Michigan Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
A vehicle bill of sale is a key document when buying or selling a car privately in the state of Michigan. While Michigan does not have a mandatory state-issued bill of sale form, the Michigan Secretary of State expects buyers to present proof of the purchase price when applying for a title transfer. The bill of sale establishes the taxable value of the vehicle and protects both parties in the transaction.
Michigan handles all vehicle titling, registration, and licensing through Secretary of State branch offices located throughout the state. Unlike many states that use a Department of Motor Vehicles, Michigan's Secretary of State offices serve as the one-stop shop for all vehicle transactions. The state also offers self-service stations and online appointment scheduling to help reduce wait times.
One advantage of Michigan's system is the simplicity of its tax structure. The state charges a flat 6% use tax on vehicle purchases with no additional county or local taxes, making it easy to calculate what you'll owe. Michigan also does not require emissions testing or safety inspections for private party sales, streamlining the transfer process.
6%
Use tax (no local)
15 Days
Transfer deadline
No
Notarization required
No
Emissions test
Michigan Secretary of State Requirements
The Michigan Secretary of State oversees all vehicle title transfers. Here's everything you need for a smooth transaction at any branch office.
Important: Michigan's 15-Day Rule
Michigan requires the buyer to apply for a title transfer within 15 calendar days of the purchase date. Late transfers may incur additional fees. The date on your bill of sale starts this clock, so plan your visit to the Secretary of State office promptly after the purchase.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: The seller must sign the title and complete the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading on the back of the title
- Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale documenting the full transaction (buyer/seller info, vehicle details, VIN, price, date, signatures)
- Odometer Disclosure: Required on the title for vehicles less than 20 years old — must state exact mileage and accuracy
- Lien Release: If there was a loan on the vehicle, a release of lien from the lender is required before transfer
What the Buyer Must Bring to the Secretary of State
- Signed Title: With the seller's signature and all fields properly completed
- Bill of Sale: Signed by both buyer and seller
- Valid Photo ID: Michigan driver's license or state identification card
- Proof of Michigan No-Fault Insurance: Michigan requires no-fault auto insurance — provide your policy or certificate of insurance
- Payment: Title fee ($15), registration (based on vehicle value), and 6% use tax
How to Fill Out a Michigan Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to complete your Michigan vehicle bill of sale. Our template walks you through every field so your document is ready for the Secretary of State.
Enter Seller Information
Provide the seller's full legal name as it appears on the Michigan vehicle title, current mailing address, and phone number. If the title has multiple owners connected by "and," all listed owners must sign. If connected by "or," only one signature is needed.
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name (exactly as it will appear on the new Michigan title), current address, and phone number. The buyer's address determines the registration fee calculation based on Michigan's ad valorem system.
Describe the Vehicle
Record the year, make, model, body style, and color. Copy the full 17-character VIN directly from the vehicle's dashboard plate or driver's door jamb sticker. Double-check that the VIN matches the title exactly — any mismatch will cause the Secretary of State to reject the transfer.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the exact odometer mileage at the time of sale and indicate whether the reading is accurate, exceeds mechanical limits, or does not reflect actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 model years or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs are exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Michigan's Secretary of State uses this figure to calculate the 6% use tax. For gift transfers between immediate family members, write "$0 — Gift" and complete Form TR-54 for the use tax exemption.
Sign and Date
Both parties must sign and date the bill of sale. Print at least two copies — one for the buyer and one for the seller. Michigan does not require notarization of the bill of sale. The buyer should bring their copy to the Secretary of State office within 15 days to complete the title transfer.
Michigan Title Transfer Process
Once you have a completed bill of sale and signed title, the buyer needs to visit a Michigan Secretary of State branch office to finalize the transfer. Scheduling an appointment online at Michigan.gov/SOS is recommended to avoid long wait times.
Complete the Sale
Sign the bill of sale, sign the title, exchange payment and keys
Get Michigan No-Fault Insurance
Obtain a Michigan no-fault auto insurance policy before visiting the Secretary of State
Visit a Secretary of State Branch Office
Bring the signed title, bill of sale, photo ID, and proof of insurance
Pay Fees and Use Tax
Title fee ($15), registration (ad valorem based on vehicle value), and 6% use tax
Receive Your New Title and Plate
Michigan issues a new title in the buyer's name and provides a license plate or plate transfer
Michigan Vehicle Sales Tax & Fees
Michigan keeps vehicle taxation simple with a flat 6% use tax and no additional local or county surcharges. Registration fees are based on the vehicle's list price (ad valorem), which decreases as the vehicle ages. Here's a full breakdown of the costs involved:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Use Tax | 6% of sale price (no local taxes) |
| Title Transfer Fee | $15 |
| Registration Fee | Based on vehicle value (ad valorem) |
| Plate Transfer Fee | $8 (if transferring an existing plate) |
| New License Plate | $5 |
| Duplicate Title | $15 (if title is lost) |
| Gift Tax Exemption | Form TR-54 (immediate family only) |
Sample Michigan Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Michigan-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields expected by the Michigan Secretary of State.
STATE OF MICHIGAN
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Michigan Address]
City/State/ZIP: [City, MI ZIP]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Michigan Address]
City/State/ZIP: [City, MI ZIP]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Michigan Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Michigan vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and Secretary of State requirements.
Official Michigan Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, locate a Secretary of State branch office, and access forms for your Michigan vehicle transaction.
Michigan Secretary of State
Title transfers, registration, and branch office locator
Michigan — Buying a Vehicle
Official guide to purchasing and titling a vehicle in Michigan
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
IRS — Vehicle Sale Tax Reporting
Federal tax implications of selling a vehicle
Other Michigan Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Michigan? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Michigan Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Michigan Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Michigan Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Michigan Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Michigan General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Michigan ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Michigan Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Michigan Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Michigan Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Michigan-compliant document in minutes. Accepted at all Secretary of State branch offices.
No account required. Free to create and preview.