Do I need a special bill of sale for a used pickup truck in Michigan?
Michigan requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle sales. A used pickup truck may have additional disclosure requirements around condition, mileage, or title status.
Used vehicle bill of sale
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Selling a used pickup truck in Michigan
When selling a used pickup truck through a private party sale in Michigan, a bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller by documenting the transaction details and the vehicle's condition at the time of sale.
Legal considerations for used vehicles in Michigan
Michigan sellers must complete and sign the certificate of title, including the odometer disclosure section, before handing it to the buyer. The seller keeps their license plate. The seller should retain a copy of the reassigned title or a bill of sale (TR-207) containing the buyer's name, address, driver license number, signature, purchase price, and date of sale for at least 18 months under MCL 257.240. Including 'sold as-is' language in the bill of sale excludes implied warranties under Michigan UCC MCL 440.2316(3)(a).
Required disclosures
Odometer disclosure on the title is required for eligible vehicles under MCL 257.233a. The seller must certify the reading as actual mileage or note any known discrepancy. The seller should also disclose any known material defects; while private sellers are not subject to the implied warranty of merchantability (which attaches to merchant sellers), active concealment of known defects can constitute fraud not excused by an as-is clause.
Michigan Required Form: TR-207
Michigan requires Form TR-207 for used vehicle transactions. No additional state inspection is required.
Michigan steps for used vehicles
- Complete all fields on the Michigan certificate of title including odometer statement and seller signature
- Remove your license plate before delivery — it stays with you, not the vehicle
- Provide the buyer with the original signed title (not a photocopy)
- Retain a copy of the front and back of the completed title or a TR-207 bill of sale for at least 18 months
- Include 'sold as-is' language in any accompanying bill of sale to disclaim implied warranties under MCL 440.2316(3)(a)
Buyer warning
The buyer is responsible for transferring the title to their name within 15 days of purchase and paying the applicable title fee and 6% use tax. A $15 late fee applies if the title is not transferred within 15 days. A Michigan private sale is presumed 'as-is' with no warranty unless the seller provides a written warranty.
Michigan Pickup Truck transfer fees and requirements
In Michigan, the title transfer fee is $15 and registration costs Based on vehicle list price; varies widely. Pickup Truck sales are subject to 6% use tax on purchase price. Michigan does not require notarization for private-party pickup truck transfers. Michigan does not require emission testing for private-party pickup truck sales.
- Secretary of State handles title and registration
- Title transfer must be completed within 15 days
- Plate transfer allowed between vehicles owned by same person
Michigan sales tax on pickup truck purchases
Michigan has a 6% state sales tax rate. Flat 6% use tax statewide. Private-party pickup truck sales in Michigan are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $15.
Pickup Truck market data and safety information
The most common pickup truck makes in private-party sales are Ford, Chevrolet, RAM, Toyota, GMC. Average private-party pickup truck prices range from $10,000–$55,000. The average NCAP safety rating for recent pickup truck models is 4.1 out of 5 stars. Pickup trucks average 3.6 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Power Train, Fuel System, Steering.
Safety checkpoints for buying a used pickup truck
Before completing a pickup truck bill of sale in Michigan, verify these safety items:
- Inspect bed and tailgate for damage or rust-through
- Check frame for corrosion — especially on salt-belt vehicles
- Verify 4WD transfer case engagement and differential operation
- Test towing electrical connector and brake controller if equipped
- Confirm trailer-sway control and integrated trailer-brake function
- Verify backup camera and trailer-hitch guidance lines on equipped trucks
- Test bed-mounted tie-down rating and cleat integrity
- Inspect cab-mount bushings for sag or rust separation
Pickup Truck insurance and depreciation in Michigan
Pickup truck insurance averages $1,800–$2,800/year. Diesel models and lifted trucks cost more. Full-size pickups are the strongest value holders in the market — many retain 65–75% after 5 years. Peak season for private pickup truck sales is late spring and summer for work and recreation demand, with an average of 16 days on market.
Pickup Truck registration and titling
Pickup Trucks are classified as "Light truck (same classification as "truck" in most states)" for registration purposes. Half-ton pickups (1500 series) are under 8,500 lbs GVWR. Three-quarter-ton (2500) and one-ton (3500) models may require commercial plates in some states. Federal odometer disclosure is required for pickup trucks under 20 years old.
Pickup Truck title transfer rules
Pickup truck title transfer rules depend on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Light-duty pickups (½-ton, ¾-ton, most full-size 1-ton models) follow standard passenger vehicle rules. Pickups rated over 16,000 lbs GVWR (some heavy-duty 1-ton dually trucks loaded with campers) are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Pickup truck titles list GVWR and body style (regular cab, extended cab, crew cab). Verify the title body style matches the truck — incorrect body style on the title can delay registration in the buyer's state.
Required disclosures for pickup truck sales in Michigan
When selling a pickup truck in Michigan, the following disclosures apply:
- Towing capacity, payload rating, and 5th-wheel/gooseneck hitch installation should be documented — these affect both insurance and intended-use compliance.
- Diesel emission system (DEF/DPF/EGR) integrity must be disclosed — delete kits are illegal under the Clean Air Act and can result in EPA penalties for both seller and buyer.
- Lift kits, leveling kits, and oversize tires can void factory warranty and may disqualify the truck from emission compliance in inspection states.
Michigan bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 2,419 bill of sale documents for Michigan transactions, with 65 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
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Create Michigan Pickup Truck Bill of SaleFrequently asked questions
What should I include when selling a used pickup truck?
Include buyer and seller details, vehicle identifiers (VIN, year, make, model), sale price, date, signatures, and a clear description of the vehicle condition as used.
Is a used pickup truck bill of sale legally binding in Michigan?
Yes. A properly completed bill of sale is a legal document in Michigan. For used vehicles, disclosing the condition protects both buyer and seller.
What are the Michigan fees for transferring a used pickup truck?
Michigan charges a $15 title transfer fee. Registration costs Based on vehicle list price; varies widely. Sales tax: 6% use tax on purchase price. Notarization is not required.
How much is a used pickup truck worth in a private sale?
Average private-party pickup truck prices range from $10,000–$55,000. Used vehicles typically fall in the lower range. The most common makes are Ford, Chevrolet, RAM, Toyota, GMC.
What safety items should I check on a used pickup truck?
Inspect bed and tailgate for damage or rust-through Check frame for corrosion — especially on salt-belt vehicles