Titles

• Anyone whose name will be listed as an owner. 
• It is recommended that the seller go with the buyer.  
• If you can’t go in person, you can appoint an agent or power of attorney to handle the transaction on your behalf. 
  
  

Appointment of Agent form.

Apply at any Secretary of State office. You will need:   

• $20 instant title fee. 
• Driver’s license or ID 
• Vehicle Identification Number or Hull ID number for watercraft.  
  
  Who needs to go to the office: 
  
  
• The vehicle owner must appear in person.  
• Agents are not allowed for instant titles.  
• If the vehicle has two owners, both must appear to transfer ownership. 
• If you only need a duplicate title, only one owner needs to appear and sign the application. Both names will stay on the title. 
• Before you go to the office, check with our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) to make sure you have all the correct paperwork.  

• The title record will remain in the seller's name until the buyer submits the assigned title to the Secretary of State and transfers ownership into the buyer's name. 
• The best way to ensure the transfer happens is for the seller to go with the buyer to a Secretary of State office. 
• Sellers are at risk if the buyer doesn’t transfer the title.  If you cannot go with the buyer to a Secretary of State office, make a copy of the front and back of the title after you and the buyer fill it out. Keep this copy for at least 18 months to protect yourself from being held responsible for any negligent use after the vehicle has been delivered to the buyer.
• See Section 257.240 of the Michigan Vehicle Code for the specific law regarding liability after selling a vehicle.    

• No. Immediately remove your plate when you sell it. 
• Michigan law gives the buyer three days to drive the vehicle home without a plate traveling the most direct route. The buyer must carry the assigned title and proof of insurance.  
• If you leave your plate on the vehicle, you could be responsible for any violations, like parking tickets, the buyer gets while driving the vehicle with your plate.  
• You can transfer your plate to another vehicle you own or when you buy a different vehicle.  
• Don’t let anyone borrow your plate. 

Try and contact the seller to obtain a title. The seller will need to apply for a duplicate title and assign it to you again.  

If you cannot contact the previous owner and obtain a title, you will need one of the following:

• Court Order awarding ownership of a vehicle. The court order must include the year, make, and vehicle identification number (VIN) of the vehicle.
• Surety bond is needed if you can’t get a court order. A surety bond is like an insurance policy. You purchase it from an insurance company or bonding agency.  The bond must be twice the fair market value of the vehicle. Fair market value can be established by a dealer appraisal or a recognized vehicle appraisal guide. or
• Complete a TR-205 Self-Certification of Ownership if the vehicle is eligible.
  • Vehicle must be titled in Michigan.
  • Vehicle must be ten years old or older and valued at $2,500 or less.
  • Self-certification cannot be used for vehicles titled in other states or by nonresidents.
  • You will need to submit:
    • TR-205 Certification of Ownership form available online and at all Secretary of State offices
    • Appraisal value of the vehicle from Michigan dealer or online appraisal service like https://www.kbb.com, https://www.jdpower.com, or https://www.edmunds.com

Tax exempt relationships:  

• Spouse 
• Father, mother 
• Child 
• Brother, half-brother, sister, half-sister 
• Grandparent, grandchild 
• Legal ward, or legally-appointed guardian.  
• 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.  

Not tax exempt:  

• Cousins 
• Aunts, uncles 
• Nephews, nieces 
• Step-grandparents 
• Great-grandchildren 
• Grandparent-in-law 
• All other relationships  

You will need:  

• Your out-of-state registration. It must be current or expired less than 90 days, or proof of the out-of-state title. Proof of title can be: 
  •  A fax copy or photocopy of the title 
  • a memo title 
  • a recently validated title application
  • a vehicle record on state government 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 DealerTrack, VINTek, Premier eTitleLien, PDP, or DMVDesk containing the title number. The title number cannot be handwritten.   
  • Michigan no-fault insurance for the vehicle. 

Go to a Secretary of State office.  

• 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. 

You will need to schedule a visit at a Secretary of State office.

