How To Cancel Vehicle Registration Online in Michigan in 2026
The Michigan Department of State administers vehicle registration transactions throughout the state, including registration cancellations that must be processed in person at Secretary of State branch offices. Michigan does not currently provide an online system for canceling vehicle registrations.
Cancelling your vehicle registration ends the legal authorization for that vehicle to operate on Michigan highways. Following cancellation, license plates should be destroyed or recycled, as Michigan generally does not require physical surrender of plates to branch offices except when seeking certain registration fee refunds.
When Registration Cancellation May Be Needed
Several circumstances require the termination of your Michigan vehicle registration:
- Transferring ownership through a private sale or dealership transaction
- Donating your vehicle to charitable organizations
- Establishing residency in another state
- Returning a leased vehicle at lease-end
- Scrapping your vehicle or sending it to a salvage facility
- Insurance company declaration of total loss
- Theft of your vehicle without recovery
- Long-term vehicle storage without maintaining required insurance coverage
- Estate settlement involving vehicle ownership transfer
- Permanent removal of the vehicle from service
- Medical or physical condition preventing vehicle operation
- Death of a registered owner
Cancellation Process
Michigan handles vehicle registration cancellation through in-person visits to Secretary of State branch offices. The procedures vary based on the reason for cancellation and whether a registration fee refund is being requested.
In-Person Cancellation at Branch Offices
Visit any Secretary of State branch office to request registration cancellation. Appointments are strongly recommended and can be scheduled up to six months in advance through the online appointment system or by calling 888-SOS-MICH (888-767-6424).
Required Documentation:
- Current vehicle registration certificate
- Valid Michigan driver's license or state identification card
- Title or title application if transferring ownership
- Proof of circumstance necessitating cancellation (sale documentation, lease return papers, out-of-state registration, etc.)
Processing Steps:
Bring the required documentation to your scheduled appointment at a Secretary of State office. Staff will verify your identity and review documentation supporting the cancellation request. The office will process the cancellation and provide you with written confirmation.
If you intend to apply for a registration fee refund, inform staff at the time of cancellation. The refund application process begins with the cancellation transaction.
License Plate Handling:
Michigan does not mandate the physical return of license plates for most cancellation circumstances. After canceling registration, you should destroy the plates by cutting them in half or bending off a corner before discarding them. Some municipalities accept destroyed plates at recycling centers.
For registration fee refund applications, plates must be physically returned to a Secretary of State office within 30 days following ownership transfer or title assignment. Plates must never have been attached to a vehicle to qualify for a full refund.
Refund of Registration Fees
Michigan regulations under MCL 257.801b permit refunds of vehicle registration fees under specific conditions. Refund amounts and eligibility depend on the timing and circumstances of your registration cancellation.
Refund Eligibility
The Department of State evaluates refund requests based on cancellation timing and specific qualifying circumstances:
Full Refund: Vehicle owners who transfer or assign title before placing registration plates or tabs on the vehicle may obtain a full refund. Registration plates or tabs issued for 1978 and later years must be returned within 30 days following the transfer or assignment date. Plates must never have been attached to the vehicle, and tabs must never have been placed on plates to qualify.
Prorated Monthly Refund: Refunds prorated monthly for the remaining registration time are available under these circumstances:
- Driver's license revoked, suspended, or denied for medical or physical reasons—return plates to obtain a monthly prorated refund for the remaining registration period
- Death of registered owner—surviving spouse may return plates and obtain monthly prorated refund for time remaining in registration year
- Original application for certain specialty registration plates—monthly prorated refund from application date for time remaining in previously issued registration
Prorated refunds may not exceed the original registration fee paid. Refunds under $5.00 will not be issued.
Refund Application Process
Step 1: Complete Registration Cancellation
Visit a Secretary of State office to cancel your vehicle registration as described above. Inform staff that you intend to apply for a registration fee refund. Cancellation must be recorded in the Department of State system before refund applications can be processed.
Step 2: Submit Refund Request
For refund requests, complete the appropriate documentation at the Secretary of State office during your cancellation visit. Provide:
- Current registration certificate
- License plates (if seeking a full refund based on unused plates/tabs)
- Written explanation of circumstances qualifying for a refund
- Supporting documentation (medical suspension notice, death certificate for surviving spouse, out-of-state registration, vehicle sale documentation)
Alternatively, fill out the Michigan Department of State Refund Request Form and submit written refund requests with supporting documentation to:
Michigan Department of State
P.O. Box 30196
Lansing, MI 48909
Step 3: Department Review and Processing
The Department of State reviews refund requests for eligibility under Michigan Vehicle Code provisions. Approved refunds are processed and issued by check to the address listed on the registration record. Processing typically requires 4-6 weeks from the date the refund documentation is received.
Governing Laws and Regulations
Michigan vehicle registration cancellation procedures are established through state statutes:
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.217 establishes vehicle title and registration application requirements and procedures for owners subject to Michigan registration law
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.258 grants the Secretary of State authority to cancel, revoke, or suspend vehicle registrations under specified circumstances and establishes notice and hearing requirements
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.801b authorizes registration fee refunds under specific conditions, including unused registrations, medical suspensions, and death of registered owners
Government Agencies
Michigan Department of State
Michigan Department of State
430 W. Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Department of State
Online Services Portal:
Michigan Online Services
Secretary of State Branch Offices in Major Cities
Secretary of State branch offices throughout Michigan assist with vehicle registration transactions. While registration cancellations require in-person visits, the following locations serve major population centers:
Detroit-West Grand Boulevard Secretary of State Office
3046 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
Grand Rapids–28th Street Secretary of State Office
3601 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
Warren Secretary of State Office
11533 E. Twelve Mile Road, Warren, MI 48093
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
Standish Secretary of State Office
529 S. Main St., Standish, MI 48658
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
Ann Arbor Secretary of State Office
295 N. Maple Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
Lansing-Executive Court Secretary of State Office
8158 Executive Court, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
Flint-East Third Street Secretary of State Office
310 E. Third Street, Flint, MI 48502
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
Livonia Secretary of State Office
17176 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48152
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
Dearborn Secretary of State Office
5090 Schaefer Road, Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
Canton Secretary of State Office
8565 N. Lilley Road, Canton, MI 48187
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
