How to transfer a car title in Michigan
For private sellers and buyers in Michigan. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Michigan, the seller signs the assignment on the title, with the warranty of title, and gives it to the buyer with the car. The buyer takes it to the Secretary of State within 15 days of the sale and pays the $10 title fee, the $1.50 tire disposal surcharge and the 6% use tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Michigan?
Seller
- Sign the assignment on the title, with the warranty of title, and list any liens.
- Give the buyer the title when you hand over the car.
- Take your plates off. Keep them for your next car, or pass them to a spouse, parent, brother, sister or child who gets the car.
Buyer
- Take the signed title to the Secretary of State with the fees.
- Do it within 15 days. After that the car counts as unregistered, and a $15 transfer fee is added.
- Pay the 6% use tax on the price.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Michigan Secretary of State before you go: michigan.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Michigan?
Step 1 · Seller
Sign the title over to the buyer.
Fill in the assignment on the title, with the warranty of title and any liens.
Step 2 · Seller
Hand over the title with the car.
The buyer needs it to put the car in their name.
Step 3 · Seller
Take your plates off.
You can keep them for another car, or pass them to close family who get the car.
We have not confirmed whether Michigan requires a bill of sale. Check with the Michigan Secretary of State before you sell.
Michigan bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Michigan?
Step 2 · Buyer
Go to the Secretary of State within 15 days.
Bring the signed title and pay the title fee. After 15 days a $15 transfer fee is added.
legislature.mi.gov checked
After the Secretary of State processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Michigan guides
How much does a title transfer cost in Michigan?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $10 | Buyer | legislature.mi.gov Checked |
| Tire disposal surcharge | $1.50 | Buyer | legislature.mi.gov Checked |
| Use tax | 6% of the price | Buyer | legislature.mi.gov Checked |
| Transfer fee after 15 days (if it applies) | $15 | Buyer | legislature.mi.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $11.50 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Special cases
- Giving a car as a giftNot confirmed yet Gift steps for Michigan are being checked.
- Lost titleReplace a lost title in Michigan.
Common questions
What if the buyer is late?
After the deadline the car counts as unregistered, and a $15 transfer fee is added.
legislature.mi.gov checked
Who keeps the plates?
The seller. You can keep them for your next car, or pass them to a spouse, parent, brother, sister or child who gets the car.
legislature.mi.gov checked
How much is the use tax in Michigan?
6% of the price, paid when the buyer titles the car.
legislature.mi.gov checked
Sources for this page
About this page
This page summarizes official Michigan sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Michigan Secretary of State, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.