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Titles

  • Anyone whose name will be listed as an owner on the title must be present. It is advised that the seller also accompany the buyer to transfer the title. Those who cannot visit a Secretary of State office to transfer the vehicle title may appoint a designated agent or power of attorney to attend the office visit and sign the title on their behalf.

    Appointment of Agent form.

  • In addition to the $15 title fee, there is an extra $5 fee for instant title service. The vehicle owner must appear in person for instant title service. The owner cannot appoint an agent for an instant title transaction. If there are two owners of a vehicle, both owners must appear in person for instant title service.

    NOTE:  For duplicate title transactions when there are two owners on the title record, only one owner needs to appear and sign the title application. An appointment of agent is not needed from the other owner. Both owner names will appear on the duplicate title. 

    Every instant title application is unique, but all persons processing a title application must present a Michigan or out-of-state photo driver license or ID card. Also, the vehicle identification number or hull identification number (for watercraft) is required for every instant title application.

    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 traveling to an instant title branch office.

    Most title transactions involving a Michigan title are eligible for instant title service at all Secretary of State branch offices. Certain title transactions are NOT eligible for instant title service. 

  • Upon sale of a vehicle, the title record for the vehicle will remain in the seller's name until the buyer submits the seller's assigned title and applies for title in their (the buyer's) name. The best way to ensure this happens is for the seller to accompany the buyer to a Secretary of State branch office and process a title transfer application into the buyer's name.

    Sellers run a risk if they do not ensure the buyer applies for title. The Michigan Department of State cannot change the name on a title record until a new title application from the purchaser is processed. If you cannot accompany your purchaser to a branch office to ensure the title is transferred, make a copy of the front and back of the title after assigning it to your buyer. This will protect you against negligent use of the vehicle after delivering it to the buyer as provided in Section 257.240 of the Michigan Vehicle Code:

    1) The owner of a motor vehicle who has made a bona fide sale by transfer of his or her title or interest and who has delivered possession of the vehicle and the certificate of title to that vehicle properly endorsed to the purchaser or transferee is not liable for any damages or a violation of law that subsequently results from the use or ownership of the vehicle by another, if the owner, other than a licensed dealer, satisfies the conditions prescribed under subsection (2).

    (2) The owner of a motor vehicle, other than a licensed dealer, shall satisfy 1 of the following conditions:

    (a) Accompany the purchaser of the vehicle to a secretary of state branch office to assure that the title of the vehicle being sold is transferred.

    (b) Maintain a record of the sale for not less than 18 months. As used in this subdivision, "record of the sale" means either a photocopy of the reassigned title or a form or document that includes the name, address, driver license number, and signature of the person to whom the vehicle is sold and the purchase price and date of sale of the vehicle.

  • No - immediately remove your plate upon selling the vehicle. You can transfer the plate to another vehicle you own or purchase. Do not let a buyer "borrow" your plate, as any violations (including parking tickets) issued to the buyer with your plate on the vehicle will be your responsibility.

    Under Michigan law, a person who buys a vehicle through a private sale may drive the vehicle home using the most direct route without a license plate. The buyer must do so within three days of purchase and carry the assigned title and proof of insurance during transit.

  • Yes. A person who cannot prove they sold their vehicle as required by Section 257.240 is responsible for a civil infraction and subject to a civil fine of $15.00. The person is also presumed to be the last titled owner and is liable for towing fees and daily storage fees if the vehicle is abandoned.

  • If you cannot locate the previous owner, it will be necessary to get:

    1. A Court Order - A court order awarding ownership of a vehicle can be used if the order includes the year, make, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle; or
       

    2.  A Surety Bond - Without a court order, you must obtain a surety bond.  A surety bond is like an insurance policy, and is purchased by the applicant from an insurance company or bonding agency.  It must be for twice the fair market value of the vehicle ("fair market value" can be established by a dealer appraisal or a recognized vehicle appraisal guide).  The bond is posted for three years and is returned if no claims are filed during the three-year period, or
       

    3. As a last resort when a Michigan vehicle title has been lost, destroyed, or stolen and the purchaser is unable to contact the previous owner for a duplicate title, a Michigan resident can self-certify ownership at a Secretary of State branch office if the vehicle is ten or more years old and valued at $2,500 or less. The self-certification procedure cannot be used for vehicles titled in another state or by nonresidents.

