If selling your vehicle and you cannot find its title, you will need to request
a duplicate title using the Department's online ExpressSOS or process a duplicate title application at a Secretary of State branch office.
If processing your transaction at a branch office, you must present
identification and sign the title application. If you cannot visit a
branch office, you may complete and sign an Appointment of Agent form
designating another individual to sign the duplicate title application on your
behalf. You will also need to provide a photocopy of your valid driver
license or state ID card to the person appointed as your agent. This
photocopy will be required at the Secretary of State office.There is a $15
duplicate title fee. Your duplicate title will arrive in the mail in 7-10 days. If you need your title sooner, several Secretary of State branch offices provide instant (same-day) title service
for an additional $5 fee. More information and a list of
instant title branch offices is available.
Under certain circumstances, you can sell your vehicle without replacing a lost title if:
- the seller and buyer appear together at a Secretary of State branch office with proof of the Vehicle Identification Number (usually the vehicle's current registration will suffice),
- there are no liens (bank loans) on the title record, or, if the record
shows a lien, the seller brings a lien termination statement, and
- a record of the current title is on the Secretary of State's computer system.
NOTE: Your situation may differ. Please check with our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) to make sure you have all the correct paperwork before going to a branch office.
Owner Out-of-State
Michigan residents who are temporarily out-of-state may obtain a duplicate title by mail. Contact the Department's Out-of-State Resident Services Unit at (517) 322-1473 for assistance.
Printer Friendly
Text Version
Twitter
Facebook
Yahoo
Google
Digg
Newsvine
StumbleUpon
Bookmark
Email Page