Michigan car title transfer

At a glance

Seller's signature

The Secretary of State's list asks only for the original title filled out and signed by the buyers and sellers.

Buyer's signature

The buyer brings the title signed by both sides; the steps have no notary.

Odometer

The seller gives an accurate odometer reading or mileage statement.

Buyer's deadline

The buyer transfers the title within 15 days of the sale.

Plates

The seller removes the plate before the buyer takes the car, except in a sale to an immediate family member.

Title fee

$15 title transfer fee.

Agency

Michigan Secretary of State

If you're selling

1. Find the title and clear any lien. Have the original title in hand. If a lender is listed, get the lien release or the lender's sign-off before the sale; the buyer can't title the car over an open lien.
2. Sign the title over. The Secretary of State's list asks only for the original title filled out and signed by the buyers and sellers. Don't sign until the buyer is ready, and write in the buyer's name and the sale date exactly.
3. Write down the mileage. The seller gives an accurate odometer reading or mileage statement.
4. Deal with the plates. The seller removes the plate before the buyer takes the car, except in a sale to an immediate family member.
5. Cancel insurance and keep copies. Once the car is gone and the plates are off, call your insurer. Keep a photo of the signed title, the bill of sale and any sale report.

If you're buying

1. Check the title against the car and the seller. The VIN on the title should match the car, and the seller's ID should match the owner's name on the title. Ask about any lien listed on it.
2. Watch the title get signed. Seller: The Secretary of State's list asks only for the original title filled out and signed by the buyers and sellers. Buyer: The buyer brings the title signed by both sides; the steps have no notary.
3. Check the mileage entry. The seller gives an accurate odometer reading or mileage statement.
4. Insure the car before you drive it. Most states require insurance to register. Arrange it before driving away.
5. Title it in your name in time. The buyer transfers the title within 15 days of the sale.
6. Plates and fees. The seller removes the plate before the buyer takes the car, except in a sale to an immediate family member. Title fee: $15 title transfer fee.

Sold on the first of a month? See the due date for a December 1, 2026 sale.

Your own checklist, marked step by step: seller · buyer.

In the agency's words

Seller

"Original title filled out and signed by the purchasers and sellers."

Buyer

"Original title filled out and signed by the purchasers and sellers."

Deadline

"Transfer the title within 15 days from the date of the sale."

Plates

"Must remove the license plate before the buyer takes possession of the vehicle."

Not stated on the pages we read: a bill of sale rule.

Official sources

• Michigan SOS: Buying, selling, or leasing (checked November 2026)
• Michigan Secretary of State: Title transfer and vehicle registration (checked November 2026)

General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Checked November 2026 against the official pages listed above. Forms, fees and deadlines change, a county office can add its own steps, and gifts, estates, liens and out-of-state titles follow other rules; the agency or an attorney can tell you how a rule applies to your sale. MCC Solutions is not affiliated with any motor vehicle agency.

Common questions

All states: car title notarization by state · Kentucky · Minnesota