Filing for office, including petition signature requirements and political party status.
Elections administration, including the Election Inspector's Guide; absentee voting; and the Michigan Qualified Voter File.
Find information about the Board of State Canvassers and its meeting notices.
Title and registration requirements; special titles; name changes; address changes; license plate fees; insurance requirements; new Michigan residents; lost titles; lost license plates; and deceased vehicle owners.
Disability parking and placard information, disability parking, disability plate, disabled parking permit, and wheelchair.
Recreational vehicles such as snowmobiles, watercraft, ORVs, and trailers.
The International Registration Plan (IRP) - a program for registering and licensing of commercial vehicles in interstate operations among member jurisdictions (states or provinces).
The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) online service for customers filing financial statements and liens through the Secretary of State.
Operating requirements for agricultural vehicles on public roads - lighting, slow-moving vehicle emblems, and more.
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Present the original title (photocopies or titles that have been modified, such as crossing out a name, cannot be accepted) with:
A $15 late fee will be charged if the title isn’t transferred within 15 days of the sale.
Secretary of State offices accept payment by cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card (additional fees apply).
You must provide proof of a valid Michigan No-Fault insurance policy to register your vehicle in Michigan.
Both buyer and seller must have a valid Michigan driver's license or ID. Online title transfer have the following requirements:
Note: The online title transfer is not an instant process. Once the buyer and seller complete their portion of the transfer, it can take up to 3 days to approve the transfer.
Online title transfer instructions (seller transfer)
Online title transfer instructions (buyer code and buyer transfer)
Before finalizing the online title transfer, the buyer will need to upload the front and back of the Michigan title. Titles that have been modified, such as crossing out a name, cannot be accepted. The following items must be completed on the title:
A $15 late fee will be charged if the title isn’t transferred within 15 days of the sale.
Secretary of State accept online payments by eCheck or credit or debit card (additional fees apply).
You must provide proof of a valid Michigan No-Fault insurance policy to register your vehicle in Michigan.
If purchasing a new plate or transferring and renewing an existing plate, the buyer must upload Michigan No-Fault during the online title transfer.
Note: If a new plate is purchased, a 60-day permit will be available to print after the online title transferred is approved.
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.
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.
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:
*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:
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.
