Michigan Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Michigan DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 15 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% · Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Required · Out-of-state vehicles must have a VIN inspection by a Michigan Secretary of State office before a Michigan title is issued. |
| Lien release form | TR-11L |
Michigan title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (TR-11L) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Michigan requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Complete VIN inspection — Michigan requires VIN inspection for out-of-state vehicles. Schedule with Michigan DMV or a licensed inspector. Out-of-state vehicles must have a VIN inspection by a Michigan Secretary of State office before a Michigan title is issued.
- 5Buyer files at Michigan DMV — within 15 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Michigan DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Michigan DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Michigan DMV the same day as the sale.
Michigan lien release procedure
- Lienholder completes TR-11L (Notice of Lien Release).
- Owner submits TR-11L with title application (TR-11) at a Secretary of State office.
- Pay $15 title fee.
- Receive clean Michigan title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Michigan estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Michigan DMV.
Need a Michigan bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Michigan DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Michigan Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Michigan?▾
Michigan requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 15 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Michigan title transfer cost?▾
Michigan charges 6% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Use tax applies to private party vehicle purchases The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Michigan?▾
Yes — Michigan requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Michigan DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Michigan?▾
In Michigan, the lender must complete TR-11L confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Michigan DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Michigan?▾
Michigan inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Michigan DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party.
Source: Michigan DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07