Michigan Bill of Sale Requirements & Free Form

Michigan requirements

• A separate bill of sale is not required for most Michigan private sales; ownership passes by assigning the certificate of title. A bill of sale is still a sensible receipt of the price and terms for both parties.
• The buyer has 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title; the Secretary of State assesses a 15 dollar late fee after that.
• Transfers are completed at a Secretary of State office or, for eligible one seller to one buyer transactions where both hold Michigan licenses or IDs, through the online title transfer service.
• The odometer reading must be accurately recorded on the title; if the title has no space, Michigan's Odometer Mileage Statement form is used.
• Expect a 15 dollar title transfer fee and 6 percent sales tax on the greater of the full purchase price or fair market value.
• For certain older title-exempt vehicles (such as pre-1991 vehicles without titles), the Secretary of State accepts a bill of sale with specified details as the ownership document; confirm the exact requirements with the SOS before relying on this.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to transfer a title after buying a car in Michigan?

You have 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title with the Michigan Secretary of State; a 15 dollar late fee applies after that, plus the 15 dollar transfer fee and 6 percent sales tax.

Do both buyer and seller have to visit the Secretary of State?

Not always. The seller can complete and sign the seller's portion of the title instead of visiting with the buyer, and eligible private sales can be completed entirely online when both parties hold Michigan licenses or IDs and online accounts.

Official sources

• https://www.michigan.gov/sos/all-services/title-transfer-and-vehicle-registration
• https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/ownership