucial because it serves as proof of ownership and is essential in the transaction process. The original title verifies that the vehicle is legally owned by the consignor and can be transferred to the customer upon sale. This documentation is necessary to ensure that the sale is legitimate and that there are no liens or encumbrances on the vehicle that could pose a problem later. The original title also provides essential details about the vehicle, such as its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which helps in confirming that the vehicle matches the documentation. Without the original title, the transaction could face legal complications, as a buyer needs assurance that they will receive a clear title upon purchase. In contrast, while other documents might be useful for various purposes—such as assessing the vehicle's condition or history—they do not fulfill the primary requirement of proving ownership. A photocopy would not suffice for a legal transaction, and the vehicle history or mechanic's inspection reports do not replace the essential need for the original title when completing the sale.