• Your out-of-state registration. It must be current or expired less than 90 days, or proof of the out-of-state title. Proof of title can be:
  • A fax copy or photocopy of the title
  • A memo title
  • A recently validated title application
  • A vehicle record on state government 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 DealerTrack, VINTek, Premier eTitleLien, PDP, or DMVDesk containing the title number.  The title number cannot be handwritten. 
• 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.

Schedule an office visit

• No. Some written contracts have a legal “cooling off period” where you can cancel under certain circumstances. This does not apply to purchasing a new vehicle. Your sales contract is binding. Consumers do not have the right to cancel the sale of goods or services. Learn more about your contract cancellation rights here.  
• The Lemon Law does include a right to return the vehicle and receive a refund for the purchase or leased price. This only applies to vehicles that have had a reasonable number of repairs. These repairs must happen beyond three days after purchase. Learn more about Michigan's Lemon Law.  

• Go to Online Services.  
• Follow the link Vehicle Services. 
• Locate Business Services.  
• Follow the link Dealer Services or Repair Facility Services. 
• Then follow the link Find a Dealer or Find a Repair Facility. 
• You may also search for a mechanic by locating Additional Services and following the link Mechanic Services and then following the link Find a Mechanic.  
• Listings are updated daily.  
• If you are unable to locate what you are searching for, call 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424). 

• First, try to work it out with the dealership owner or manager.   
• If the problem isn't resolved, go to Online Services to file the complaint online.  
• Select the link for Dealer Complaint or Repair Facility Complaint.  
• Complete the online complaint form 

• If words "Full Rights To Survivor" are listed on the current title and you are both listed as owners, all that is needed to remove your spouse’s name is title, a copy of the death certificate, and your driver’s license or ID.  
• If the deceased owner's estate is not probated: 
  • Present the title, current registration or license plate number and a certified copy of the death certificate at a Secretary of State office. 
  • Complete a TR-29 Certification From the Heir to a Vehicle form. 
• If the estate is probated: 
  • The court appointed personal representative must assign the title to you. If you are the personal representative, you can assign the title to yourself by completing the seller’s portion of the title and writing “personal representative” after your signature.  
  • Present the assigned title and a copy of Letter of Authority from the court at a Secretary of State office. 

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

• Go to Online Services. 
• Under Additional Services, select Salvage Vehicle Inspector.  
• Inspectors are listed by county

• The vehicle must meet U.S. federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) to be imported. 
• Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) indicates if the vehicle was manufactured to these standards.
• Must be imported by a registered importer, 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. 

Documents required for import:  

• Vehicle title and ownership documents 
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection Entry Summary CPB-7501 stamped by Customs and Border Protection. 
• TR-54 Inspection Form is required if the vehicle was imported through a state other than Michigan and the vehicle is only being titled but not registered.  
• U.S. Department of Transportation form HS 7  
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA form 3520-1 
• Driver’s license or ID
• Michigan No-Fault insurance 

Note about the CBP 7501 form:  

• CBP 7501 is required for on-road vehicles, mopeds, trailers, trailer coaches, ORVs, watercraft and snowmobiles.   
• A stamp or seal isn’t needed for vehicles 25 years old, ORVs, watercraft or snowmobiles. 

Note about the HS-7 form:  

If box 3 is checked on the HS-7 form, the vehicle wasn't manufactured to U.S. safety and emissions standards. Federal law requires a registered importer to assist with importation: 

• The registered importer provides the federal government with a statement of conformity. 
• 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 to the Secretary of State. However, if 30 days have passed since the importer submitted documentation to the federal government, the statement of conformity may be accepted instead of the bond release letter.

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.

Under Michigan law the following vehicles are exempt from titling and registering in Michigan: 

• Passenger vehicles registered in another state operated by a nonresident for up to 90 days. New residents must title and register their vehicles immediately. 
• Implements of husbandry like farm tractors. 
• Any vehicle owned by the United States federal government. 
• Trailers weighing less than 2,500 pounds must be registered but are not required to be titled.  All trailer coaches must be titled and registered. 
• A vehicle driven or moved upon the highway using the most direct route 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. 
• Mopeds must be registered. Mopeds are not titled in Michigan

• Kei-class vehicles, including mini-trucks and microvans 25 years old and older are exempt from federal regulations and can be titled and registered for on-road use if they were manufactured for on-road use in the U.S. or in another country. 
• Import documentation will be required if the vehicle has not been previously titled in the U.S.
• Mini-trucks and microvans less than 25 years old aren’t eligible for titling or registering on-road. They can only be titled as off-road vehicles.

