Key Takeaways
- You must submit Form TR-11 (process for Michigan Title) to your county clerk's office, not to the Secretary of State.
- You need proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, previous title, or manufacturer's certificate of origin, depending on whether the vehicle is new or used.
- The fee for a Michigan title is $15 for a regular title, plus $5 if you want a duplicate, and payment must be made at the time you submit your process.
- Processing takes roughly two weeks if you explore in person at the clerk's office, and longer if you mail your process.
- You can only register your vehicle once you have received your title, so plan to complete this step before you need to drive the car legally.
Where to Submit Your process
You submit your title process to your county clerk's office, not to a state office. Each Michigan county has its own clerk, and they handle title applications for vehicles registered in that county. Find your county clerk's office by searching "[your county name] clerk" online or by calling your local government office.
Some county clerks accept applications by mail, while others require you to explore in person. Call ahead to ask whether your county accepts mail-in applications and what address to use. If you explore in person, bring all required documents and payment in one visit — the clerk will not hold an incomplete process.
A few counties offer online title applications through their websites, though this is not yet available statewide. Check your county clerk's website to see whether this option exists in your area.
Documents You Need to Bring
The documents required depend on whether the vehicle is new or used, and whether you are the first owner or a subsequent owner. Start with Form TR-11, which you can read from your county clerk's website or pick up in person. Fill out all sections before you go to the clerk's office.
For a used vehicle you are buying from a private seller, bring a signed bill of sale showing the seller's name, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, and the date of sale. The bill of sale does not have to be a formal document — a handwritten note signed by both you and the seller is acceptable. You also need proof that you own the vehicle, such as the previous title if the seller has it, or a manufacturer's certificate of origin if this is the first title being issued.
For a new vehicle from a dealer, the dealer usually provides the manufacturer's certificate of origin. Bring this document along with your completed Form TR-11 and proof of purchase from the dealer.
You must also bring proof of your identity — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and proof of your address such as a utility bill or lease. Some counties also require a lien release if the previous owner had a loan on the vehicle; ask your county clerk whether you need this before you explore.
Payment and Fees
A Michigan vehicle title costs $15. If you need a duplicate title (for example, if you lost the original), the fee is an additional $5. Payment must be made at the time you submit your process — the clerk will not process your form without it.
Most county clerks accept cash, check, or debit card. Some accept credit cards, but this varies by county. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods your clerk's office takes.
If you are explore by mail, include a check or money order with your process. Do not send cash through the mail. Make the check payable to your county clerk's office.
What Happens After You Submit
Once the clerk receives your process, they verify that all documents are complete and that the information matches. This verification step takes a few days. If anything is missing or incorrect, the clerk will contact you — usually by phone or email — and ask you to resubmit or provide additional information.
If everything is in order, the Michigan Secretary of State's office issues your title and mails it to the address you provided on Form TR-11. This mailing usually takes one to two weeks from the date you submitted your process. You will receive the title in a large envelope; do not throw it away or assume it is junk mail.
Once you have your title in hand, you can register your vehicle. Registration is a separate process handled by your county clerk or through the Secretary of State's online system. You cannot legally drive the vehicle until both the title and registration are complete.
If You Are Buying from a Dealer
When you buy from a licensed Michigan dealer, the dealer often handles the title process on your behalf. Ask the dealer whether they will submit Form TR-11 for you or whether you need to do it yourself. If the dealer handles it, confirm that they have all your correct information before they submit — mistakes on the title process can delay your registration.
Even if the dealer submits the process, you are responsible for making sure the title arrives and is correct. Check the title as soon as you receive it for spelling errors, wrong VIN, or wrong ownership information. If there is an error, contact your county clerk when ready to request a corrected title.
Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed or Rejected
The most common reason an process is rejected is a missing or unsigned bill of sale. Make sure both you and the seller sign and date the bill of sale, and include the VIN and sale price. The clerk will not process the process without this.
Another frequent issue is a mismatch between the VIN on the bill of sale and the VIN on the vehicle itself. Before you submit your process, verify that the VIN on all your documents matches the VIN on the vehicle's dashboard and door jamb. If they do not match, do not proceed — contact the seller or the dealer when ready.
Incomplete Form TR-11 is also common. Read through the entire form before submitting and make sure every required field is filled in. If you are unsure what a field means, ask the clerk before you submit rather than leaving it blank.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Michigan title?
If you explore in person at your county clerk's office with all required documents, the title is usually mailed to you within two weeks. If you mail your process, add one to two weeks for mail delivery time. If your process is incomplete or has errors, the process takes longer because the clerk must contact you and you must resubmit.
Can I drive the vehicle before I receive my title?
No. You cannot legally drive a vehicle in Michigan without both a title and registration. If you need to move the vehicle before your title arrives, ask the dealer or seller whether they can provide a temporary permit, or contact your county clerk to ask about temporary driving permits in your area.
What if the seller does not have the previous title?
If the seller lost the title or cannot find it, they can request a duplicate from their county clerk. However, this delays your purchase. Alternatively, if the vehicle is old enough, the clerk may accept a manufacturer's certificate of origin or other proof of ownership. Ask your county clerk what documents they will accept in place of the previous title.
Do I need a notarized bill of sale?
No. A bill of sale does not need to be notarized in Michigan. A handwritten bill of sale signed by both you and the seller is acceptable. However, some lenders or title companies may require a notarized version, so check with your lender before you sign.
What if I bought the vehicle out of state?
You must obtain a Michigan title within 30 days of moving to Michigan or registering the vehicle here. Bring your out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof of Michigan residency to your county clerk. The clerk will guide you through the process of converting your out-of-state title to a Michigan title.