How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Michigan From Out of State
Registering a vehicle from another state in Michigan requires adherence to procedures established by the Michigan Secretary of State. New Michigan residents who bring vehicles from other states must obtain Michigan registration upon establishing residency. The overall expense encompasses multiple components determined by vehicle characteristics, purchase price, and the chosen license plate options.
Base Registration and Title Fees
Michigan establishes registration costs through a calculation methodology incorporating the vehicle manufacturer's suggested retail price, plate selection, and transaction processing charges. The Michigan Secretary of State administers vehicle registration programs through branch offices located throughout the state.
Standard State Registration Fees
Vehicle registration fees in Michigan are calculated using the manufacturer's suggested retail price for vehicles manufactured in 1984 or later. For vehicles manufactured in 1983 or earlier, registration fees are based on the vehicle's empty weight. Registration fee calculations are performed through the Michigan Secretary of State Registration Fee Calculator.
The registration fee incorporates the base vehicle price, license plate cost, and processing charges. Fees fluctuate annually based on vehicle depreciation, with newer vehicles incurring higher registration costs than older models. The initial registration fee decreases by a percentage of the original amount over the subsequent three years.
Additional Registration Components:
- Standard license plate: $5.00
- Plate transfer fee (to vehicle already owned): $10.00 to $15.00
- Personalized plate fee (initial): $30.00
- Personalized plate renewal fee: $15.00
- Fundraising plate fee: $35.00
- Temporary registration permit (30-day): $20.00 minimum plus $10.00 service fee
- Temporary registration permit (60-day): $40.00 minimum plus $10.00 service fee
Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Fees:
| Vehicle Type | Registration Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Battery electric vehicles | $160.00 | $155.00 |
| Battery electric trucks and buses | $260.00 | $255.00 |
| Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles | $60.00 | $57.00 |
| Plug-in hybrid trucks and buses | $130.00 | $127.00 |
Title Application Fees
Michigan requires certificates of title for vehicle ownership documentation. Title fees apply to all ownership transfers and title corrections processed through Secretary of State offices. Specific title requirements are outlined under MCL 257.217 of the Michigan Vehicle Code.
Title Transaction Fees:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Title transfer fee | $15.00 |
| Title correction | $15.00 |
| Duplicate title | $15.00 |
Recreation Passport Fee
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Recreation Passport provides access to state parks, recreation areas, and boat launches. Vehicle owners may opt to add this annual pass during registration transactions.
Recreation Passport Fees:
| Registration Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| One-year vehicle registration | $14.00 |
| Motorcycle | $7.00 |
New Resident Fee and Use Tax
State Use Tax
Michigan imposes a 6% use tax on vehicle purchases when the transaction occurs outside the state or when sales tax was not collected at the time of purchase. The use tax applies to the vehicle's purchase price and is collected by the Secretary of State during the registration process. Provisions governing use tax collection are established under MCL 257.814 of the Michigan Vehicle Code.
Use Tax Rate:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Use Tax | 6.00% |
The Michigan Department of Treasury administers use tax regulations for motor vehicle transactions. Vehicle owners who have paid sales tax in another state may be eligible for a credit toward Michigan's use tax obligation, provided the total tax paid is not less than Michigan's 6% requirement.
Trade-In Credit
Michigan law permits vehicle owners to subtract trade-in value when calculating use tax obligations on vehicle purchases. This reduction applies only when a vehicle is traded as partial payment toward the purchase of another vehicle.
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Michigan Secretary of State
430 West Allegan Street, Richard H. Austin Building, Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
The Michigan Secretary of State serves as the chief motor vehicle administrator, maintaining driver histories, issuing vehicle registrations and titles, and retaining vehicle registration and title records for the state.
Secretary of State Branch Offices
Michigan operates Secretary of State branch offices throughout the state to process vehicle registration and title transactions. The following offices serve residents in major metropolitan areas:
Secretary of State Detroit Office - East Warren Avenue
580 East Warren Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Secretary of State Detroit Office
Secretary of State Grand Rapids Office
3601 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Secretary of State Grand Rapids Office
Secretary of State West Bloomfield Office
4297 Orchard Lake Rd. #220, West Bloomfield, MI 48323
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Secretary of State Warren Office
Secretary of State Sterling Heights Office
7917 19 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48314
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Secretary of State Sterling Heights Office
Secretary of State Ann Arbor Office
400 S. Maple Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Secretary of State Ann Arbor Office
Secretary of State Lansing Office - Jolly Road
8158 Executive Ct., Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Secretary of State Lansing Office
Secretary of State Flint Office
5512 Fenton Rd., Flint, MI 48507
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Secretary of State Flint Office
Secretary of State Dearborn Office
5094 Schaefer Rd., Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Secretary of State Dearborn Office
Secretary of State Livonia Office
17176 Farmington Rd., Livonia, MI 48152
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Secretary of State Livonia Office
Secretary of State Wyoming Office
1056 Rogers Plaza SW, Wyoming, MI 49509
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Official Website: Secretary of State Westland Office