               You will need to submit:

    a) A completed TR-205 Certification of Ownership (available on-line at all Secretary of State offices) stating you are the rightful owner of the vehicle and including the vehicle description, the true value of the vehicle, and a complete explanation of how, when, where, and from whom the vehicle was acquired; and

    b) Either of the following:

    • A vehicle value appraisal completed by a licensed Michigan dealer, or
    • A page printed from an on-line appraisal service such as Kelly Blue Book, N.A.D.A. Guides, Edmunds, etc.  (www.kbb.com, www.nadaguides.com, www.edmunds.com).

    On-line appraisal sites may provide multiple vehicle values (wholesale value, trade-in value, and retail value).  Any of these values showing a value of $2,500 or less may be accepted.

  • Yes - under Michigan tax law, relationships that qualify for tax exempt status are limited to vehicles purchased or acquired from a spouse, father, mother, child, brother, half-brother, sister, half-sister, grandparent, grandchild, legal ward, or legally-appointed guardian. Included are stepparents, stepbrothers, stepsisters, stepchildren, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and grandchild-in-law. All other relationships (cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, step-grandparents, great-grandchildren, grandparent-in-law, etc.) are not tax exempt.

    Owners may elect to follow a two-step title transfer process in which a tax exempt relationship applies. For example, your uncle could transfer the vehicle to his brother (your father), which would be tax exempt. Once the vehicle is re-titled in your father's name, he can transfer the title to you which would be tax exempt.

  • Submit your out-of-state title at a Secretary of State branch office. If more than one owner shows on the out-of- state title, all owners must be present, or the one present must have an Appointment of Agent form to sign for the other owner. Proof of valid Michigan no-fault insurance must be presented to purchase a Michigan license plate. 

    If your out-of-state title is being held by a lien holder, you may take your out-of-state registration (expired less than 90 days) or proof of the out-of-state title to any Secretary of State branch office along with proof of Michigan no-fault insurance for the vehicle. Michigan will issue a "FOREIGN OWNERSHIP-REGISTRATION ONLY" registration for the vehicle. A Michigan title is not issued. The out-of-state title remains the ownership document.

  • Take your out-of-state registration (expired less than 90 days) or proof of the out-of-state title to any Secretary of State branch office along with proof of Michigan no-fault insurance for the vehicle.  Proof of your out-of-state title can be a fax copy or photocopy of the title, a memo title, a recently validated title application, or a vehicle record printed on the issuing state's Department of Motor Vehicles letterhead verifying the vehicle is titled in that state.

    Michigan will issue a "FOREIGN OWNERSHIP-REGISTRATION ONLY" registration for the vehicle. A Michigan title is not issued. The out-of-state title remains the ownership document.

  • No. There is no such thing as a "three-day cooling off period" or any other time period during which you can return the vehicle. Your sales contract is binding.

    When should I receive the new title for the vehicle I bought?

    • You should receive an original title in the mail in about 14 days. Make sure the information on the title is accurate and report errors to your local Secretary of State office.
    • Keep your title in a safe place. Do not store it in your vehicle.
  • Only under extenuating circumstances can the application be faxed to an out-of-state customer. This is because original documents with original signatures are needed. If the application is faxed to the customer, the application still needs to be returned by mail so that original signatures are on the application.

  • A list of currently licensed or registered dealers and repair facilities can be found on the Secretary of State's Web site at Vehicle Dealer and Repair Facility Lists. The lists are organized by county in alphabetical order by name and are updated on a daily basis.

    If you are unable to locate the motor vehicle dealer or repair facility you are searching for, please call the Customer Support Section at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) for assistance.

  • If you have a complaint, try to work it out with the dealership owner or manager.  If the problem isn't resolved, contact the Department of State's Regulatory Monitoring Division at 1-888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424). An automotive complaint form is available on the Department of State Web site. The bureau investigates issues within its authority. 

