Title transfer and vehicle registration

Most dealerships will handle the title transfer and vehicle registration process for you.

Yes, but only if you drive the vehicle directly to the first place of storage (usually your home) within three days of the sale. You must have the properly assigned title and proof of insurance with you.

Do not use the seller's license plate on the vehicle while driving it home. The seller should keep the license plate. 

Anyone whose name will be listed as an owner on the title must be present. It is advised that the seller also accompany the buyer to transfer the title. Those who cannot visit a Secretary of State office to transfer the vehicle title may appoint a designated agent or power of attorney to attend the office visit and sign the title on their behalf.

Appointment of Agent form.

Title transfer and registration fees are set by state law and cannot be amended without legislative action.

It is strongly recommended that you visit a Secretary of State office immediately after purchasing a vehicle in a private sale. However, per state law, you have 15 days to transfer the title after the date of the sale. A $15 late fee will be assessed if you transfer the vehicle title more than 15 days after the sale.

Additionally, in Michigan, you don’t need a license plate to drive a newly purchased vehicle directly home within three days of purchase.

Until you register your vehicle, keep the assigned title from the seller and proof of insurance with you whenever you’re driving. Don’t use a plate from another vehicle to drive a new vehicle home.

Schedule an office visit

If you purchase or acquire a vehicle from another person, 6% tax is due of the full purchase price or fair market value, whichever is greater.  

No tax is due if you purchase or acquire a vehicle from an immediate family member. An immediate family member is defined as:

• Spouse
• Parent (natural or adoptive)
• Brother or sister (includes half-brother and half-sister)
• Child (natural or adopted)
• Father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchild-in-law
• Stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, or stepchild*
• Grandparent or grandchild
• Legal ward, or legally appointed guardian with a certified letter of guardianship

*For tax purposes, a step-relationship ends upon divorce

If the deceased owner's estate isn’t probated, the surviving spouse or legal next-of-kin may transfer the vehicle into their name by presenting the following at a Secretary of State office:

• The original vehicle title
• A certified copy of the death certificate
• Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle form (TR-29) completed by the next-of-kin
• License or ID for the next-of-kin
• Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance, if the vehicle will be registered

If the estate is being probated, the personal representative appointed by Probate Court must assign the title to the surviving spouse. The spouse presents the assigned title and a copy of the personal representative's Letter of Authority document to apply for a title in their name at a Secretary of State office.

If the current title is in both your name and the deceased's name with the legend "Full Rights To Survivor" printed on it, then all that is needed to transfer the vehicle into just your name is the title and a copy of the death certificate.

Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle form (TR-29)

A title with a lien on it may be transferred only if the loan is paid off and a statement or letter of termination is provided by the lienholder, or if a letter of authorization from the lienholder approving the transfer is submitted with the title application.

Yes. A person who cannot prove they sold their vehicle as required by Section 257.240 is responsible for a civil infraction and subject to a civil fine of $15.00. The person is also presumed to be the last titled owner and is liable for towing fees and daily storage fees if the vehicle is abandoned.