Michigan Used Car Buyer's Paperwork Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for buying a used vehicle from a private seller in Michigan. Confirm the latest requirements with the Michigan Secretary of State — Vehicle Services before completing your transaction.
Quick answer
Michigan buyers must apply for a new title at a Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) branch office within 15 days of purchase — a relatively short window, so act promptly. Bring the signed title, proof of Michigan insurance, and payment for the title fee and Michigan sales tax — verify the current rate with the Michigan SOS. The seller keeps their Michigan plates, so plan to obtain new plates.
Key facts
- State
- Michigan
- Agency
- Michigan Secretary of State
- Process
- Buy a Used Car
- Notary required
- No
- Bill of sale
- Conditional
- Odometer disclosure
- Yes
- Filing deadline
- 15 days
- Last verified
- 2026-05-10
- Official source
- Michigan Secretary of State ↗
Key facts from official sources
Apply for title at a Michigan SOS branch office within 15 days of purchase.
Michigan SOS — Titles and Registration ↗Seller keeps Michigan license plates. Buyer must obtain new plates at the SOS branch.
Michigan SOS — Buying and Selling a Vehicle ↗Michigan generally does not require notarization to buy a used car from a private seller.
Michigan SOS — Titles and Registration ↗Michigan sales tax generally applies on the vehicle purchase price. Paid at the SOS branch at time of title application. Verify current rate with Michigan SOS.
Michigan SOS — Titles and Registration ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓YesInspection required?
?Verify⏱ Important Deadlines
- 15-day deadline: Apply for title at an SOS branch office within 15 days of purchaseOfficial source ↗
Buyer Checklist
Items the buyer typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Fees
Title fee + Michigan sales tax on purchase price
Sales tax is paid at the SOS branch at the time of title application — verify the current rate with Michigan SOS.
Special requirements
Notarization is generally not required to buy a used car from a private seller in Michigan.
Not required by state law but strongly recommended as proof of purchase.
Seller must complete odometer disclosure on the title for vehicles under 10 years old.
Inspection requirements vary by state and vehicle type. Check your state agency.
Step-by-step process
- 1Verify the seller's name matches the title and check for outstanding liens.
- 2Have the seller sign the back of the title and complete odometer disclosure.
- 3Obtain a written bill of sale with VIN, price, date, and both parties' information.
- 4Visit an SOS branch office within 15 days with the signed title, proof of Michigan insurance, and payment.
- 5Pay the title fee and 6% sales tax.
- 6Obtain new Michigan license plates — the seller keeps their plates.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Missing the 15-day deadline — Michigan has a relatively short 15-day title transfer window; verify the current deadline with the Michigan Secretary of State. Late fees may apply.
- ✗Not obtaining new plates — the seller takes their Michigan plates with them.
- ✗Underpaying sales tax — Michigan generally applies sales tax on the purchase price; verify the current rate with the Michigan SOS before submitting.
- ✗Accepting a title with alterations or whiteout.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 5 researched claims about Michigan buy a used car:
Directly cited from official sources
Inferred — confirm with agency before acting
Researched from Michigan Secretary of State — Vehicle Services. Requirements can change — always verify with the official agency before submitting documents.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register after buying a used car?
Deadlines vary by state. In Michigan, confirm the registration deadline with the Michigan Secretary of State — Vehicle Services to avoid late fees.
What if the title has errors?
Do not accept a title with correction fluid or scratched-out information. Ask the seller to obtain a corrected title from the DMV before completing the sale.
Can I drive the car home before registering it?
Many states offer a short window or allow a temporary permit. Check your state agency for guidance.
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Last reviewed: 2026-05-10 · Reviewed by the Car Paperwork editorial team · Based on official Michigan Secretary of State — Vehicle Services sources · Independent resource · Not legal advice