  • If the deceased owner's estate is not probated, the surviving spouse may transfer that vehicle into their name. Present the title, the current registration or license plate number (if there is one), and a certified copy of the death certificate to a Secretary of State branch office. The surviving spouse will complete a TR-29 Certification From the Heir to a Vehicle form.

    If the estate is being probated, the personal representative appointed by Probate Court must assign the title to the surviving spouse. The spouse presents the assigned title and a copy of the personal representative's Letter of Authority document to apply for a title in their name at a Secretary of State branch office.

    If the current title is in both your name and the deceased's name with the legend "Full Rights To Survivor" printed on it, then all that is needed to transfer the vehicle into just your name is the title and a copy of the death certificate.

  • The mileage on a title may be corrected by obtaining an amended odometer statement from the seller who incorrectly reported the mileage in the first place. A corrected title application can then be processed at any Secretary of State branch office. If the Department of State made the error, the title and a certification of what the error is can be taken to any Secretary of State branch office. The branch will mail in the title with the certification for correction.

  • You may request this information online by selecting the Record Sales Services link under the Additional Services section and then selecting "Request Records" or by mail. There is an $15 fee for each record, $16 if certified. All fees must be prepaid. You may download a Michigan Department of State Record Lookup Request form. Mail the request with a check or money order made payable to the "State of Michigan" to:

    Michigan Department of State
    Record Sales Section
    7064 Crowner Drive
    Lansing, MI  48918-1540

  • The Department of State has a list of Salvage Inspectors by County. To find a resource near you, you may use Online Services.

    Follow the link and select Salvage Vehicle Inspector under Additional Services.  You may also contact our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) for the names of inspectors in your county.

  • If the vehicle was manufactured for sale in the United States, you will need the proper ownership documents, a stamped U.S. Customs and Border Protection "Entry Summary" CPB 7501 form, proof of Michigan no-fault insurance, and identification to title and register the vehicle in Michigan.

    If the vehicle was not manufactured for sale in the United States, you will then need the following compliance documents:

    • Ownership documents
    • Stamped U.S. Customs and Border Protection "Entry Summary" CBP 7501 form - This form will have the vehicle identification number listed and a brief description of the vehicle.  Also, read the note that follows. 
    • U.S. Department of Transportation HS-7 form - If box 3 is checked, this indicates the vehicle wasn't manufactured to U.S. standards.  A registered importer must assist with importing the vehicle.  The importer provides the federal government with a statement of conformity to document what steps were taken to modify the vehicle to U.S. standards. The federal government reviews the statement of conformity and provides the importer with a bond release letter.  Both the HS-7 form and bond release letter are then submitted with the title application.  If 30 days have passed since the statement of conformity was submitted to the federal government, the statement of conformity can be accepted in lieu of the bond release letter.
    • TR-54 Inspection Form - This is required only if the vehicle was imported through a state other than Michigan and the vehicle is being titled but not registered (if the vehicle is being registered, this form isn't required).
    • Proof of insurance

    Note about the CBP 7501 form: The CBP 7501 is required for on-road vehicles, mopeds, trailers, trailer coaches, ORVs, watercraft and snowmobiles.  The form doesn't need a stamp or seal for vehicles that are at least 25 years old, ORVs, watercraft and snowmobiles.

    Note about the HS-7 form: If box 3 is checked on the HS-7 form, this indicates the vehicle wasn't manufactured to conform with U.S. safety and emissions standards. A registered importer must assist with the importation process (this is required by federal law).  The registered importer provides the federal government with a statement of conformity that documents what steps were taken to modify the vehicle to meet U.S. standards.  The federal government reviews the documentation and provides the importer with a bond release letter.  The bond release letter is submitted with the HS-7 form.  However, if 30 days have passed since the documentation was submitted to the federal government, the statement of conformity may be accepted in lieu of the bond release letter.  

    The registered importer ensures the vehicle has proper ownership documents, meets all federal EPA emission standards and DOT safety standards, converts the odometer reading to miles, and ensures any custom duties are paid.

