Kentwood, Michigan
Kentwood Trailer Bill of Sale Requirements
Complete requirements checklist for a trailer bill of sale in Kentwood, Michigan (Form TR-52). Includes exact fees, notarization rules, and where to file at the Secretary of State – Kentwood.
Fees, notarization rules, and filing addresses on this page are reviewed against 49 CFR Part 390 — Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Secretary of State – Kentwood. Source documents are cross-checked each quarter so Kentwood buyers and sellers always see the current Michigan trailer bill of sale standard, not stale third-party summaries.
Title Transfer Fee
$15.00
Sales Tax Rate
7.50%
Notarization
Not Required
Required Fields — Kentwood Trailer Bill of Sale
All of the following must appear on a valid trailer bill of sale in Kentwood, Michigan per Form TR-52:
- ✓Full legal name and current address of seller
- ✓Full legal name and current address of buyer
- ✓Agreed sale price (in numerals and words)
- ✓Date of sale
- ✓Trailer year, make, model, and body style
- ✓17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
- ✓Odometer reading at time of sale (federal disclosure required for most motor vehicles under 10 years old)
- ✓Signature of seller
- ✓Signature of buyer
Notarization in Kentwood: Not Required
Michigan does not require notarization for a trailer bill of sale. Michigan does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient. Both parties simply sign and date the completed form in the presence of each other.
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
Official Michigan bill of sale form
The official Michigan bill of sale form is TR-52 (Vehicle Bill of Sale). BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets all Michigan requirements and can be used in place of the official form.
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.
Odometer disclosure for trailer sales
Trailers are exempt from federal odometer disclosure. Trailers do not have odometers and there is no mileage disclosure requirement.
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.
Where to File — Kentwood Title Office
Office
Secretary of State – Kentwood
Address
Visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos for the nearest Kentwood, MI office
Phone
See state DMV website for local office phone numbers
Hours
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Additional requirements in Kentwood County:
- Complete a title transfer at your local Michigan title office within the required timeframe
- Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases
- Both buyer and seller should retain a signed copy of the bill of sale
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of insurance
What to Bring to the MI DMV
- 1Completed, signed trailer bill of sale
- 2Trailer title signed over by seller on the back
- 3Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- 4Payment for title transfer fee: $15.00
- 5Payment for sales tax (7.50% of sale price)
- 6Odometer disclosure statement (if not included on title)
FAQ — Trailer Bill of Sale Requirements in Kentwood
- What are the required fields on a trailer bill of sale in Kentwood?
- A valid trailer bill of sale in Kentwood, Michigan must include both parties' full legal names and addresses, sale date, agreed sale price, VIN, year, make, model, and signatures of buyer and seller.
- What is the title transfer fee for a trailer in Kentwood?
- The title transfer fee in Kentwood County is $15.00. The trailer sales tax rate is 7.50%. Michigan state rate 6% + estimated local taxes (verify with your county)
- Is notarization required for a trailer bill of sale in Kentwood?
- No. Michigan does not require notarization for private vehicle bills of sale. Buyer and seller signatures on the completed title assignment are sufficient.
- Where do I file a trailer title transfer in Kentwood?
- File the title transfer at the Secretary of State – Kentwood, Visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos for the nearest Kentwood, MI office. Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: See state DMV website for local office phone numbers.