Titling and registering a vehicle in Michigan: new residents, purchases and renewals

How to transfer a title and register a vehicle in Michigan after buying from a dealer or a private seller or moving from another state, plus No-Fault insurance, tab renewal and license plates, from the Michigan Department of State.

Guide · Michigan · Vehicle registration · Titles · updated October 29, 2026

In Michigan, vehicle titles, registrations and license plates are handled by the Michigan Department of State (the Secretary of State), the same department that issues driver's licenses. Most vehicle work is done at a Secretary of State branch office. Renewals can also be done online, by mail or at a self-service station. This guide covers buying a vehicle, moving to Michigan with one, and renewing your tabs.

Where vehicle work happens

The department says registering a vehicle for the first time and some title transactions must be done at an office. It also says all Secretary of State offices offer instant title service. Scheduling a visit is strongly recommended. You can book online or by calling 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424). The Michigan Secretary of State visit guide explains how.

Anyone whose name will be listed as an owner must go to the office for a title transfer. The department recommends that the seller come along too. If you cannot go in person, you can appoint an agent with the department's Appointment of Agent form.

Insurance

You must show proof of a valid Michigan No-Fault insurance policy to register a vehicle in Michigan. The department also asks for proof each time you renew your plate.

Buying from a dealer

The department says most dealerships handle the title transfer and registration for you.

Buying from a private seller

You have 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title. After that, a $15 late fee applies. At the office you need:

• The original title, filled out and signed by the buyer and the seller. If the seller is not coming with you, they must complete and sign their part beforehand.
• The odometer reading, recorded on the title. If the title has no space for it, use the Odometer Mileage Statement form.
• Proof that any loan is paid off, if there was one. This can be a completed termination statement on the title, the lienholder's signed "paid" stamp, or a signed lien termination letter that includes the VIN.

The fees the department lists are:

• A $15 title transfer fee
• $10 to $15 to transfer a plate
• 6 percent sales tax
• An optional Recreation Passport park pass

Registration fees are set by state law. For 1984 and newer passenger vehicles and light trucks, they are based on the vehicle's original MSRP. The department offers an online registration fee calculator.

Driving home: the department says you may drive the vehicle without a plate for three days from the date of sale. You must go directly to its first place of storage, usually your home, and carry the assigned title and proof of insurance. Do not use the seller's plate; the seller keeps it.

Some family transfers are exempt from use tax, for example to a spouse, parent, child or sibling. The Michigan Department of Treasury makes the final decision on tax.

Online title transfer

A private sale can be transferred entirely online if all of these apply:

• Both buyer and seller have a valid Michigan license or ID and an online services account.
• There is one individual seller and one individual buyer.
• The vehicle has a paper Michigan title, not an electronic one.
• The vehicle is a car, minivan, SUV, motorcycle, pickup or van.
• The buyer is not financing the vehicle.

The seller starts the transfer, then the buyer uploads both sides of the filled-out title. Approval can take up to 3 days. If you buy a new plate this way, a 60-day permit is available to print once the transfer is approved.

Moving to Michigan with a vehicle

The department says new residents must apply for a title and registration as soon as they establish residency. Michigan law provides no grace period. Schedule a visit and bring:

• Your previous state's registration, if possible (expired less than 90 days)
• The original vehicle title (photocopies are not accepted)
• Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance on the vehicle
• Your driver's license, ID or valid, unexpired passport
• A written statement from the lienholder or leasing company, if applicable
• Payment for the registration fees

All owners named on the out-of-state title must be present, or appoint an agent to sign for them.

If a lienholder holds your out-of-state title, bring your out-of-state registration (expired less than 90 days) or proof of the out-of-state title, plus proof of No-Fault insurance. Michigan then issues a "FOREIGN OWNERSHIP-REGISTRATION ONLY" registration. This lets it issue plates without converting the title.

In most cases you leave with a plate, a tab to put on it right away, and two copies of your registration. The Michigan title is mailed to you. For your license, see the Michigan driver's license and ID guide.

Renewing your registration and tab

In most cases your tab and plate expire on your birthday. You can renew up to six months early. If you renew late, you pay an extra $10 fee and risk a ticket for driving on an expired registration. You can renew:

• Online, with your plate number, the last four digits of the VIN and an email address. Out-of-state owners can enter a one-time mailing address.
• By mail, with the renewal notice and a check or money order payable to the State of Michigan.
• At a self-service station, which prints your tab instantly, for a $4.25 fee per transaction.
• At an office, if you cannot use the other options.

If your new registration and tab have not arrived, the department says to check that your address is correct and wait 30 days after renewing. If they still have not arrived, call or visit for a replacement.

License plates

Michigan requires plates that are 10 years old or older to be replaced when you renew. Plates that are rusted, damaged or illegible should be replaced. A standard replacement plate costs $5, and other plate types have their own fees.

You can order a plate online, by mail or at an office. At a self-service station, you can get one only while renewing. If your plate is lost or stolen, get a replacement at an office. If it was stolen, also tell the police.

For offices near you, see the Michigan office list.