Michigan Private Car Sale Checklist
Use this checklist to prepare for a private vehicle sale in Michigan. Requirements can vary by vehicle type, lien status, and situation, so always confirm with the Michigan Secretary of State — Vehicle Services before completing the transaction.
Quick answer
Michigan sellers sign the back of the title, complete odometer disclosure for vehicles under 10 years old, and keep their license plates — Michigan plates generally stay with the seller, not the vehicle. The buyer must apply for a new title at a Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) branch office within 15 days of purchase. Michigan has a relatively short 15-day title transfer window — verify the current deadline with the Michigan Secretary of State.
Key facts
- State
- Michigan
- Agency
- Michigan Secretary of State
- Process
- Sell a 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
Buyer must apply for title at a Michigan SOS branch office within 15 days of purchase.
Michigan SOS — Titles and Registration ↗Michigan license plates generally stay with the seller — plates go with the owner, not the vehicle.
Michigan SOS — Buying and Selling a Vehicle ↗Seller may report the sale to Michigan SOS to limit future liability for tickets, fines, or accidents.
Michigan SOS — Buying and Selling a Vehicle ↗Michigan generally does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
Michigan SOS — Titles and Registration ↗Odometer disclosure is required for vehicles under 10 years old. Completed on the title itself.
Michigan SOS — Titles and Registration ↗Quick reference
Notary required?
✗NoBill of sale?
◆ConditionalOdometer disclosure?
✓Yes⏱ Important Deadlines
- 15-day deadline: Buyer must apply for title within 15 days of purchaseOfficial source ↗
Seller Checklist
Items the seller typically needs to prepare or provide.
Required Forms
Special requirements
Michigan generally does not require notarization for private vehicle sales.
Not required by state law but recommended. A written receipt or bill of sale is good practice.
Required for vehicles under 10 years old. Completed on the title itself.
Step-by-step process
- 1Seller signs the back of the title in the seller's assignment section and completes odometer disclosure.
- 2Seller keeps their Michigan license plates — plates go with the owner, not the vehicle.
- 3Seller may report the sale to Michigan SOS to limit future liability.
- 4Provide the buyer with the signed title and a written bill of sale.
- 5Buyer must apply for a new title at an SOS branch office within 15 days.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Seller leaving plates on the vehicle — Michigan plates stay with the owner.
- ✗Buyer missing the 15-day title application deadline — Michigan has a relatively short 15-day title transfer window; verify the current deadline with the Michigan Secretary of State.
- ✗Not completing the odometer disclosure on the title.
- ✗Not notifying the SOS of the sale, which can leave the seller liable for fines and violations.
Official links
Source verification
This page covers 5 researched claims about Michigan sell a 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
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car privately?
Requirements vary by state. In Michigan, check with the Michigan Secretary of State — Vehicle Services for the current requirement. A bill of sale is always recommended as a record of the transaction.
What happens if the buyer doesn't transfer the title?
You could remain liable for tickets, tolls, and accidents. File a release of liability or notice of sale with your state agency as soon as the sale is complete.
Can I sell a car with a lien?
Yes, but the lien must be satisfied at or before closing. The lienholder must release the lien before a clean title can be issued to the buyer.
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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