  • Every motor vehicle, trailer coach, and trailer driven or moved on public roads must be title and registered. Under Michigan law the following vehicles are exempt from titling and registering:

    1. Passenger vehicles registered in another state operated by a nonresident for up to 90 days (new residents must title and register their vehicles immediately).

    2. An implement of husbandry (farm tractors and equipment).

    3. Any vehicle owned by the United States government.

    4. A trailer weighing less than 2,500 pounds is exempt from titling but must be registered (a title may be issued on request). All trailer coaches must be titled and registered.

    5. A vehicle driven or moved upon the highway using the most direct route (round trip) for the purpose of:

    • obtaining a weight receipt from a weigh master,

    • obtaining a physical inspection from a law enforcement agency, or

    • obtaining a salvage recertification inspection.

    1. A moped is exempt from titling, but must be registered.

  • No. Instant title service is only available at Secretary of State offices.

  • A title with a lien on it may be transferred only if the loan is paid off and a statement or letter of termination is provided by the lienholder, or if a letter of authorization from the lienholder approving the transfer is submitted with the title application.

  • While it is advisable to ensure that all information on a title is correct, especially names and any lienholders, if you do not immediately correct a title with your new address, no harm is done. Submitting a change of address to our department when you move will update your address on your driver’s license and voter registration but not on any titles issued in your name.

  • To determine whether a title is electronic, log into your e-Services account, navigate to the “Ownership Account” springboard and select the “Title or Liens” sub-tab.

  • Yes, branded titles can be electronic. There is no change in the process for re-branding a title. The title transaction will be processed at a Secretary of State office with all the required documentation attached to the record. If the ownership on the re-branded title is also changing, the lienholder must release the lien before the title transfer can occur, which results in the printing of a paper title. If the ownership of the on the re-branded title isn’t changing, the title will remain electronic.

  • There is no change in the procedures for correcting a title. If an electronic lien was added in error, the lienholder can request to delete it electronically.

  • Dealers who use CVR will continue to use CVR for most transactions. When taking assumption of a lien, dealers will need to log into e-Services to complete the transaction.

  • Contact the Michigan Electronic Filing System (MiEFS) unit at MDOS-MIEFS-ELT-Helpdesk@Michigan.gov

  • Financial institutions and lienholders can access ELT either through e-Services or an approved service provider.

  • The ELT program is only for financial institutions. Titles that have an individual named as a lienholder will continue to be issued as a paper title.

  • ELT is mandatory for financial institutions; however, they are not required to participate until October 1, 2023.

  • Electronic liens must be released electronically by the lienholder. Lien releases are required for paper titles and can’t be used to remove electronic liens. Once all electronic liens have been released on an electronic title, the updated title will be printed and mailed to the customer.

  • Anytime an electronic lien is added, a lienholder ID must be provided. It is the responsibility of the lienholder to supply this number to vehicle dealer or customer when approving a loans. The lienholder ID can be found on the RD-108 or TR-11.

  • Select "no" for an electronic lien if a lienholder ID isn’t presented to the clerk or dealership. Because financial institutions aren’t required to sign up for the ELT program, not all liens issued will be electronic.

  • No. Financial institutions aren’t required to enroll in ELT and therefore, there isn’t anything in state law requiring all titles to be held electronically. Paper titles and special mailers will still be used if a lienholder ID isn’t entered. All titles issued before the ELT program started will remain as paper titles even after a lienholder enrolls in ELT.

  • Any non-electronic liens attached to an electronic title may be released at a Secretary of State office once the customer provides the appropriate paperwork documenting that the lien is fully paid. Electronic liens can only be released electronically by the lienholder. Once an electronic title is cleared of all liens, electronic and paper, the Michigan Department of State will print and mail the updated title to the customer. A $1 lien filing fee will still be charged when adding or releasing a lien.

  • No, you don’t need to visit an office to add or remove a lienholder from a title held electronically. Lienholders and financial institutions participating in ELT are required to electronically release liens or add liens when refinancing. Once all electronic liens are cleared from an electronic title, the Michigan Department of State will print and mail the updated title to the customer.

  • Yes, to verify the validity of your electronically stored title, request a vehicle registration record. Your lienholder will also have the option to request a paper title when you leave Michigan and register your vehicle in another state.

