Michigan Side by Side Bill of Sale — Free Template, TR-52-Compatible

A Michigan side by side bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership between a private seller and buyer, establishing the agreed sale price, vehicle identity (VIN, make, model, year, and odometer reading), and the date of transfer. In Michigan, both parties' signatures on the document are sufficient — notarization is not required for most private sales. As of 2026, the state-designated form is TR-52 — our free template meets all the same requirements.

Yes, you can sell your side by side in Michigan with a free, DMV-accepted bill of sale — created online in 60 seconds, no signup required, no email gate. The state-designated form is TR-52 (Vehicle Bill of Sale) — our template meets all the same requirements. Click below to fill out and download.

Michigan Side by Side Quick Facts

Quick answers for Michigan side by side sellers

Use this Michigan side by side bill of sale for private-party transfers. The document records the transfer of ownership, sale price, signatures, and the information both parties need for title records.

Required information

In Michigan, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private side by side transactions. Include accurate party details, VIN, sale terms, and signatures before the vehicle changes hands.

• Buyer legal name
• Seller legal name
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Sale price
• Date of sale

Michigan fees, taxes, and transfer rules

In Michigan, vehicle sales are subject to 6% use tax on purchase price. The title transfer fee is $15. Michigan does not require notarization for most private-party vehicle transfers.

• Secretary of State handles title and registration
• Title transfer must be completed within 15 days
• Plate transfer allowed between vehicles owned by same person

Does Michigan require a bill of sale?

Michigan sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private transfers and title records.

Keep a signed bill of sale, complete title transfer promptly, and retain seller records in case of post-sale disputes.

Official DMV guidance: Michigan DMV title transfer information

Official Michigan bill of sale form

The official Michigan bill of sale form is TR-52 (Vehicle Bill of Sale). This is the state-designated form used to document private-party vehicle transfers.

BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets Michigan requirements and can be used in place of TR-52. Our form includes all fields required by Michigan law and produces a printable PDF you can submit to your local DMV or keep for your records.

State requirements for Michigan

In Michigan, a vehicle bill of sale is required for private-party transfers. The state charges 6% sales tax on vehicle sales, calculated on the sale price. Title transfer must be completed within 15 days at your local DMV.

Additional Michigan requirements:

• Secretary of State handles title and registration
• Title transfer must be completed within 15 days
• Plate transfer allowed between vehicles owned by same person

Side by Side transfer and title notes

Side-by-side (SxS) UTV title transfer follows off-highway vehicle (OHV) rules in most states. Many states issue an OHV title or registration card rather than a standard motor vehicle title. A signed bill of sale is critical because some states do not title SxS units at all and rely on the bill of sale as primary proof of ownership.

Odometer disclosure

Side-by-side UTVs are off-road vehicles and are exempt from federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. Document the hour-meter reading on the bill of sale instead — engine hours are the industry-standard wear indicator for SxS units.

Title and registration

States that title SxS units typically use the same title format as ATVs. States that do not title them rely on the bill of sale and the manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO). Always transfer the MCO if it has not been previously surrendered to a state.

Special disclosures for side by side sales

• OHV registration and trail-use stickers are state-specific — confirm whether the unit is street-legal in your state under the applicable LSV (low-speed vehicle) or ROV (recreational off-highway vehicle) statute.
• Aftermarket modifications (lift kits, exhaust, larger tires) may affect insurance and warranty status and should be itemized in the bill of sale.
• Roll cage and seat-belt condition disclosures are recommended — federal ROV safety standards apply to manufacturers but not to private resale.

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party side by side sales in Michigan go wrong when paperwork is rushed or incomplete. Avoid these costly errors:

• Incorrect or missing VIN. A VIN is exactly 17 characters with no letters I, O, or Q. Transcribing it wrong is the most common reason Michigan DMV offices reject title paperwork.
• Forgetting the odometer disclosure. Federal law requires an odometer disclosure on the title for vehicles under 20 years old. Leaving it blank — or writing "exempt" when the vehicle qualifies — can void the sale or trigger fines in Michigan.
• Missing or incomplete signatures. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. In Michigan, an unsigned document has no legal weight. If there are co-owners, every owner listed on the title must sign.
• Not obtaining a lien release. If there is an outstanding loan on the side by side, the seller must obtain a lien release from the lender before the title can transfer. Buyers should verify the title is clear before handing over payment.
• Not notifying the Michigan DMV of the sale. Sellers who skip the DMV sale notification remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and even accidents involving the side by side after it changes hands. File a release-of-liability form with Michigan as soon as the sale closes.
• Accepting personal checks or informal payment. Personal checks can bounce days after the sale. Use a cashier's check, money order, or verified electronic transfer for the full amount. Document the payment method on the bill of sale.

What happens after the sale

After the sale is complete, the seller should notify the Michigan DMV of the transfer to release liability for the side by side. The buyer must register the side by side and transfer the title within the deadline set by Michigan — failure to do so can result in late fees or penalties. Both parties should keep signed copies of the bill of sale and any supporting documents (odometer disclosure, lien release, etc.) for at least five years. The seller should cancel or transfer their insurance policy on the sold side by side, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the side by side.