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

• Paper Michigan title requires the lien to be terminated or a letter of authorization from the lienholder approving the transfer with the title application. 
• Electronic titles cannot be transferred until the lien is released. Contact your lienholder for assistance.    

• You should update the address on your vehicle registration online or at a Secretary of State office as soon as you can.  
• If you do not immediately correct a title with your new address, no harm is done.  
• Submitting a change of address to the Secretary of State only updates the address on your driver’s license and voter registration but not on any titles in your name. 

• Log into your e-Services account  
• Go 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 process is the same for re-branding electronic titles. 

• Electronic Title corrections can be processed at any Secretary of State office.  
• Follow the same steps listed on the title correction webpage, the only difference is you don’t need to bring a paper title with you.  
• Correcting information such as when an owner changes their name or correcting a vehicle’s body style will continue to update the title record, however, a paper title won’t be issued until the lienholder releases their lien.  

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.

• Electronic liens must be released electronically by the lienholder. 
• Paper lien release letters can’t be used to remove electronic liens.  
• Once After 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.  
• The lienholder must give the lienholder ID number to the vehicle dealer or customer when approving loans.  
• The lienholder ID can be found on the RD-108 or TR-11 application.

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.

• Electronic liens can only be released by the lienholder.  
• You must work with the ELT provider to obtain a paper title.   
• The ELT provider may use online services to generate a paper title showing the lien; or the ELT provider may require the customer to pay off the lien before a paper title is issued. 
• For more information go to Electronic Lien and Title Information 
• Also visit Industry Information.

• 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.

• You can request a copy of your vehicle registration or   
• Contact your lienholder 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.  

License plate fees for 1984 or newer model year passenger vehicles and light trucks are calculated using a percentage of the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) at the time the vehicle is first titled. This is also known as the base price. It is then reduced by a percentage of that registration fee for the following three years. Under the present law, no further reduction is provided.  

If the vehicle is older than 1984, the fee is based on the weight of the vehicle. You may contact our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) and someone will help you figure the fee for your particular vehicle, or visit a Secretary of State branch office for assistance. 

Use the registration fee calculator to calculate your vehicle registration fee. Use the plate transfer fee calculator to calculate the cost of transferring a license plate. 
 

Registration fee calculator

Plate transfer fee calculator

Get a vehicle history report from an approved National Motor Vehicle Title Information System Data Provider.  

• NMVTIS for general public and consumers
• Check NMVTIS Before You Buy! brochure
• Check NMVTIS Before You Buy! video
• Approved NMVTIS data providers

The Michigan Department of State only has authority to investigate complaints covered by the Michigan Vehicle Code or the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act. 

Complaints about a car dealer, or repair shop: 

• First, try to work it out with the dealership owner or manager.   
• If the problem isn't resolved, go to Online Services to file the complaint online.  
• Select the link for Dealer Complaint or Repair Facility Complaint. 
• Complete the online complaint form 

Complaints outside the authority of the Michigan Department of State:  

• 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. 
  
   

Give the following information to the person you want to handle the transaction for you:

• The Appointment of Agent form that you have filled out 
• A copy of your driver's license or state ID
  
  

Appointment of Agent

• Get a lien release if a lienholder is listed on the title.

Two owners listed on title

• When one vehicle owner dies:
• If the current title is in both your name and the deceased's name with the legend "Full Rights to Survivor" printed on it, all that is needed is the title, copy of the death certificate and identification. 

Vehicle is probated 

• Probate Court appoints a Personal Representative to administer the deceased’s estate. 
• Personal Representative assigns the deceased’s title to the new owner.  
• New owner goes to a Secretary of State office with the following: 
  • Original title, signed by the Personal Representative  
  • Copy of the Letter of Authority from the Personal Representative. 
  • Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance if registering the vehicle.
  • License or ID 

Vehicle not probated 

• Vehicle may be transferred to the closest next-of-kin using the Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle form. The closest next-of-kin is: 
• The surviving spouse 
• If no, spouse, then the deceased’s children. 