  • Title transfer and registration fees are set by state law and cannot be amended without legislative action.

  • All listed owners on a title must be present and provide their valid license or ID in order to change or correct a title.

    If a titled owner can’t be present, they may appoint someone else to complete the title correction on their behalf at a Secretary of State office by completing and signing an Appointment of Agent form to provide to the appointed agent with a copy of their license or ID.

    Appointment of Agent

  • The Michigan Department of State doesn’t have the authority to investigate complaints that aren’t covered by the Michigan Vehicle Code or the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act. The following list describes frequent complaints outside the authority of our department and provides alternatives for assisting with these issues.

    • Complaints involving design and equipment, including recalls – Call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 800-424-9393.
    • Auto insurance coverage – Call the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services at 877-999-6442.
    • “Lemon Law” and unresolved warranty issues – Call the Michigan Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 877-765-8388.
    • New vehicle warranties or questions on warranty coverage or claims – Contact your dealer or the manufacturer’s regional office (review owner’s manual or ask your dealer for contact information). Better Business Bureaus are also equipped to handle some warranty complaints.
  • The title can’t be transferred to anyone other the rightful inheritor(s) after the titled owner has passed. Whether the inheritor is a representative appointed by Probate Court or the appointed next of kin, the title must be transferred to the inheritor first before it can be retitled in any other name.

  • If the deceased owner's estate isn’t probated, the surviving spouse or legal next-of-kin may transfer the vehicle into their name by presenting the following at a Secretary of State office:

    • The original vehicle title
    • A certified copy of the death certificate
    • Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle form (TR-29) completed by the next-of-kin
    • License or ID for the next-of-kin
    • Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance, if the vehicle will be registered

    If the estate is being probated, the personal representative appointed by Probate Court must assign the title to the surviving spouse. The spouse presents the assigned title and a copy of the personal representative's Letter of Authority document to apply for a title in their name at a Secretary of State office.

    If the current title is in both your name and the deceased's name with the legend "Full Rights To Survivor" printed on it, then all that is needed to transfer the vehicle into just your name is the title and a copy of the death certificate.

    Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle form (TR-29)

  • When a vehicle owner dies, vehicle ownership is inherited according to the following list:

    • If the deceased's estate is probated, the person to whom the title is assigned. The Personal Representative (executor or administrator of the estate) is appointed by Probate Court and is responsible for assigning the deceased's title to the new owner.
    • If the estate is not probated, the vehicle will go to the legal next-of kin, as follows:
    1. The surviving spouse of the deceased
    2. If no spouse, then equally to all descendants (children)
    3. If no spouse or descendant, then equally to both parents or to the surviving parent
    4. If no spouse, descendant, or parent, then equally to the descendants of the parents (siblings)
    5. If none of the previously listed, then closest next-of-kin

    The surviving next-of-kin may either title the vehicle or reassign their interest in the vehicle without first obtaining a title in their name. If the deceased's title is lost, the next-of-kin must either title the vehicle in their name, or complete a duplicate/transfer title request at a Secretary of State office. 

    If ownership is shared equally among next-of-kin (i.e.: multiple children), each presumed owner must sign the title and share ownership, unless they sign a certification statement declaring that they aren’t interested in assuming ownership. 

    A will isn’t used to determine inheritance unless it is administered by probate court. Then the personal representative carries out the provisions of the will. Questions about rights or interest of next-of-kin should be referred to an attorney or probate court.

    Additionally, sales tax isn’t collected at the time of transferring the vehicle to a probated owner or legal next-of-kin. 

     
    Buying, selling, or leasing a vehicle

    Title information 

    Title transfer and vehicle registration


  • Your corrected title should arrive in the mail within 14 days. 

    If you need your title immediately, instant title service is available at all Secretary of State offices. All vehicle owners listed on the title must appear in person for instant title service. You cannot appoint an agent to represent you for an instant title transaction.

  • Your duplicate title should arrive in the mail in 14 days. 

    If you need your title sooner, instant, or same day, title service is available at all Secretary of State offices. The vehicle owner must appear in person for instant title service. You cannot appoint an agent to represent you for an instant title transaction.

