How to Transfer a Car Title in Michigan
Step-by-step guide to completing a car title transfer in Michigan — required documents, fees, deadlines, and what to do if the title has a lien or is lost.
| Requirement | Michigan Rule |
|---|---|
| Transfer Deadline | 15 days from sale date |
| Title Fee | $15 |
| Notarization Required | ✗ No |
| Odometer Disclosure | ✓ Required |
| Online Transfer | ✗ In-person required |
| Agency | Michigan Secretary of State |
Michigan Note
Michigan requires the buyer to title the vehicle within 15 days of purchase.
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process
- 1
Gather required documents
Collect the signed vehicle title, a completed bill of sale, odometer disclosure statement, valid photo ID, and proof of insurance. Michigan requires the buyer and seller both have valid identification at the time of transfer.
- 2
Seller signs and releases the title
The seller must sign the back of the title in the exact name shown on the front. Fill in the odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. If a lien is listed, the lender must sign the release section first: Electronic lien releases (ELT) are automatically cleared by the lienholder through the state system.
- 3
Buyer completes the title assignment
The buyer fills in their full legal name, address, and purchase price on the title assignment section. Do not leave any fields blank — incomplete titles are rejected by Michigan Secretary of State.
- 4
Visit Michigan Secretary of State
Both buyer and seller visit Michigan Secretary of State with all documents. Pay the $15 title fee. $15 title fee; 6% Michigan use tax is collected at the time of title transfer.
- 5
Receive new title
Michigan will issue a new title in the buyer's name. The deadline to complete the transfer is 15 days from the sale date — act promptly to avoid penalties.
Transferring a Title With a Lien
You cannot transfer a title with an active lien without the lender's involvement.
Electronic lien releases (ELT) are automatically cleared by the lienholder through the state system.
Steps: (1) Contact your lender and request a payoff quote. (2) Pay off the loan. (3) Obtain a lien release document or wait for the ELT system to clear. (4) Proceed with the normal title transfer process.
Required Documents
- ✓Original vehicle title, signed by the seller on the back
- ✓Bill of sale (signed by both parties, includes sale price and date)
- ✓Odometer disclosure statement
- ✓Valid government-issued photo ID (both buyer and seller)
- ✓Proof of insurance (buyer)
- ✓Lien release document (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I have to transfer a car title in Michigan?
- Michigan requires the title transfer to be completed within 15 days of the sale date. Late transfers may result in penalty fees.
- How much does a car title transfer cost in Michigan?
- The base title transfer fee in Michigan is $15. $15 title fee; 6% Michigan use tax is collected at the time of title transfer. Additional fees such as registration and sales tax are paid separately.
- Does Michigan require notarization for a car title transfer?
- No, Michigan does not require notarization for a standard private-party title transfer. Michigan does not require notarization for private party transfers.
- What if the car has a lien on the title?
- If a lien is listed on the title, the lienholder must release the lien before the title can be transferred. Electronic lien releases (ELT) are automatically cleared by the lienholder through the state system. Contact your lender to initiate a payoff and lien release.
- Can I transfer a car title online?
- Michigan does not currently offer fully online title transfers. Michigan title transfers must be completed at a Secretary of State branch office.
- What documents are needed to transfer a car title?
- You will need: (1) the original signed vehicle title, (2) a bill of sale showing sale price and date, (3) completed odometer disclosure, (4) valid photo ID for both parties, and (5) proof of insurance. Michigan requires the buyer to title the vehicle within 15 days of purchase.
Need a Bill of Sale for Michigan?
A signed bill of sale is required alongside the title for private-party vehicle transfers in Michigan.
Generate Michigan Bill of Sale