How to Sell a Car Privately in Michigan
Selling a car privately in Michigan lets you capture closer to true market value compared to a dealer trade-in. The buyer is responsible for paying 6% use tax on purchase price plus the $15 title transfer fee at the DMV.
6-Step Guide: Selling a Car Privately in Michigan
- 1Research your vehicle's market value on Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and local listings to set a competitive asking price.
- 2Gather documents: signed title, service records, warranty paperwork, and any lien release letters.
- 3Complete a signed bill of sale documenting VIN, sale price, odometer reading, sale date, and both parties' signatures.
- 4Sign over the title to the buyer — the seller signs the back of the title in the designated transfer area.
- 5Buyer takes the signed title and bill of sale to the Michigan DMV within the required deadline to complete the title transfer and pay the $15 transfer fee.
- 6File a Notice of Transfer or Release of Liability with the Michigan DMV after the sale to protect yourself from post-sale tickets or liability.
Michigan-Specific Notes
- ›Secretary of State handles title and registration
- ›Title transfer must be completed within 15 days
- ›Plate transfer allowed between vehicles owned by same person
Include a VIN History Report
The Premium plan ($19) includes a VIN history report — shows buyers the vehicle has a clean title and no hidden accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Michigan have a mandatory disclosure law for private car sales?▾
Michigan generally follows the "as-is" rule for private car sales — sellers are not required to disclose known defects unless asked directly. However, material misrepresentation (fraud) is always a legal risk.
How quickly must I report a private car sale to the Michigan DMV?▾
In Michigan, the title transfer must typically be completed 15 days of the sale date. Contact the Michigan DMV to confirm current requirements.
Can I sell a car privately in Michigan without a title?▾
Selling a car without a clear title in Michigan is strongly discouraged and may be illegal. If you have lost the title, apply for a duplicate at the Michigan DMV before listing the vehicle. Buyers who purchase without a title may have significant difficulty registering the vehicle.
Get your Michigan bill of sale + VIN report
Get Bill of Sale + VIN Report ($19) →More Michigan guides
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Michigan
- How to Write a Bill of Sale in Michigan
- Michigan Bill of Sale Requirements
- Does Michigan Require Notarization for a Bill of Sale?
- Michigan Title Transfer Fees & Vehicle Taxes
- Michigan car bill of sale generator
- Michigan bill of sale (all vehicles)
- How to Sell a Car Privately — all states
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