Michigan title transfer costs and where to pay them
A Michigan title transfer costs $15 for a standard passenger vehicle, plus whatever your county charges for registration. The $15 goes to the Secretary of State. Registration fees vary by county and depend on the vehicle's weight — most passenger cars run $120 to $180 for a two-year registration. You pay both at your county clerk's office or an authorized branch office, not online.
If you're buying a used car from a private seller, you also owe sales tax on the purchase price — 6% statewide, though some counties add a local tax of up to 1%. The seller does not collect this; you pay it when you register. If you're transferring a title between family members or receiving a vehicle as a gift, sales tax does not apply, but you still pay the $15 title fee and registration.
The total you hand over at the clerk's office is usually $130 to $200 for a standard transfer, depending on your county and the vehicle weight. Specialty plates, vanity plates, or disabled veteran plates cost extra and are added at the time of transfer.
Key Takeaways
- The Michigan Secretary of State charges a flat $15 fee to transfer any passenger vehicle title.
- Your county clerk adds a registration fee based on vehicle weight, typically $120 to $180 for two years.
- Sales tax of 6% to 7% applies to the purchase price when you buy from a private seller, but not for gifts or family transfers.
- You must visit your county clerk's office in person with the signed title, proof of insurance, and a valid ID.
- Processing usually takes one to two weeks; you receive a temporary registration slip at the clerk's office and the permanent title by mail.
What documents you need to bring
Bring the signed title from the seller, your valid driver's license or state ID, and proof of insurance. The proof of insurance must show your name and the vehicle identification number (VIN). A declaration page from your insurance company works; a screenshot from your insurer's app works too.
If you're buying from a private seller, bring the bill of sale or receipt showing the purchase price — the clerk uses this to calculate sales tax. If the title has a lien (the seller still owes money on the vehicle), the lienholder's name appears on the title and you cannot complete the transfer until that lien is released. Ask the seller to contact their lender and request a lien release letter before you go to the clerk's office.
If you're inheriting a vehicle or receiving one as a gift, bring the title and a document showing the transfer — a will, probate paperwork, or a gift letter signed by the previous owner. No sales tax applies, but you still need the $15 title fee and registration.
How to complete the transfer at your county clerk's office
Go to your county clerk's office during business hours. Find the correct office by searching "[your county] Michigan clerk" online — most counties have multiple branch locations. Bring all documents listed above and cash or a check; not all offices accept cards.
Tell the clerk you want to transfer a title. They will ask you to sign the back of the title in their presence. They will calculate the registration fee based on the vehicle weight (listed on the title) and your county. They will calculate sales tax if applicable. You pay the total and receive a temporary registration slip valid for 10 days.
The clerk sends your paperwork to the Secretary of State. You receive the new title in the mail within one to two weeks, usually addressed to you at the address on your driver's license. The temporary slip lets you drive legally during this time. Your permanent registration sticker arrives separately, usually within the same window.
Registration fees by vehicle weight
Michigan registration fees are based on the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not what it actually weighs. This number appears on the title and on a sticker inside the driver's door frame. Most passenger cars fall into the 3,500 to 4,500-pound range and cost between $120 and $180 for a two-year registration. Heavier vehicles and trucks cost more; lighter vehicles cost less.
The exact fee depends on your county. Some counties charge slightly more or less than others, though the difference is usually $5 to $15. You can call your county clerk's office and give them the GVWR to get an exact quote before you visit. Registration is always for two years in Michigan; you cannot buy a one-year registration.
Sales tax on private vehicle purchases
When you buy a used car from a private seller, you owe 6% sales tax on the purchase price statewide. Some counties add a local tax of up to 1%, bringing the total to 7%. The seller does not collect this tax; you pay it at the clerk's office when you transfer the title.
The clerk calculates the tax based on the bill of sale or receipt you bring. If you do not have a receipt, the clerk may ask you to sign a statement of the purchase price. Underreporting the price to lower the tax is tax evasion and can result in penalties. The tax is separate from the $15 title fee and the registration fee.
Sales tax does not apply if you receive the vehicle as a gift, inherit it, or buy it from a licensed dealer (dealers handle their own sales tax). Trade-ins also have different rules — if you trade in a vehicle toward the purchase of another, you owe tax only on the difference between the purchase price and the trade-in value.
What happens if the title has a lien
A lien means the seller still owes money on the vehicle, usually to a bank or credit union. The lienholder's name appears on the title. You cannot legally own the vehicle until the lien is released, so do not hand over money until the seller has contacted their lender and obtained a lien release letter.
The lender typically mails the release letter directly to the seller or to the county clerk. Ask the seller to confirm they have requested it and to show you proof. Some lenders release the lien electronically; the clerk can check the Secretary of State's system to see if it has been recorded. If the lien has not been released by the time you visit the clerk, you cannot complete the transfer that day.
If you buy a vehicle with a lien still attached, you become responsible for the debt even though you do not own the title. This is a serious legal and financial problem. Always wait for written proof of lien release before you pay the seller.
Transferring a title between family members or as a gift
If you receive a vehicle as a gift from a family member or anyone else, you do not owe sales tax. You still owe the $15 title fee and registration. Bring the signed title, your ID, proof of insurance, and a gift letter signed by the previous owner stating that the vehicle was given to you with no money exchanged.
If you inherit a vehicle, bring the title and probate paperwork or a copy of the will showing you as the beneficiary. Some estates go through probate court; others use a simplified process. Ask the probate court or the estate's executor what documents you need. Sales tax does not apply to inherited vehicles.
The transfer process is the same as a purchase — you visit the clerk, sign the back of the title, pay the fees, and receive a temporary registration slip. The new title arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a title online or by mail?
No. Michigan requires you to visit your county clerk's office in person to sign the title in front of a clerk. You cannot mail in the paperwork or use an online portal. Some title services offer to handle this for you for an extra fee, but the visit itself cannot be skipped.
What if I buy a car from out of state?
You still transfer the title at your Michigan county clerk's office. Bring the out-of-state title, your ID, proof of insurance, and the bill of sale. The clerk will handle the conversion to a Michigan title. Sales tax applies based on the purchase price. If the out-of-state title has a lien, that lien must be released before you can transfer it to Michigan.
Do I need a notary to sign the title?
No. The seller signs the title in front of you, and you sign it in front of the clerk. A notary is not required. The clerk's signature is what makes the transfer official.
How long does the temporary registration slip last?
The temporary slip is valid for 10 days. Your permanent registration sticker arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If the sticker does not arrive within three weeks, contact your county clerk's office.
What if the seller will not sign the title?
The seller must sign the title for the transfer to be legal. If they refuse, you do not own the vehicle and should not pay them. If you have already paid and the seller refuses to sign, contact a lawyer — this is a civil matter and may require court action to recover your money or force the transfer.