  • The corrected title fee is $15.

    There is a $1 lien filing fee if adding a lienholder. There is no charge for removing a lienholder.

    There is an extra $5 fee for same-day, instant title service.

  • The duplicate title fee is $15. There is an extra $5 fee for same-day instant title service.

  • It is strongly recommended that you visit a Secretary of State office immediately after purchasing a vehicle in a private sale. However, per state law, you have 15 days to transfer the title after the date of the sale. A $15 late fee will be assessed if you transfer the vehicle title more than 15 days after the sale.

    Additionally, in Michigan, you don’t need a license plate to drive a newly purchased vehicle directly home within three days of purchase.

    Until you register your vehicle, keep the assigned title from the seller and proof of insurance with you whenever you’re driving. Don’t use a plate from another vehicle to drive a new vehicle home.

    Schedule an office visit

  • A complaint form must be filled out by the consumer and submitted to the Lansing Inspections Section, along with all supporting documentation. You may obtain this complaint form by using the online automotive complaint form or by calling 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424). If a complaint kit is mailed to you, you may submit the completed form and all supporting documents via fax 517-335-3192 or by mail to:

    Michigan Department of State
    Regulatory Monitoring Division
    PO Box 30046
    Lansing, MI 48909-7546

  • According to the Michigan Vehicle Code, a vehicle owner is required to register their vehicle in Michigan after staying in the state for 90 days. It is not necessary to title the vehicle in Michigan, however in order to comply with Michigan law, a Michigan certificate of no-fault insurance must be obtained in order to register your vehicle with the Michigan Secretary of State. If your out-of-state title is being held by a lien holder or leasing company, you may take your previous state registration (expired less than 90 days) or proof of your out-of-state title to any Secretary of State office. The Secretary of State will issue a Michigan registration and plate to a vehicle with an out-of-state title.  For a list of insurance companies authorized to issue Michigan no-fault insurance, please visit the DIFS website at: www.michigan.gov/difs.

     
     
  • It is strongly recommended that you visit a Secretary of State office immediately after purchasing a vehicle in a private sale. However, per state law, you have 15 days to transfer the title after the date of the sale. A $15 late fee will be assessed if you transfer the vehicle title more than 15 days after the sale. 

    Additionally, in Michigan, you don’t need a license plate to drive a newly purchased vehicle directly home within three days of purchase. 

    Until you register your vehicle, keep the assigned title from the seller and proof of insurance with you whenever you’re driving. Don’t use a plate from another vehicle to drive a new vehicle home.

    Schedule an office visit

  • Most dealerships will handle the title transfer and vehicle registration process for you.

  • Yes, but only if you drive the vehicle directly to the first place of storage (usually your home) within three days of the sale. You must have the properly assigned title and proof of insurance with you.

    Do not use the seller's license plate on the vehicle while driving it home. The seller should keep the license plate. 

  • Apply for title at any Secretary of State office.

    Schedule an office visit

  • Congratulations on owning your vehicle free and clear. Now that your loan is paid off, you should receive a "letter of lien release" from the bank or financial institution that financed your vehicle. This letter will include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and state that the terms of the loan have been satisfied. The bank or financing company also may use a "bank stamp" and sign the face of the title to show that the loan has been paid and the lien agreement is terminated. In either case, you may choose to purchase a new title with the lienholder removed or keep the lienholder's letter with your title. Should you ever decide to sell your vehicle, you will have verifiable proof that the lien has been legitimately terminated. You cannot transfer ownership of a vehicle until the lien is cleared from the title.

    If you financed your vehicle with a lender that participates in Michigan's Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) program, your title record is held electronically, and you do not currently have a paper title showing a lien. Once the final payment on your loan has been processed by your lender you will automatically receive a paper title mailed to you from the Michigan Department of State. Please make sure to provide your lender with your current mailing address to ensure proper receipt of your paper title.

  • No. Don't assume a used vehicle has a manufacturer's or dealer's warranty. Most used vehicles are not under warranty for any period of time. Any vehicle sold "as is" carries no warranty. You must pay for any repairs on a vehicle not covered by a warranty.