Questions about rights or interest of next-of-kin should be referred to an attorney or probate court.  

Multiple next-of-kin  

If there is no surviving spouse, and several closest next-of-kin, all share equal inheritance. 

• All next-of-kin who don’t want the vehicle must complete a certification statement saying so.  
• Each next-of-kin taking ownership completes a Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle form. 
• Present the following at a Secretary of State office: 
  • Original vehicle title if available. 
  • Certified copy of the death certificate. 
  • statement to this effect. 
  • License or ID’s for all next-of-kin that completes the Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle form. 
  • Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance if the vehicle will be registered in Michigan. 

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

Details on how to transfer a title into your name are located at the Title transfer and vehicle registration page.

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

When a vehicle owner dies, ownership is transferred as follows: 

• If the deceased's estate is probated, the Personal Representative, also known as the executor or administrator of the estate, is appointed by Probate Court and assigns the deceased's title to the new owner. 
• If the estate is not probated, ownership goes to the legal next-of-kin, as follows: 
  • The surviving spouse of the deceased 
  • If no spouse, then equally to all children. 
  • If no spouse or children, then equally to the surviving parents 
  • If no spouse, children, or parent, then equally to the siblings.
  • If none of the previously listed, then to the closest next-of-kin.
  • When there is more than one next-of-kin, such as multiple children, if ownership is shared equally. Each owner must sign the title and share ownership, or sign a certification statement declaring that they aren’t interested in 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 faster, instant title service is available at all Secretary of State offices for an extra $5 fee. All 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.

• Duplicate titles should arrive by mail in 14 days. The fee is $15.  
• Instant titles are issued the same day at all Secretary of State offices. The fee is $20.  

• $15 fee to change a name, correct the year, make, body style or VIN.  
• $16 to add a lienholder.  
• $15 to remove a lien. 
• Extra $5 fee for same-day, instant title.

• $15 and receive title by mail in 14 days. 
• $20 for same-day instant title. 

• You have 15 days to transfer the title after the date of the sale.  
• $15 late fee will be assessed if you transfer the title more than 15 days after the sale. 
  
  

Schedule an office visit

• First, try to work it out with the dealership owner or manager.   
• If the problem isn't resolved, go to Online Services to file the complaint online.  \\
• Select the link for Dealer Complaint or Repair Facility Complaint.  
• Complete the online complaint form 
• You can also call 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424) to have a complaint kit mailed to you.

• Nonresidents can use their vehicle with valid registration from another state for 90 days in Michigan.  
• If the vehicle is will be used longer than 90 days, the owner must register the vehicle in Michigan.  
• New residents must title and register their vehicles immediately. 
• Michigan MCL - Section 257.243 - Michigan Legislature  

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

• You can drive the vehicle without a plate for three days from the date of sale.  
• You must drive it directly to the first place of storage, usually your home.  
• 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 keeps their license plate.  

Apply for title at any Secretary of State office.

Schedule an office visit

Paper title:  

• Get a "letter of lien release" from the bank or financial institution that financed your vehicle.  
• Make sure the lien release letter lists the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and says the terms of the loan have been satisfied.  
• The bank or financing company can also stamp and sign the title to show the loan is paid and the lien is terminated.  
• You can choose to purchase a new title with the lienholder removed or keep the lienholder's letter with your title.  
• When you sell the vehicle, you must give the buyer the lien release letter if the lienholder is still listed on the title.   

Electronic 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 
• Give your lender your current mailing address.

• No. Don't assume a used vehicle has a manufacturer's or dealer's warranty.  
• Most used vehicles are not under warranty.
• Any vehicle sold "as is" doesn’t have a warranty.
• If the seller promises to make repairs to get you to buy a vehicle, make sure you get the promise in writing. 

Your title will be held electronically by the Michigan Department of State until your loan is paid and the lienholder releases the lien.

