Titling and registering - buying a vehicle from an individual

IndividualDealership Family Member

One time you have establish the vehicle you want to buy, you will need to properly title, register, and plate information technology. It is best if yous and the seller go together to a Secretary of Country office to consummate the title transfer. If not, and then before leaving with the vehicle make sure:

  • The seller gives y'all the title. Making changes on a title, such every bit crossing out a name, invalidates it. Copies are also not acceptable. The seller must consummate the seller'due south portion of the title consignment, including the odometer disclosure argument, and sign information technology.
  • There is no outstanding loan against the vehicle. A title cannot exist transferred until the vehicle loan is fully paid. A representative from the banking company or financial institution that administered the loan must either have signed the title or provided the owner with a lien termination statement.
  • The odometer reading entered by the seller and vehicle identification number (VIN) on the championship lucifer the vehicle's odometer reading and VIN.

You lot do not need a license plate to drive a newly purchased vehicle directly home inside Michigan within three days of purchase. Carry the assigned championship and proof of insurance with you. Never use a plate from another vehicle as a substitute.

If you do non complete the championship transfer with the seller at a Secretarial assistant of Land part, yous take 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title into your proper noun to avoid a $xv late fee. 6% use revenue enhancement (on the greater of the fair market place value or the corporeality paid) and the $fifteen championship transfer fee will exist due.  To transfer the vehicle championship into your proper name at a Secretarial assistant of State part:

  • Bring the assigned vehicle title.
  • If more one person is listed on the title as the new owners, all must appear to sign the title application. If an possessor cannot appear, they may appoint an amanuensis to sign the awarding on their behalf by completing an Appointment of Agent grade.
    • Annotation: An owner completing an Appointment of Amanuensis form must provide a photocopy of their valid drivers license or state ID card to the person they appoint every bit their agent. This photocopy volition be required at the Secretarial assistant of State office.
  • All owners must bring identification.
  • You may transfer a license plate from a vehicle you lot already own to your new 1. If you demand to purchase a plate, several attractive options are offered. Disability and personalized plates are likewise available.
  • Proof of Michigan no-mistake insurance. You must take Michigan no-fault insurance to register a vehicle in Michigan. Out-of-state policies are non accepted. (Motorcycles must also be insured, but do not crave no-fault insurance.)

The Secretary of Land's part volition outcome you lot registration, license plate and tab. Place your tab on your plate as shown on the form that comes with it. Put your plate immediately on your vehicle.