You can complete a title transfer in Michigan by bringing a few essential documents, like the car’s certificate of title, to a Secretary of State branch.

Written by Bonnie Stinson

Edited by Jessica Barrett

Updated on Sep 5, 2023

Table of Contents

What is a title transfer?
How to complete a car title transfer in Michigan
Registering a car in Michigan

To transfer ownership of a vehicle in the state of

Michigan

, you’ll need to complete a title transfer in-person at a Secretary of State (SOS) branch. The fee is only $15.

If you’re selling, donating, or inheriting a vehicle, you will need to complete the title transfer process to transfer ownership to the buyer or recipient.
To transfer a title, the seller must sign the title and the buyer/recipient must visit the SOS to receive a new title and registration.
If you recently purchased a vehicle, you have 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title.

What is a title transfer?

When you transfer a car’s title, you’re transferring its ownership to someone else.

Transferring a title consists of one step for the seller and one step for the buyer:

The seller must sign the title to release ownership of the vehicle

The buyer will need to go to an SOS branch office with the signed title to be issued a new title and registration

Every state has a unique process for title transfers, but all states require you to provide basic information about the vehicle, the owner, the buyer, and the bill of sale. Some states require extra paperwork depending on the circumstances (e.g., passing down a car to a family member).

Who does the title transfer?

In a private purchase, the buyer and seller must decide who will complete the title transfer process. Both people need to sign the title and ensure that the proper paperwork is filed.

When you buy a car from a dealership, it’s the dealer’s responsibility to handle all the paperwork and send you the vehicle title from the state by mail. This is one major reason that so many people prefer to shop for cars at a dealership—less hassle!

Reasons for a title transfer

The most common reason for a title transfer is a change of residency or buying or selling a car. However, there are several additional reasons to complete a title change:

Inheriting a vehicle

Paying off a vehicle loan

Donating a vehicle

Gifting a vehicle

Some situations require extra paperwork while others come with a lower fee.

How to complete a car title transfer in Michigan

You must visit a Secretary of State office to complete the Michigan

title transfer

process.

You are considered a resident as soon as you move to Michigan, and you must register your car immediately. Visit a Michigan SOS office and bring with you the current title certificate and payment for any title fees.

If you recently purchased a vehicle, you have 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title. Otherwise, you must pay a $15 late fee.

Buying from a Michigan dealership is easier in many ways. The dealer will be responsible for handling the titling and registration paperwork. You’ll simply pay the associated fees as part of the transaction with the dealer.

Buying from a private seller is a bit more complex—and you must file the paperwork yourself. Here’s what you need:

Driver’s license number

Vehicle information—license plate number, vehicle identification number (VIN)

Title certificate

completed by the seller

Title assignment completed by the seller

Odometer reading via an odometer disclosure statement

Signature of the seller—do not cross out any names, as this will invalidate the document

Payment for fees

Proof of insurance

that meets

Michigan’s minimum requirements

The title transfer fee in Michigan is $15. Once you’ve submitted all required documentation, you should receive a new title within 14 days.

Expert Tip In Michigan, you cannot transfer a motor vehicle title with a lien holder on it.

Registering a car in Michigan

After a title transfer, you still need to

. Registration is proof that you can legally drive on the streets and is done annually in Michigan:

Model years 1983 and older: registration fees are calculated based on the vehicle’s weight

Model years 1984 and newer: registration fees are based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail (or base) price (ad valorem)

To complete vehicle registration, you must have a Michigan title and proof of

auto insurance

that meets the state minimum coverage requirements.

Hybrid vehicles trigger additional fees, which are indexed to the gasoline tax:

$47.50 for hybrid vehicles up to 8,000 lbs.

$117.50 for hybrid vehicles over 8,000 lbs.

$135 for electric vehicles under 8,000 lbs.

$235 for electric vehicles over 8,000 lbs.

Other fees may apply based on your county of residence or your driving record.

“I was so intimidated about purchasing insurance for my new car. Instead of talking to agency after agency, I found
Jerry
, which did all the work for me. It was so user-friendly.” —Alice B.

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