How to Transfer a Electric Vehicle Title in Michigan

Seller's guide: which sections to complete, what to keep, and how to release liability after a private electric vehicle sale in Michigan.

✓ No Notary Required in Michigan

Step-by-Step: Transferring the Electric Vehicle Title as the Seller

Complete the seller's sections on the Michigan title

Michigan Certificate of Title: (1) Seller signature. (2) Printed name. (3) Date. (4) Sale price. (5) Odometer reading. Complete the assignment section on the back of the title. Michigan requires both buyer and seller info on the same title document.

Provide odometer disclosure

Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs GVWR. Record the current mileage in the odometer section of the title assignment. Michigan does not require notarization for a private title transfer.

Hand the title to the buyer and keep your copy

Keep a photocopy of the completed title. Michigan does not have a detachable seller portion.

Notify the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) of the sale

The buyer must apply for a new title within 15 days. As the seller, report the sale to the Michigan SOS within 5 days to end your liability.

Cancel insurance and plates

After the title is signed and handed over, contact your insurer to cancel or transfer your electric vehicle insurance. Report the sale at michigan.gov/sos within 5 days. Michigan holds the previous owner responsible until the SOS records the transfer.

Most Common Title Transfer Errors (and How to Avoid Them)

✗ Error: Using white-out or correction fluid

✓ Fix: Apply for a duplicate title before the sale. DMVs reject corrected titles in all 50 states.

✗ Error: Leaving the odometer field blank

✓ Fix: Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old and under 16,000 lbs. Always fill it in.

✗ Error: Signing in the wrong section

✓ Fix: The seller signs the "Assignment" section — not the buyer section. Read the title carefully before signing.

✗ Error: Forgetting to notify the DMV after the sale

✓ Fix: File the release of liability/notice of transfer within the state deadline. Until you do, you remain liable.

✗ Error: Handing over the title without a bill of sale

✓ Fix: Always create a bill of sale alongside the title transfer. It's your dated, signed proof of sale price and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the seller or buyer fill out the Michigan title?

Both parties complete different sections. As the seller, you complete the assignment section: your signature, printed name, date, sale price, and odometer reading. The buyer completes the buyer information section (name, address) when they apply for their new title at the DMV.

Does Michigan require a notary to transfer a electric vehicle title?

No — Michigan does not require notarization for a private electric vehicle title transfer. The seller simply signs and prints their name in the assignment section.

What does a seller need to include in the Michigan title assignment?

Most states require: (1) Seller's signature. (2) Seller's printed name. (3) Date of sale. (4) Sale price (or "gift" if applicable). (5) Odometer reading. Michigan may have additional requirements. Michigan Certificate of Title: (1) Seller signature. (2) Printed name. (3) Date. (4) Sale price. (5) Odometer reading. Complete the assignment section on the back of the title. Michigan requires both buyer and seller info on the same title document. Do NOT fill in a buyer name — the buyer handles that portion when applying for their new title.

How does a seller release liability after transferring a electric vehicle title in Michigan?

Report the sale at michigan.gov/sos within 5 days. Michigan holds the previous owner responsible until the SOS records the transfer.

How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in Michigan?

The buyer must apply for a new title within 15 days. As the seller, report the sale to the Michigan SOS within 5 days to end your liability.

What happens if a seller makes an error on the Michigan title?

Do not use white-out or correction fluid on any section of a vehicle title — this voids the document and the DMV will reject it. If you make an error, apply for a duplicate title before the sale. A duplicate title typically costs $10–$75 and takes 1–3 weeks in most states. Never try to correct an error with any type of fluid or marker.

Generate a Michigan Electric Vehicle Bill of Sale

The title transfer and bill of sale work together — create your Michigan-compliant bill of sale to complete the sale.

Create Michigan Electric Vehicle Bill of Sale