Vehicle Bill of Sale in Michigan — Free Template & Guide

When creating a vehicle bill of sale in Michigan, the following requirements must be met:

• Identification: All parties must be identified by their full legal names and complete mailing addresses as used in Michigan.
• Date and signatures: The document must be dated and signed by all relevant parties. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. Michigan does not require notarization for the bill of sale or title assignment.
• Accurate information: All details included in the document must be accurate and truthful. Providing false information on a legal document in Michigan can result in penalties.
• Vehicle details: The VIN, year, make, model, and odometer reading must be included. Federal odometer disclosure is required for vehicles less than 20 years old.
• Form TR-52: The buyer must complete Michigan Form TR-52 (Application for Michigan Vehicle Title) and submit it to a Secretary of State branch office.
• Use tax: Michigan charges a 6% use tax on the purchase price of vehicles bought from private parties. This tax is paid at the Secretary of State office when applying for the title transfer. The title fee is $15.
• Copies: All parties should retain signed copies of the completed document for their records. Michigan law may specify retention periods for certain document types.

Meeting these requirements helps ensure that your vehicle bill of sale will be accepted by Michigan courts, government agencies, and other institutions. Our form builder prompts you for all required information and generates a document that satisfies these MI requirements.

After creating your vehicle bill of sale in Michigan, you may need to take additional steps depending on the type of document and its purpose:

1. Complete the document: Use our online form builder to fill in all required information and generate your Michigan vehicle bill of sale.
2. Review and sign: Both parties should carefully review the document for accuracy before signing. Michigan does not require notarization for the bill of sale or title assignment. Both parties must sign the title assignment.
3. Make copies: Create copies for all parties involved. Keep original signed documents in a safe location.
4. Transfer title: The seller must sign the title assignment on the back of the Michigan title certificate. The buyer receives the signed title, bill of sale, and any applicable odometer disclosure.
5. Submit to Secretary of State: The buyer must bring the signed title, Form TR-52, bill of sale, proof of Michigan insurance, and valid ID to a Secretary of State branch office within 15 days. The buyer pays the 6% use tax and $15 title fee.
6. Plate transfer or purchase: The buyer can transfer existing Michigan plates to the new vehicle or purchase new plates at the Secretary of State office.
7. Keep for records: Retain your copy for at least the period required by Michigan law, which varies by document type but is generally a minimum of three years for tax-related documents.

The Michigan Secretary of State handles vehicle titles and registration. Some transactions can be completed online through the SOS Express service. Visit the Michigan SOS website for current forms, fees, and office locations.

Michigan has specific laws that affect how vehicle bill of sale documents are created, executed, and enforced:

Michigan Compiled Laws Section 257.233 requires title transfer within 15 days of purchase, one of the shorter deadlines in the country. Section 257.233a governs odometer disclosure. The Michigan Use Tax Act (MCL 205.93) imposes a 6% use tax on private vehicle purchases. Michigan does not require emissions testing statewide. The Secretary of State maintains vehicle records and processes all title transfers and registrations.

It is important to be aware of these MI-specific regulations when creating your vehicle bill of sale. Our templates are designed to account for common state requirements, but for complex legal situations, consulting with a Michigan-licensed attorney is recommended.

Here are important tips for creating a vehicle bill of sale in Michigan:

• Verify all information: Double-check names, addresses, dates, and amounts before signing. Errors can cause delays or legal complications in Michigan.
• Keep copies: Always retain signed copies of the completed document. Store them in a safe, accessible location.
• Transfer within 15 days: Michigan has one of the shortest title transfer deadlines at 15 days. Late transfers may result in a $15 late fee.
• Budget for the 6% use tax: The 6% use tax applies to the full purchase price. Factor this into your budget when purchasing a vehicle privately in Michigan.
• Check for recalls: Before purchasing, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website for any open recalls on the vehicle.
• Act promptly: If the document requires filing with a Michigan government agency, do so within the required timeframe to avoid penalties or complications.
• Seek professional advice when needed: For complex situations or high-value transactions in Michigan, consider consulting with a local attorney to ensure your interests are fully protected.