New Michigan residents must immediately title and register their vehicles at a Secretary of State branch office and turn in the title from their previous home state.  Titles are required for all motor vehicles and all trailers 2,500 lbs. and over.  "Resident" means every person who resides in this state and establishes that he or she is legally present in the United States.   

If your out-of-state title is being held by a lien holder or leasing company, you may take your previous state registration (it can be recently expired) or proof of your out-of-state title to any Secretary of State branch office.  Proof of Michigan no-fault insurance is presented for the vehicle.  Michigan will issue a registration and plate-only for the vehicle without requiring the out-of-state title converted to a Michigan title.

If there is more than one owner showing on your out-of-state title, all owners must be present.  If an owner cannot appear, they may complete and sign an Appointment of Agent form designating another individual to sign on their behalf.  

Michigan passenger plate fees are based on the vehicle's manufacturers suggested retail price. Secretary of State branch offices do not accept credit or debit cards, with the exception of Plus offices and Super Centers, which accept the Discover credit card.  Payment must be by cash, check, or money order in branch offices that are not a Plus office or Super Center.

When the time comes to renewing your license plates, there are several convenient methods of renewing :  online, telephone, mail, self-service stations, and Secretary of State offices.