    If the seller promises to make repairs to get you to buy a vehicle, make sure you get the promise in writing.

  • Due to the implementation of the state's Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) system in March of 2021, your title will be held electronically by the Michigan Department of State. This means you will not be receiving a paper vehicle title until your vehicle loan has been paid in full. When you make the final payment to your lender, they will inform the Michigan Department of State to release a paper copy of your title, which will automatically be mailed to you.

  • A $15 title transfer fee is due at the time of transferring vehicle ownership. Unless already collected by a dealership, 6% sales tax will be due at the time of transferring the title.

    An additional $15 late fee is assessed if you transfer the vehicle title more than 15 days after its sale.

    Title transfer and vehicle registration
  • It is ideal for the seller and the buyer to go to a Secretary of State office together to complete a title transaction. However, if the seller can’t join you at a Secretary of State office visit to transfer the title, you can still transfer the vehicle title in your name.

    To do so, seller must accurately complete and provide you with the assigned title, an odometer disclosure statement, and either a lien termination statement or title signed by the lienholder, if there is a lien or loan against the vehicle.

  • Michigan residents whose vehicle is registered and plated, but not titled, in Michigan can apply for a memo registration. A memo registration is issued when an out of state lienholder or lessor holds the title.

    Proof of a valid Michigan No-Fault insurance policy is required to apply for a memo registration in Michigan.

    One of the following documents is required for proof of ownership:

    • A copy of the out-of-state title (front of the title only is acceptable), out-of-state memo title, or validated title application
    • An out-of-state registration (valid or expired less than 90 days). A state-issued temporary registration can be accepted but not a dealer-issued temporary permit
    • A vehicle record printed on the issuing state's Department of Motor Vehicles letterhead verifying the vehicle is titled in that state
    • An electronic lien and title record issued by the state’s electronic lien and title (ELT) vendor such as VINTek, Premier eTitleLien, PDP or DMVDesk.

    If you have questions about memo registrations, please contact the MIchigan Department of State Information Center: (888) 767-6724.

  • Before you buy a vehicle, check to make sure the title has been properly completed by the seller. 

    If the title is an orange color and shows "this vehicle was previously issued a salvage title, the vehicle was previously issued a salvage title, probably due to vehicle damage. You are entitled to a salvage disclosure form from the dealer if the vehicle is under 8,000 pounds and less than six model years old, or over 8,000 pounds and less than 16 model years old.

    When your title arrives in the mail, make sure that your information is correct. 

    Before selling a vehicle, be sure to complete the seller's portion and include your signature in the appropriate space. It is required that you check the vehicle mileage and report an accurate odometer reading. 
  • Consumers should be aware that leasing may involve costs for excess mileage, early termination, or excess wear and tear. When you lease a vehicle, make sure all the terms of the lease are in writing, that you understand the terms of the lease and that you agree with the terms. More information about leasing may be found by reading the Secretary of State's Consumers Guide to Leasing.

  • If you are selling your vehicle and cannot find its title, you will need to get a duplicate title at a Secretary of State branch office.

    As seller, complete your part on the title assignment by signing it and adding the:

    • Vehicle mileage
    • Selling date
    • Selling price

    Note: If there is more than one owner named on the front of the title, all owners must sign.

    • Check if any liens (such as bank loans) against the vehicle that are noted on the title. If there is a lien, it must be released by the lienholder in the appropriate signature space. You also may attach a lien termination statement from the financial institution to the title.
    • Have the buyer enter their name, address and signature in the buyer's section on the title document.
    • If possible, the buyer and seller should go together to a Secretary of State office to complete the title transfer.

    If you are unable to accompany the buyer, maintain a record of the sale for at least 18 months. The record can be a photocopy of the reassigned title or a form or document that includes the vehicle's year, make, and Vehicle Identification Number, as well as the name, address, driver's license number and signature of the person to whom the vehicle is sold along with its purchase price and date of sale.

    Under Michigan law, a seller is not liable for any damages or a violation of the law caused by the buyer if the seller maintains proof of sale.

