What you need to do to transfer a Michigan car title

To transfer a car title in Michigan, you complete a form called the process for Michigan Title (form TR-11), pay a fee to the Secretary of State, and submit documents that prove ownership and identity. The Secretary of State's office processes the paperwork and mails you the new title in your name. The whole process usually takes two to four weeks by mail, though you can walk into a branch office for faster service.

Michigan requires the title transfer to happen before you can legally register the vehicle in your name. You cannot drive the car legally without registration, even if you own it. The fee varies depending on whether the title is new, a replacement, or a transfer — most transfers cost between $15 and $25.

Key Takeaways

  • You must submit form TR-11 (process for Michigan Title) along with the signed title from the previous owner and proof of your identity to the Secretary of State.
  • The current owner's signature on the back of the title is required; if they refuse or the title is lost, you will need to follow a different process.
  • You can mail your documents to the Secretary of State or visit a branch office in person — in-person service is faster but requires a trip during business hours.
  • Michigan charges a title transfer fee of $15 to $25 depending on the type of transfer, and you must pay this before the title is issued.
  • After the Secretary of State issues your title, you must register the vehicle with your local Secretary of State branch or through an authorized dealer before driving it.

Documents the previous owner must sign

The most important document is the back of the title certificate itself. The previous owner must sign and print their name in the designated spaces on the back. They should also write the odometer reading if the vehicle is less than 10 years old. If the title has multiple owners, all of them must sign unless the title shows "or" between names — in that case, only one needs to sign.

You will also need the signed title in your possession before you submit anything. Do not let the previous owner mail it directly to the Secretary of State. You need it to verify the information and to include with your process. If the previous owner lives far away, ask them to sign it and mail it to you, or arrange to pick it up in person.

If the title is lost, damaged, or the previous owner refuses to sign, you will need to file for a Duplicate Title or go through a court process. This adds time and cost, so confirm you have the signed title before you begin.

How to submit your process by mail

Gather the signed title, your completed form TR-11, proof of your identity (driver's license or state ID), and the title transfer fee. Write a check or money order payable to the "State of Michigan" for the fee amount. Do not send cash.

Mail everything to the address listed on form TR-11 — this is the Secretary of State's Lansing office. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and email address so they can contact you if something is missing. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Processing by mail takes two to four weeks from the date they receive your packet. You can track the status by calling the Secretary of State's customer service line or visiting their website, though they will ask for your driver's license number or vehicle identification number (VIN).

Transferring the title in person at a Secretary of State branch

If you want faster service, visit a Secretary of State branch office in your county. Bring the signed title, your completed form TR-11, your driver's license or state ID, and the title transfer fee in cash or check. Some offices accept card payments, but call ahead to confirm.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning on weekdays. You can look up your nearest branch and its hours on the Secretary of State's website. Some branches allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time.

If you complete the transfer in person, you will receive a temporary title document that day. The permanent title arrives by mail within two to four weeks. The temporary document is not valid for registration, so you will still need to wait for the permanent title before you can register the vehicle.

What happens if the title has a lien or loan on it

If the previous owner still owes money on the car, the title will show a lienholder — usually a bank or credit union. The lienholder's name appears on the title, and they must release the lien before the title can be transferred to you. This is the previous owner's responsibility, not yours.

Ask the previous owner to contact their lender and request a lien release. The lender will send a document releasing their claim on the vehicle. The previous owner must include this lien release with the title when they sign it over to you. Without it, the Secretary of State will not process the transfer.

If the previous owner is paying off the loan at the time of sale, the lender may send the lien release directly to the Secretary of State. Confirm with the previous owner and the lender that this has happened before you submit your process, or your transfer will be delayed.

Registering your vehicle after the title arrives

Once you receive your new title in the mail, you must register the vehicle with Michigan before you can legally drive it. Registration is separate from the title transfer. You will need your new title, proof of insurance, your driver's license, and the registration fee.

You can register at any Secretary of State branch office or through an authorized dealer. Registration fees depend on the vehicle's weight and age. Bring all documents in person, or some offices allow you to renew registration by mail if you have already registered the vehicle before.

You will receive license plates and a registration card. Display the plates on your vehicle and keep the registration card in your car. You cannot legally drive without both the title in your name and active registration.

What to do if the title is lost or damaged

If the previous owner cannot find the title or it is too damaged to read, you will need to request a Duplicate Title before you can transfer ownership. The previous owner must submit form TR-11D (process for Duplicate Title) to the Secretary of State along with proof of identity and the duplicate title fee.

This adds one to two weeks to the process because the duplicate must be issued first. Once the previous owner receives the duplicate, they sign it and send it to you, and then you proceed with the normal transfer process.

If the previous owner refuses to get a duplicate or cannot be located, you may need to file a Petition for Title through the Michigan courts. This is more expensive and takes longer. Consult a local attorney or contact your county clerk's office for guidance on this route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the car before the title transfer is complete?

No. You cannot legally drive a vehicle without registration in your name, and you cannot register it without a title in your name. If you need to move the car before the transfer is done, you must have the previous owner drive it or arrange for a tow truck. Driving an unregistered vehicle can result in fines and the vehicle being impounded.

What if I buy a car from a private seller and they live out of state?

The process is the same. The out-of-state title must be signed by the previous owner and mailed to you. You then submit it to the Michigan Secretary of State along with your process. Michigan will issue a new title in your name. Some states have different title formats, but Michigan will accept any valid title as long as it is signed and the lien (if any) is released.

How much does a Michigan title transfer cost?

A standard title transfer costs $15. A duplicate title costs $20. If you need a replacement title for a lost or damaged one, the cost is $20. These fees are set by the state and do not change based on the vehicle's value or age. You may also pay a small fee if you use a dealer or third-party service to handle the transfer.

Do I need to notarize the title signature?

No. Michigan does not require the previous owner's signature to be notarized. A regular signature on the back of the title is sufficient. However, some lenders or dealers may ask for a notarized signature as part of their own process — confirm with them before the previous owner signs.

What if the previous owner's name on the title does not match their current ID?

The previous owner should bring both their old ID (showing the name on the title) and their new ID (showing their current name) when they sign the title. Write a note on the back of the title explaining the name change. The Secretary of State will accept this as long as the signature matches and you provide both documents. If the name change was recent, a marriage certificate or court order may also be requested.