How To Get a Car Title in Michigan 2026
All motor vehicles owned by Michigan residents must be titled with the Michigan Department of State. Vehicle owners must obtain a certificate of title within 15 days of purchase or upon establishing Michigan residency. The Secretary of State, through its statewide network of branch offices, administers the vehicle titling program and maintains ownership records for all motor vehicles registered throughout Michigan's 83 counties.
Where to Apply for a Michigan Certificate of Title
Michigan residents must process title applications through authorized facilities designated by the Department of State:
- Secretary of State Branch Offices – Full-service locations throughout Michigan counties and municipalities
- Licensed Michigan Vehicle Dealers – Authorized dealerships with electronic title processing capabilities
- Online Services Portal – Digital submission platform for eligible title transactions through the Secretary of State website
- Self-Service Stations – Automated kiosks for basic transactions at select locations
Required Documents for Title Application in Michigan
Applicants seeking a Michigan certificate of title must provide specific documentation to Secretary of State representatives or authorized agents:
Primary Documentation
| Document Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Previous Title or Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin | Document must contain proper assignment to the applicant with all seller signatures completed, or display the applicant as the original purchaser |
| Application for Michigan Vehicle Title (TR-11L Form) | Completed form containing accurate vehicle identification details, owner information, and purchase data |
| Proof of Purchase Price | Documentation establishing the transaction amount for use tax calculation purposes |
Additional Documentation Requirements
Supplementary materials may be required based on transaction type and vehicle origin:
| Document Type | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Michigan Driver's License or State Identification | Establish applicant identity and residency | Out-of-state identification requires two additional proofs of Michigan residency |
| Proof of Michigan Residency | Verify domicile within state boundaries | Acceptable documents include utility bills, bank statements, property tax records, or rental agreements dated within 90 days |
| Bill of Sale | Document transaction terms and consideration | Required when the previous title is from another state or when purchase price verification is needed |
| Insurance Certification | Confirm minimum liability coverage | Michigan requires proof of no-fault automobile insurance meeting state statutory minimum requirements |
| Odometer Mileage Statement | Record accurate vehicle mileage | Mandatory for vehicles less than 10 years old under federal disclosure requirements |
| Lien Release Documentation | Verify satisfaction of security interests | Necessary when the previous title indicates an outstanding lienholder |
Michigan Title Fees and Costs
The Michigan Department of State establishes fee structures applicable to title transactions processed throughout the state:
Standard Title Fees
| Title Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Original Title Issuance | $15.00 |
| Title Transfer | $15.00 |
| Duplicate Title Certificate | $15.00 |
| Corrected Title | $15.00 |
| Salvage Title Certificate | $15.00 |
| Scrap Title Certificate | $15.00 |
| Security Interest Recording | $15.00 |
| Security Interest Termination | $15.00 |
| Title Transfer Late Penalty | $15.00 |
| Instant Title (Same-Day Processing) | $20.00 |
Additional Processing Fees and Taxes
Supplementary charges apply based on transaction characteristics and vehicle specifications:
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Plate Transfer Fee | $10.00-$15.00 | When transferring existing plates to newly titled vehicle |
| Use Tax | 6% | Calculated on purchase price or wholesale value from Michigan Department of Treasury schedules, whichever is greater |
Step-by-Step Title Application Process
Step 1: Assemble Required Documentation
Collect the properly assigned previous title or manufacturer's certificate, completed (TR-11L Form), bill of sale, valid identification, residency verification, and insurance documentation before visiting a Secretary of State office or submitting online.
Step 2: Calculate Use Tax Obligations
Determine the 6% use tax amount by applying the rate to either the purchase price or the wholesale value listed in Michigan Department of Treasury schedules, whichever is greater. Certain transactions qualify for exemptions, including gifts between immediate family members or inheritance transfers.
Step 3: Verify Insurance Coverage
Ensure the vehicle is covered by a Michigan no-fault automobile insurance policy meeting statutory minimum requirements. The insurance policy must be active at the time of title application submission.
Step 4: Choose Application Method
Submit your application in person at a Secretary of State branch office, use the online services portal for eligible transactions, or work through a licensed dealership. Online submission typically provides faster processing than in-person visits.
Step 5: Present Documentation and Payment
Submit all required documentation to the Secretary of State's office or online portal. Pay the $15.00 title fee, applicable use tax, any late penalties if the 15-day deadline has passed, registration fees if simultaneous registration is requested, and select your title delivery method. Accepted payment methods include cash, checks, money orders, and credit or debit cards.
Step 6: Select Title Delivery Option
Choose between two delivery methods:
- Standard Mail Delivery (no additional fee): Title will arrive by mail in approximately 14 business days to 2–4 weeks; actual processing times vary based on workload
- Instant Title ($20.00 additional fee): Receive an immediately processed title the same day at the branch office (available at all Secretary of State locations)
Step 7: Receive Registration Documentation
If simultaneous registration was processed, you will receive your registration plate, registration certificate, and validation tab. The registration certificate must be kept in the vehicle at all times when operated on public roads.
Exemptions from Title Requirements
Certain vehicle classifications are excluded from Michigan's mandatory titling requirements under state law:
- Vehicles model year 1983 or older, unless previously titled in Michigan after 1984
- Off-road vehicles, including ORVs, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles registered through alternative systems
- Trailers weighing 2,500 pounds or less when empty
- Special mobile equipment and auxiliary equipment not designed for highway transportation
- Vehicles owned by the federal government or the United States Postal Service
- Farm tractors and implements of husbandry used exclusively for agricultural operations
- Vehicles registered under the International Registration Plan for interstate commercial operations
Contact Information
Questions regarding title applications, processing timeframes, or documentation requirements should be directed to the Michigan Department of State.
Michigan Department of State
Secretary of State – Vehicle Services
430 West Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (888) 767–6424
Official Website: Michigan Secretary of State
