Michigan Bill of Sale

What Michigan requires for a vehicle sale

• The seller completes the title: odometer reading, seller name, address and signature, and buyer name and address. Copies of the title are not accepted.
• The buyer must transfer the title within 15 days of the sale to avoid a $15 late fee. The title transfer fee is $15.
• Use tax is 6% of the greater of the purchase price or fair market value.
• The seller must remove the plate before the buyer takes possession, except when transferring to an immediate family member.
• The seller should keep a record of the sale for at least 18 months, such as a photocopy of the signed title or a form with buyer details, price, and date.
• The seller must certify the actual odometer reading. Estimates are not acceptable.

Michigan bill of sale: what to include

Whatever Michigan requires, a signed bill of sale protects both sides. It proves the price, the date and that the car was sold as-is. Include:

• Seller's and buyer's full names and addresses
• Year, make, model, color and VIN
• Odometer reading on the day of sale
• Sale price and date of sale
• As-is wording, plus a statement that the seller owns the vehicle and any lien is paid off
• Signatures and dates for both parties

Sample as-is wording

I, the seller, sell the vehicle described above to the buyer for the price shown, as-is, with no warranty, express or implied. The seller confirms they are the owner and that the odometer reading is correct to the best of their knowledge. This sale is made under the laws of Michigan.

Seller checklist (Michigan)

• Complete and sign your section of the original title, including the odometer reading.
• Photocopy the front and back of the signed title.
• Remove your license plate before the buyer takes possession.
• Keep a record of the sale for at least 18 months.
• Going with the buyer to a Secretary of State office is recommended to be protected from later liability.

Buyer checklist (Michigan)

• Get the original title, with no crossed-out or changed entries.
• Check the VIN and odometer match the vehicle.
• Transfer the title within 15 days of the sale.
• Bring Michigan no-fault insurance proof and ID.
• Pay the $15 transfer fee and 6% use tax.

Things to watch in Michigan

• The pages we read do not mention a bill of sale or notarization. Ask a Secretary of State office if you want certainty.
• The seller page we tried to fetch failed, so seller deadlines beyond the sold-vehicle page are not verified.

About this page

We checked this page against the Michigan Secretary of State sources listed below in November 2026. Where an agency page did not say something, we say so and suggest you check with the agency. Rules, forms and fees change, so confirm with Michigan Secretary of State before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.