Title transfer and vehicle registration

What do I need to title and register a vehicle in a Secretary of State office? (Choose tab)

Present the original title (photocopies or titles that have been modified, such as crossing out a name, cannot be accepted) with:

• Your signature – All titled owners must sign when the title is transferred. Owners who can’t visit an office to sign the title may appoint an agent to sign on their behalf by completing an Appointment of Agent form.
• Seller’s signature – The 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 disclosure statement – Ensure the odometer reading is accurately recorded on the title. If space is not provided on the title, complete and submit an Odometer Mileage Statement.
• Statement from loan provider – If there was a loan against the vehicle, provide the lien termination statement or signed title from the financial institution that administered the loan. If there is an active loan on the title, a letter of authorization from the lienholder must be submitted with the title application.
• You also will need to bring your Michigan driver’s license or ID.

• $15 – Title transfer fee
• $10 to $15 – Plate transfer fee (varies depending on whether the vehicle receiving the plate was bought in a private sale or sold to a family member)
• 6 percent sales tax (not collected for vehicle sales to immediate family members)
• Recreation Passport (optional) - $14 for a one-year vehicle registration; $28 for a two-year vehicle registration; $8 for motorcycle registration

A $15 late fee will be charged if the title isn’t transferred within 15 days of the sale.

Secretary of State offices accept payment by cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card (additional fees apply).

You must provide proof of a valid Michigan No-Fault insurance policy to register your vehicle in Michigan.

What do I need to title and register a vehicle through an online title transfer? (Choose tab)

Both buyer and seller must have a valid Michigan driver's license or ID. Online title transfer have the following requirements:

• Have an online service account.
• Current Michigan paper title (cannot be an electronic title).
• Vehicle must be a car, minivan, SUV, motorcycle, pickup, or van.
• Must have one individual seller to one individual buyer.
• The vehicle cannot be financed by the buyer.
• Additional eligibility checks will be performed during the transaction to determine if the vehicle is eligible for an online title transfer.

Note: The online title transfer is not an instant process. Once the buyer and seller complete their portion of the transfer, it can take up to 3 days to approve the transfer.

Before finalizing the online title transfer, the buyer will need to upload the front and back of the Michigan title. Titles that have been modified, such as crossing out a name, cannot be accepted. The following items must be completed on the title:

• Your signature – The titled owner must sign when the title is transferred.
• Seller’s signature – The seller must complete and sign the seller’s portion of the title.
• Odometer disclosure statement – Ensure the odometer reading is accurately recorded on the title.
• Statement from loan provider – If there was a loan against the vehicle, provide the signed lien termination statement or signed title from the financial institution that administered the loan.
  • If a separate lien termination statement was presented with the title, the buyer must upload the statement during the online title transfer.
  • $15 – Title transfer fee
  • $10 to $15 – Plate transfer fee (varies depending on whether the vehicle receiving the plate was bought in a private sale or sold to a family member)
  • 6 percent sales tax (not collected for vehicle sales to immediate family members)
  • Recreation Passport (optional) - $14 for a one-year vehicle registration; $28 for a two-year vehicle registration; $8 for motorcycle registration

  A $15 late fee will be charged if the title isn’t transferred within 15 days of the sale.

  Secretary of State accept online payments by eCheck or credit or debit card (additional fees apply).

  You must provide proof of a valid Michigan No-Fault insurance policy to register your vehicle in Michigan.

  If purchasing a new plate or transferring and renewing an existing plate, the buyer must upload Michigan No-Fault during the online title transfer.

  Note: If a new plate is purchased, a 60-day permit will be available to print after the online title transferred is approved.

  Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

  If I'm buying a vehicle from a dealer, do I handle the title transfer and vehicle registration process?

  Most dealerships will handle the title transfer and vehicle registration process for you. If I just bought a vehicle, can I drive it home without it being registered?

  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.

  Who is required to visit a Secretary of State office when transferring a title?

  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.

  How are title and registration fees determined?

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

  How soon do I need to transfer the title and get a license plate?

  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

  Which relatives are exempt from paying sales tax when transferring a vehicle title to a family member?

  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.

  • 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