Michigan requires you to file a title transfer with the Secretary of State within 15 days of buying a vehicle, and the process differs depending on whether you're buying from a dealer, a private seller, or inheriting the car.
The Michigan Secretary of State handles all vehicle title transfers. You'll need the signed title document from the seller, proof of ownership, a completed process for Title (Form TR-11), and proof of a passing vehicle inspection if the car is more than 20 years old. Most transfers happen in person at a Secretary of State branch office, though you can mail documents if you cannot visit in person.
The 15-day window is a important date, not a suggestion — waiting longer can result in late fees and complications when you try to register the vehicle. If you buy from a Michigan dealer, they often handle the title transfer for you as part of the sale, but you should confirm this before leaving the lot. Private sales and out-of-state purchases require you to manage the paperwork yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Michigan gives you 15 days from the purchase date to file a title transfer with the Secretary of State, and missing this important date triggers late fees.
- You need the signed title from the seller, a completed process for Title (Form TR-11), proof of inspection for vehicles over 20 years old, and proof of Michigan residency.
- Dealers typically handle title transfers as part of the sale, but private sellers do not — you must file the paperwork yourself.
- You can transfer a title in person at any Secretary of State branch office or by mail, though in-person processing is usually faster.
- If you inherit a vehicle, you need the death certificate and the will or court order showing you own it, plus the same title documents as a regular purchase.
What documents you need for a Michigan title transfer
The process for Title (Form TR-11) is the core document. You fill it out with your name, address, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the purchase price, and the date of purchase. The form is available on the Michigan Secretary of State website and at any branch office.
You also need the signed title document from the seller. In Michigan, this is usually the back of the existing title certificate. The seller must sign and date it, and they must print their name clearly. If the title is lost or damaged, the seller can request a duplicate from the Secretary of State before the sale, though this adds time.
Bring proof of Michigan residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government-issued ID with your current address. If you moved recently and your ID does not match your current address, bring both the ID and a recent utility bill or lease.
For vehicles manufactured before 2004, or any vehicle over 20 years old, you need a vehicle inspection report from an authorized Michigan inspection station. This confirms the VIN matches the vehicle and that the odometer reading is accurate. The inspection costs around $15 to $20 and takes about 15 minutes. You cannot skip this step — the Secretary of State will reject your process without it.
Transferring a title from a private seller
When you buy from a private seller, you are responsible for filing the title transfer. The seller should sign the back of the title certificate and hand it to you at the time of sale. Check that they signed in the correct place — the signature line for the seller, not the odometer or other fields.
Take the signed title, your completed Form TR-11, proof of residency, and your inspection report (if required) to a Secretary of State branch office. Bring your driver's license or state ID. The office will verify the documents, collect the title transfer fee (currently $15 for a standard transfer), and issue you a new title in your name.
Processing usually takes 10 to 15 business days if you file in person. If you mail the documents, allow three to four weeks. Do not register the vehicle or put it on the road until you have the new title in hand — driving without a valid title is illegal in Michigan, even if you own the car.
Transferring a title from a Michigan dealer
Most Michigan dealers handle the title transfer as part of the sale. They file the paperwork with the Secretary of State on your behalf and send you the new title once it is processed. This usually takes one to two weeks after you sign the purchase agreement.
Before you leave the dealership, confirm in writing that they will file the title transfer and ask for a timeline. Get the name of the person handling your paperwork and a phone number. If you do not receive your title within three weeks, contact the dealership to check the status.
Some dealers charge a title transfer fee (typically $50 to $150) on top of the purchase price. This should be disclosed before you sign the purchase agreement. If it is not listed on your paperwork, ask the dealer to explain the charge before you pay.
Transferring a title for an out-of-state vehicle
If you buy a vehicle registered in another state and move it to Michigan, you must transfer the title to Michigan within 15 days of establishing residency. You need the out-of-state title, your completed Michigan process for Title (Form TR-11), proof of Michigan residency, and an inspection report if the vehicle is over 20 years old.
Some states issue titles differently — for example, some states do not require a signature from the seller on the back of the title. Check the rules for the state where the vehicle was registered. If the out-of-state title does not have a signature line, bring a bill of sale signed by the seller instead. The Secretary of State will accept either document as proof of ownership transfer.
Out-of-state title transfers cost the same as in-state transfers ($15 for a standard title). Processing time is the same — 10 to 15 business days in person, three to four weeks by mail.
Inheriting a vehicle and transferring the title
If you inherit a vehicle, the title transfer process depends on whether the estate goes through probate. If the vehicle is listed in a will or trust, you need a copy of the death certificate, the will or trust document, and a court order showing you are the legal owner. Bring these documents along with the existing title, your completed Form TR-11, proof of residency, and an inspection report if required.
If the estate does not go through probate (for example, if the vehicle was held in a revocable living trust), you may not need a court order. Bring the death certificate, the trust document, and proof that you are the named beneficiary. The Secretary of State will tell you what additional documents they need when you call or visit.
Inherited vehicle transfers cost the same as regular transfers. Processing time is the same, though the Secretary of State may take longer to verify the court documents if probate is involved.
Where to file a title transfer in Michigan
You can file a title transfer at any Secretary of State branch office in Michigan. There are over 130 locations statewide. Find the office nearest you on the Michigan Secretary of State website — you can search by city or zip code.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. Call ahead or check the website to confirm hours before you visit, especially if you are traveling more than 30 minutes.
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your documents to the Secretary of State. Include your completed Form TR-11, the signed title, proof of residency, and a check or money order for the $15 transfer fee. Mail to: Michigan Secretary of State, Lansing, MI 48918. Include a cover letter with your name, phone number, and the vehicle VIN so they can contact you if there are questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the 15-day important date?
You can still file a title transfer after 15 days, but you will owe a late fee in addition to the $15 transfer fee. The late fee varies depending on how late you are — typically $10 to $25 for transfers filed within 30 days, and higher amounts for longer delays. File as soon as you realize you missed the important date to keep the fee as low as possible.
Can I drive the vehicle before the title transfer is complete?
No. You cannot legally drive a vehicle in Michigan without a valid title in your name. You can drive it directly from the seller's location to the Secretary of State office or to an inspection station if required, but nowhere else. Once you file the title transfer, you can register the vehicle and drive it while you wait for the new title to arrive.
What if the seller lost the title?
The seller can request a duplicate title from the Secretary of State before the sale. They will need to provide the VIN, proof of ownership, and a fee (currently $15). This takes one to two weeks. If the sale cannot wait, ask the seller to file for the duplicate and have it mailed to you after the sale — you can then file the transfer yourself.
Do I need a bill of sale in Michigan?
A bill of sale is not required by the Secretary of State, but it is a good idea to have one anyway. It documents the purchase price, date, and both parties' signatures, which can protect you if there is a dispute later. You can write a straightforward bill of sale on a blank piece of paper or use a template from the Secretary of State website.
How much does a Michigan title transfer cost?
A standard title transfer costs $15. If you file after the 15-day important date, you will owe an additional late fee. If you need a duplicate title or have other complications, there may be additional fees. Call your local Secretary of State office for exact costs based on your situation.