• $15 title transfer fee 
• 6% sales tax due of the full purchase price or fair market value, whichever is greater. 
• Additional $15 late fee you transfer the vehicle title more than 15 days after the date of sale.
  
  Title transfer and vehicle registration

 If the seller can’t join you at a Secretary of State office, you can still transfer the vehicle title. You will need:

• Driver’s license or ID.
• Completed title.
• Payment for the 6% tax, $15 or the title, and any additional registration fees.
• Michigan No-Fault insurance.

Title requirements

• Original title filled out and signed by the purchasers and sellers.
• Seller must complete and sign the seller’s portion of the title if they don’t plan to visit a Secretary of State office with you.
• Odometer reading must be accurately recorded on the title. If space is not provided on the title, complete and submit an Odometer Mileage Statement.
• Lien termination letter is required if there was a loan on the vehicle. The termination can be any of the following:
  • Completion of the termination statement on the title.
  • The lienholder's dated and signed “paid” stamp on the title.
  • Separate lien termination statement signed by the lienholder. It must include the vehicle identification number also known as the VIN.
  • Letter signed by the lienholder on their company letterhead listing the VIN and stating the lien is terminated.
  • Original finance contract issued by the lienholder marked or stamped “paid” and signed by the lienholder.

You will need:  

• Your out-of-state registration. It must be current or expired less than 90 days, or proof of the out-of-state title. Proof of title can be: 
• A fax copy or photocopy of the title 
• a memo title 
• a recently validated title application  
• a vehicle record on state government 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 DealerTrack, VINTek, Premier eTitleLien, PDP, or DMVDesk containing the title number. The title number cannot be handwritten.   
• Michigan no-fault insurance for the vehicle.   

Go to a Secretary of State office.  

• The Secretary of State 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. 

• Make sure the title has been properly completed by the seller including an accurate odometer reading. 
• Salvage titles are either orange or gray-and-yellow. 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 new title arrives in the mail, make sure your information is correct. 

• 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 Read the Secretary of State's Consumers Guide to Leasing.

You will need:  

• Vehicle title 
• Lien release if there is a lienholder listed on the title 
• Mileage displayed on the odometer
• As the seller, fill out the seller’s portion of the title including the mileage
• The buyer enters their name, address and signature in the purchaser’s section on the title
• Make a copy of the completed title and keep it for 18 months as proof of the sale
• Give the completed title, and lien release letter if there was a lien on the title
• Remove your license plate from the vehicle
• For more information see the Buying, selling, or leasing webpage 

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 their 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.

• Test-drive the vehicle and have it inspected by a mechanic.
• Check the odometer's mileage accuracy. 
• 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.

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

• 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. For tax purposes, a step-relationship ends after divorce.  
• Grandparent or grandchild 
• Legal ward, or legally appointed guardian with a certified letter of guardianship.  

• The owner on the title can apply for a corrected title. 
• If there are multiple owners, all owners listed on the title must be present and sign the title application.  
• If an owner cannot be present, they can designate an agent to act on their behalf by completing the Appointment of Agent form and giving the agent a photocopy of their driver’s license or ID.  
   

Appointment of Agent form

• Any owner listed on the title can apply for a duplicate. 
• Only one owner needs to sign the duplicate title application.  
• Vehicle owners trading in their vehicle at a dealership can have the dealer apply. The dealer submits a copy of their dealer license and phone number with an Appointment of Agent or a signed TR-11L duplicate title application                                                                      
• If you complete an Appointment of Agent form appointing the dealer as your agent, the dealer must provide a photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID. 
• Military and other Michigan residents 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 Internal Services Section 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: 

• Try to resolve the issue with the dealership.  
• If you can’t resolve the issue, or if you haven’t received your title and registration within three weeks of the sale, you can file a complaint.   
• Go to Online Services to file the complaint online.  
• Select the link for Dealer Complaint
• Complete the online complaint form 

For vehicle repairs: 

• File a complaint if 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. 
• Go to Online Services to file the complaint online.  
• Select the link Repair Facility Complaint.  
• Complete the online complaint form