Michigan
Title Fee
$15.00
Sales Tax Rate
6.00%
Other Tax Rate
Who must title a vehicle in Michigan?
All motor vehicles, ORVs, trailer coaches, pickup campers, trailers ≥2,500 lbs. empty, watercraft 20+ feet or any watercraft with a permanently affixed motor must be titled.
Exempt: Mopeds, snowmobiles, USCG-documented watercraft, lifeboats, implements of husbandry, special mobile equipment, U.S. government vehicles.
Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?
Michigan Department of State, at any SOS Branch Office.
Application: TR-11L (vehicle), WR-11L (watercraft), S-110L (manufactured homes).
Fee: $15.00 (vehicles), $5.00 (watercraft), $11.00 (ORVs), $90.00 (manufactured homes). Add $1.00 per lien; instant title: +$5.00; dealer e-filing: +$24.00.
What documents are needed as proof of ownership?
New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) unless using paperless program.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title.
Non-title states: Registration + bill of sale.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: Foreign docs, CBP 7501, NHTSA HS-7, bond release, and DOT/EPA compliance.
How are special titles or brands handled?
Bonded Title: If ownership is unclear, file Uniform Surety Bond (TR-121), bond = 2x value.
Brands: Flood, Municipal, Police, Rebuilt, Rebuilt Salvage, Salvage, Scrap, Taxi, and more. Out-of-state brands carried forward.
Salvage: For vehicles with repair cost 75–90% of value; scrap for 91%+.
Rebuilt: Must be rebuilt, inspected, and recertified before titling for road use.
Junk: Scrap title issued; vehicle cannot be retitled.
How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?
Application: TR-11L, $15.00 fee. Online option available.
Instant title at branch: +$5.00.
Add/remove lien: +$1.00.
Out-of-state residents: ISS-Title.
Other notes:
Odometer disclosure required on transfer (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required for grey market or VIN error/discrepancy.
Are electronic signatures accepted?
Yes, for title applications, agent appointments, and lien termination statements.
What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?
Sales/Use Tax: 6.0% on greater of purchase price or retail value.Trade-in credit: Lesser of $10,000 or agreed value in 2024 (increases $1,000/year).
Credit for taxes paid to another state.
Exemptions: Vehicles owned/titled/registered out of state for 90+ days before MI residency; certain family/gift transfers; farm, resale, interstate carriers, and more.
Other taxes/fees:
Property Tax: On manufactured homes affixed to real property.
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.
How are liens recorded and perfected?
Enter lien info on TR-11L or RD-108; $1.00 per lien.
Liens perfected on processing date; shown on title.
ELT (Electronic Lien & Title) program is mandatory for most lenders; paper title on request in limited cases.
How are liens released or assigned?
Lienholder releases on title or via termination statement within 14 days of satisfaction; $1.00 fee to remove unless change of ownership.
Assignment: Lienholder provides discharge; owner applies for correction title.
How does repossession work in Michigan?
Lienholder gives written notice of intent to repossess.
Must apply for resale repossession title before transfer; submit title, Certification of Repossession (TR-10), and fee.
Out-of-state: Must follow state-of-title laws/procedures.
Other notes:
Garage Keeper’s Lien: GKL application (BDVR-35), $10.00 fee, notice to owner/lienholder, public auction after 75 days.
Watercraft GKL: Similar process, additional notice/publication.
Enforcement Agency:
Michigan Department of State7064 Crowner Dr, Lansing, MI 48918
888.767.6424
Michigan SOS
Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:
Michigan State Police: 7150 Harris Dr, Dimondale, MI 48821
Key Regulations:
Insurance required: $50,000/$100,000/$10,000 minimum, plus PIP/PPI.
Proof of insurance required at registration and must be carried.
No emissions inspection required; annual inspection for limos/taxis/TNCs, rebuilt/assembled vehicles, and some trucks.
One plate issued (two for certain personalized); plates transferable to immediate family.
Title records kept indefinitely.