Ferndale, Michigan
VIN Check in Ferndale — Trailer History Report
Before buying a used trailer in Ferndale, run a VIN check to uncover hidden problems. After the check clears, file your title transfer at the Secretary of State – Ferndale and generate a bill of sale.
VIN Check Red Flags — Walk Away From These
- ⚠Salvage or rebuilt title (flood, fire, or collision total loss)
- ⚠Open lien — means the seller still owes money on the vehicle
- ⚠Odometer rollback — actual mileage higher than displayed
- ⚠Stolen vehicle report (NICB / NMVTIS check)
- ⚠Prior accident history (airbag deployment, frame damage)
- ⚠Title brand: Lemon, Buy-Back, or Manufacturer Buyback
- ⚠Jurisdiction changes — title washed through a different state
After the VIN Check Clears — Title Transfer in Ferndale
- 1
Agree on a price and generate a bill of sale
Generate a Michigan-compliant trailer bill of sale at BillOfSaleNow. Both buyer and seller sign.
- 2
Seller signs the back of the title
The seller signs the title over to the buyer on the back. Do not sign before finding the correct line — some titles have multiple lines. Make no correction fluid changes; use initials for any handwritten corrections.
- 3
File the title transfer at the Secretary of State – Ferndale
Bring the signed title, bill of sale, and valid ID to: Visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos for the nearest Ferndale, MI office. Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: See state DMV website for local office phone numbers. Pay the $15.00 title fee and 7.50% sales tax.
- 4
Obtain plates and insurance
The buyer needs Michigan insurance before the vehicle can be legally registered and driven. Transfer plates or apply for new ones at the same office visit.
Ferndale Title Office
Office
Secretary of State – Ferndale
Address
Visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos for the nearest Ferndale, MI office
Phone
See state DMV website for local office phone numbers
Hours
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Title Fee
$15.00
Sales Tax
7.50%
FAQ — VIN Check in Ferndale
- How do I run a VIN check in Ferndale, Michigan?
- Use the free NHTSA VIN decoder at nhtsa.gov, or a paid service like Carfax ($44.99) or AutoCheck. The VIN is on the dashboard or door jamb. No Ferndale DMV visit is required just to run a check.
- What does a trailer VIN check reveal?
- A VIN check reveals: title history (salvage, rebuilt, flood), open liens, odometer fraud, theft records, accident history, airbag deployment, and title washing across state lines. Always check before signing.
- Where do I transfer a trailer title in Ferndale?
- File at the Secretary of State – Ferndale, Visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos for the nearest Ferndale, MI office. Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Phone: See state DMV website for local office phone numbers. Bring signed title, bill of sale, ID, and $15.00 + 7.50% sales tax.
- Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a trailer title in Ferndale?
- Yes. The Secretary of State – Ferndale requires a signed bill of sale documenting the private trailer sale. Generate one free at BillOfSaleNow — state-compliant PDF in 60 seconds.