Used vehicle bill of sale

Create Used Trailer Bill of Sale Michigan Online

Selling a used trailer in Michigan? Pre-owned vehicle private party sale — generate the right bill of sale for your transaction.

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Selling a used trailer in Michigan

When selling a used trailer 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 Trailer transfer fees and requirements

In Michigan, the title transfer fee is $15 and registration costs Based on vehicle list price; varies widely. Trailer sales are subject to 6% use tax on purchase price. Michigan does not require notarization for private-party trailer transfers. Michigan does not require emission testing for private-party trailer 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 trailer purchases

Michigan has a 6% state sales tax rate. Flat 6% use tax statewide. Private-party trailer sales in Michigan are subject to sales tax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases. The title transfer fee is $15.

Trailer market data and safety information

The most common trailer makes in private-party sales are Big Tex, PJ Trailers, Carry-On, Sure-Trac, Load Trail. Average private-party trailer prices range from $1,500–$15,000. Trailers average 1.5 NHTSA recalls per model across categories including Tires, Electrical (lighting), Axle/Suspension.

Safety checkpoints for buying a used trailer

Before completing a trailer bill of sale in Michigan, verify these safety items:

Inspect hitch coupler and safety chains for wear and proper rating
Check all lighting connections — trailer lights are the #1 reason for roadside stops
Verify axle alignment and tire wear patterns
Test electric or surge brakes if equipped
Confirm breakaway switch and battery function on braked trailers
Verify VIN/serial plate is intact and matches title
Check D-ring tie-down ratings and weld integrity
Inspect ramp gate hinges and locking pins for safe operation

Trailer insurance and depreciation in Michigan

Trailer insurance is optional in most states unless financed. Physical damage coverage is $100–$300/year. Utility trailers hold value exceptionally well — quality steel trailers retain 70–80% of value over 10 years. Peak season for private trailer sales is spring through early summer when landscaping and construction picks up, with an average of 14 days on market.

Trailer registration and titling

Trailers are classified as "Utility trailer (weight-class dependent)" for registration purposes. Trailers under 3,000 lbs may not require registration in some states. Over 3,000 lbs requires title and registration in most states. Federal odometer disclosure does not apply to trailers.

Trailer title transfer rules

Trailer title requirements vary significantly by state. Many states do not title trailers under a certain weight (commonly 1,500 to 3,000 lbs). A bill of sale may be the only transfer document for lightweight trailers. States that title trailers issue a certificate of title similar to a vehicle. States that do not title lightweight trailers may only require a registration card. Check your state threshold before assuming a title exists.

Required disclosures for trailer sales in Michigan

When selling a trailer in Michigan, the following disclosures apply:

Weight capacity (GVWR) determines whether the trailer requires a title, registration, and brakes in most states.
Trailer brakes are required in most states for trailers over 3,000 lbs GVWR.
Homemade trailers may require a state inspection and VIN assignment before they can be titled.

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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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special bill of sale for a used trailer in Michigan?

Michigan requires a bill of sale for all private party vehicle sales. A used trailer may have additional disclosure requirements around condition, mileage, or title status.

What should I include when selling a used trailer?

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 trailer 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 trailer?

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 trailer worth in a private sale?

Average private-party trailer prices range from $1,500–$15,000. Used vehicles typically fall in the lower range. The most common makes are Big Tex, PJ Trailers, Carry-On, Sure-Trac, Load Trail.

What safety items should I check on a used trailer?

Inspect hitch coupler and safety chains for wear and proper rating Check all lighting connections — trailer lights are the #1 reason for roadside stops