    • Keep the license plate that was on the vehicle you sold.  You may transfer that plate to another vehicle.
    • Remember to cancel your insurance on the vehicle that you sold.
  • Salvage vehicle agents licensed by the Michigan Department of State are the only persons authorized to buy or sell salvage or scrap-titled vehicles or major component parts at salvage pools or auctions in Michigan. A Salvage Vehicle Agent may represent only his/her dealership of employment when dealing in salvage or scrap-titled vehicles or salvageable parts.

    • Test-drive the vehicle and have it inspected by a mechanic.
    • Check the odometer's mileage accuracy. The mileage for most vehicles must be provided when ownership changes. Vehicles older than 10 years are exempt.
    • Test-drive the vehicle and have it inspected by a mechanic.
    • Check the odometer's mileage accuracy. The mileage for most vehicles must be provided when ownership changes. Vehicles older than 10 years are exempt.
    • Make sure the vehicle has a valid title and that the owner named on the front of the title is the same person signing it over to you.
    • Match the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the title with the number on the vehicle's dashboard. The VIN should be visible through the windshield.
    • Check the title to be sure that there are no liens (such as bank loans) against the vehicle. If there is a lien, it must be released by the lienholder in the appropriate signature space or by attaching a lien termination statement from the financial institution to the title.
    • Never take possession of a vehicle without the title signed by the owner or owners named on the front of the title. If more than one person is buying the vehicle, you all need to sign the new title application.
    • If possible, the buyer and seller should go together to a Secretary of State office to complete the title transfer. The transfer must be filed with the Secretary of State within 15 days from the date of the sale to avoid a late fee. Unless exempt, tax is due when you apply for the title.
  • If you purchase or acquire a vehicle from another person, 6% tax is due of the full purchase price or fair market value, whichever is greater.  

    No tax is due if you purchase or acquire a vehicle from an immediate family member. An immediate family member is defined as:

    • Spouse
    • Parent (natural or adoptive)
    • Brother or sister (includes half-brother and half-sister)
    • Child (natural or adopted)
    • Father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchild-in-law
    • Stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, or stepchild*
    • Grandparent or grandchild
    • Legal ward, or legally appointed guardian with a certified letter of guardianship

    *For tax purposes, a step-relationship ends upon divorce

     
  • An owner shown on the title may apply for a corrected title.

    Any other owner listed on the title must bring identification and appear with you. (If the owner cannot appear with you, they may complete and sign an Appointment of Agent form and provide a photocopy of their driver’s license.)

    Appointment of Agent form

  • A duplicate title is issued when the original title is lost, stolen, or damaged. Any owner shown on the title may apply for a duplicate title.

    When a vehicle is under joint ownership, only one owner or their representative needs to sign the duplicate title application. An Appointment of Agent form from the other co-owners isn’t necessary.

    Vehicle owners trading in their vehicle at a dealership may have the dealer apply for a duplicate title. The dealer will need to submit a copy of their dealer license and telephone number. If you complete an Appointment of Agent form appointing the dealer as your agent to sign on your behalf, the dealer must provide a photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID.

    Members of the military and other Michigan residents who are residing out of state may request a duplicate title through the mail by submitting an Out-of-State Resident Duplicate Title Application.  Contact the department’s Special Services Branch at 517-636-5872 for assistance.

    Appointment of Agent form

    Duplicate Title Application

    Out-of-State Resident Duplicate Title Application

  • The Michigan Department of State's Regulatory Monitoring Division investigates complaints involving motor vehicle sales and repairs. Title and repair issues are two of the most common complaints received.

    For vehicle purchases from a dealership, file a complaint if you haven’t received your title and registration within three weeks of the sale.

    For vehicles purchased in a private sale, we encourage the buyer and seller to schedule a visit to a Secretary of State office to transfer the title and register the vehicle. If this isn’t possible, sellers are encouraged to keep a detailed record of the sale for at least 18 months as proof they no longer own the vehicle.

    For vehicle repairs, file a complaint if you believe you were charged for repairs that weren’t done or if you were told you needed repairs that you later found weren’t needed. You may still file a complaint even if you didn’t have the repairs done.