Selling or buying a vehicle in Michigan? Michigan requires a bill of sale for all private party title transfers — and offers online title transfers for eligible transactions through the Secretary of State’s website.
This free template is formatted for Michigan’s requirements and works alongside the Certificate of Title at any Secretary of State office or branch.
Click Get This Template below to open it in Google Docs, then click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive.
For templates for all 50 states, visit the Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Templates →
On this page:
- What Is a Michigan Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
- Is a Bill of Sale Required in Michigan?
- Michigan-Specific Requirements
- Free Michigan Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
- How to Fill Out the Template
- How to Transfer a Car Title in Michigan
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Michigan Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale?
A Michigan motor vehicle bill of sale is a written record of a private vehicle sale.
Michigan requires a bill of sale for all private party title transfers. It documents the purchase price — which is used to calculate the 6% use tax — and serves as proof of the transaction alongside the signed Certificate of Title.
Is a Bill of Sale Required in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan requires a bill of sale to transfer a vehicle’s title and registration from a previous owner to a new one. It must be submitted along with the signed Certificate of Title when the buyer applies for a new title at a Secretary of State office.
Michigan-Specific Requirements
1. 15-Day Deadline
The buyer has 15 days from the date of purchase to apply for a new title at a Michigan Secretary of State office. Penalties apply after 15 days.
2. Online Title Transfer Option
Michigan offers an online title transfer option for eligible transactions at michigan.gov/sos. Both buyer and seller must have a Michigan ID or driver’s license to use the online system. The title is mailed to the buyer after processing.
3. Use Tax: 6%
Michigan charges 6% use tax on the purchase price or the retail value of the vehicle — whichever is greater. Tax is paid at the Secretary of State office at the time of title transfer. The purchase price on the bill of sale must be accurate.
4. What the Buyer Must Bring
- Signed Michigan Certificate of Title (seller’s signature, odometer reading, and purchase price on the back)
- This Bill of Sale
- Valid Michigan driver’s license or ID
- Proof of Michigan no-fault insurance
- Payment for title fee and 6% use tax
5. License Plates
Michigan license plates stay with the seller. Remove your plates before handing over the vehicle. The buyer will need to obtain new plates from the Secretary of State at the time of registration.
6. No White-Out or Alterations
Any alteration to the title — crossing out, writing over, or using correction fluid — will void it. If an error is made, both parties must complete and sign a corrected title or obtain a duplicate title before proceeding.
7. Notarization
Michigan does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Free Michigan Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale Template
This template opens in Google Docs. Click Use Template to save a copy to your Drive, fill it out digitally, or print and complete by hand.
How to Fill Out the Template
Enter the seller’s name exactly as it appears on the Certificate of Title. Enter the buyer’s name exactly as they want it on the new title.
In Section 3, copy the VIN character by character from the dashboard plate and the title. Enter the full agreed purchase price in Section 4 — Michigan calculates 6% use tax on this figure.
Both parties sign Section 11. The seller also completes the back of the title with their signature, odometer reading, and the purchase price.
For a complete field-by-field walkthrough of every section, see: How to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale →
How to Transfer a Car Title in Michigan
Option 1 — Online Transfer
For eligible transactions, both buyer and seller can complete the title transfer online at michigan.gov/sos. Both must have a Michigan ID or driver’s license. The title is mailed to the buyer after processing.
Option 2 — In Person at Secretary of State
Within 15 days of purchase, visit any Michigan Secretary of State office with the signed title, this bill of sale, proof of Michigan no-fault insurance, valid Michigan ID, and payment for the title fee and 6% use tax.
Lost Title
Apply for a duplicate title at any Michigan Secretary of State office or online at michigan.gov/sos before proceeding with the sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Michigan requires a bill of sale for all private party title transfers. It must be submitted along with the signed Certificate of Title when the buyer applies for a new title at a Secretary of State office.
15 days from the date of purchase. Penalties apply after 15 days. The buyer can complete the transfer in person at any Michigan Secretary of State office or online at michigan.gov/sos for eligible transactions.
Yes, for eligible transactions. Both buyer and seller must have a Michigan ID or driver’s license to use the online transfer system at michigan.gov/sos. The new title is mailed to the buyer after processing.
6% of the purchase price or the retail value of the vehicle — whichever is greater. Tax is paid at the Secretary of State office at the time of title transfer.
No. Michigan does not require notarization for a standard private party vehicle bill of sale. Notarization is optional but recommended for high-value sales.
Yes. Michigan does not require a specific state-issued bill of sale form. Any bill of sale with the required information — seller and buyer details, vehicle description, VIN, purchase price, date of sale, and signatures — is acceptable.
This template and all information on this page are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Contact the Michigan Secretary of State at michigan.gov/sos to confirm current requirements before completing your transaction.