What you need to do to transfer a title in Michigan

Michigan requires you to transfer the title within 15 days of buying a vehicle. You do this by submitting Form TR-11 (process for Michigan Title) to the Secretary of State, along with the signed title from the seller, proof of ownership, and a bill of sale. You can submit by mail, in person at a branch office, or through an authorized deputy registrar — a private business licensed to handle title work. The fee is $15 for a standard transfer, plus $5 if you want a duplicate title at the same time.

If you're buying from a dealer, they often handle the title transfer for you as part of the sale, though you'll still need to sign the paperwork. If you're buying from a private seller, you're responsible for starting the process. The seller must sign the back of the title and provide it to you; without their signature, Michigan won't process your process.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 15 days from purchase to submit your title transfer to Michigan's Secretary of State, or you may face late fees.
  • Form TR-11, the signed title from the seller, and a bill of sale are the core documents you need; proof of Michigan residency is also required.
  • You can submit by mail, visit a Secretary of State office in person, or use an authorized deputy registrar to avoid a trip to a state office.
  • The standard transfer fee is $15, and the process usually takes two to four weeks by mail or one to two weeks in person.
  • If the seller's name on the title doesn't match their ID, or if there are liens listed, you'll need to resolve those issues before the title can transfer.

Documents the seller must provide

The seller is responsible for signing the title and giving it to you. On the back of the Michigan title, they must sign in the section labeled "Signature of Transferor" and print their name. If there are two owners listed on the title, both must sign. The seller should also provide you with a bill of sale — a straightforward written record of the sale that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN), the sale price, the date, and both signatures. Michigan doesn't have a required form for a bill of sale, so a handwritten document or email confirmation is acceptable as long as it contains those details.

If the seller cannot locate the title, they can request a duplicate from the Secretary of State before the sale closes, though this adds time. If the title has liens on it (meaning the seller still owes money to a lender), those lenders must sign off on the transfer as well. The seller should contact their lender to arrange this; you cannot complete the transfer until all lienholders have released their claim.

How to complete Form TR-11

Form TR-11 is a one-page process that asks for your name, address, driver's license number, and the vehicle's VIN, make, model, and year. You'll also enter the odometer reading and the sale price. The form has sections for the seller's information and signature, though if you're buying from a private seller, they may have already signed the title itself and you'll just need to fill in your details.

Print the form clearly or type it before submitting. If you're mailing it, sign the form in the designated box. If you're submitting in person or through a deputy registrar, you may be asked to sign in front of a witness or notary, depending on the office's requirements. Check the Secretary of State website for the current version of the form, as older versions may be rejected.

Where and how to submit your transfer

You have three options: mail, in-person at a Secretary of State office, or through an authorized deputy registrar. Mailing is the slowest route — allow two to four weeks for processing. Send Form TR-11, the signed title, the bill of sale, and the $15 fee (check or money order) to the Michigan Secretary of State, Lansing office. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your new title mailed back to you.

Visiting a Secretary of State office in person is faster, typically one to two weeks for your new title to arrive by mail. You'll need to bring the form, the signed title, the bill of sale, proof of Michigan residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. An authorized deputy registrar can complete the same work and may have shorter wait times than state offices. Search "Michigan deputy registrar" on the Secretary of State website to find one near you; they charge a service fee on top of the $15 state fee, usually $10 to $30.

Proof of residency and identification requirements

Michigan requires proof that you live in the state before issuing a title. Acceptable documents include a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and Michigan address dated within the past 60 days. A driver's license or state ID showing your Michigan address also works. If you've recently moved to Michigan and don't have a document yet, contact the Secretary of State office handling your transfer to ask what they'll accept.

You'll also need to show a valid photo ID when submitting in person — your driver's license, passport, or state ID. If you're submitting by mail, you don't need to include a copy of your ID, but the form itself asks for your driver's license number, so have it available when you fill it out.

What to do if there are problems with the title

If the seller's name on the title doesn't match their current ID — for example, due to a marriage or name change — they'll need to provide legal documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The Secretary of State may request this before processing the transfer. Ask the seller for this document before you submit your process to avoid delays.

If the title shows a lien, the lender must release it. The seller should contact their lender and request a lien release letter or a new title showing the lien satisfied. Some lenders will send this directly to the Secretary of State; others will give it to the seller to include with the transfer process. If the seller cannot locate the original title or it's damaged, they can request a duplicate from the Secretary of State for $5 before transferring it to you.

If the vehicle was reported as salvage, flood-damaged, or branded for any other reason, that status will appear on the title. You cannot change the brand yourself; it reflects the vehicle's history. Review the title carefully before buying to understand what the brand means for insurance and resale.

Timeline and what happens after you submit

Once the Secretary of State receives your complete process, processing typically takes two to four weeks by mail or one to two weeks if you submitted in person. You'll receive a new title in your name by mail at the address you provided on the form. During this waiting period, you can drive the vehicle if you have temporary registration or a bill of sale showing you own it, though you should not register it with your insurance company until you have the new title in hand.

If your process is incomplete or there's an issue, the Secretary of State will contact you by mail. This can add another two to four weeks to the process. To avoid delays, double-check that the seller's signature is present and legible on the title, that all required fields on Form TR-11 are filled in, and that you've included proof of residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I buy a vehicle from out of state and want to register it in Michigan?

You'll need the out-of-state title and a bill of sale, just as you would for an in-state purchase. Submit Form TR-11 to Michigan along with the out-of-state title. Michigan will issue you a new Michigan title. Some states require you to get a lien release or a clearance letter before transferring out of state; check with the seller's state if the vehicle has a lien.

Can I transfer a title if the seller is deceased?

No, not directly. The title must be transferred to the estate first, usually through probate court. The executor or administrator of the estate can then sign the title and transfer it to you. Contact the probate court in the county where the seller lived for guidance on this process.

How much does it cost to transfer a title in Michigan?

The state fee is $15 for a standard transfer. If you use a deputy registrar, add their service fee, which ranges from $10 to $30. If you need a duplicate title at the same time, add $5. Mailing costs are your responsibility if you submit by mail.

What if the seller won't sign the title?

You cannot legally own the vehicle without the seller's signature on the title. If the seller refuses to sign, do not complete the purchase. If you've already paid and the seller won't cooperate, consult a lawyer about your options; this is a civil matter, not something the Secretary of State can resolve.

Do I need to get the vehicle inspected before transferring the title?

No, Michigan does not require a pre-transfer inspection. However, you should have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic before buying to check for mechanical problems and hidden damage. This is separate from the title transfer process.