How To Register a Car in Michigan

Who Needs Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Vehicle registration is mandatory for all motor vehicles operated on public roads throughout Michigan. The Michigan Secretary of State enforces these requirements under the Michigan Vehicle Code, which establishes comprehensive regulations for vehicle operation and registration within the state.

New Michigan residents must register their vehicles within 10 days of establishing residency or beginning employment in the state. Residency is established when an individual obtains Michigan employment, enrolls children in school, registers to vote, or maintains a domicile for more than 90 days. The 10-day requirement begins from whichever occurs first: establishing residency or beginning work in Michigan.

Military personnel stationed in Michigan who maintain legal residency in another state may continue operating vehicles with their home state registration throughout their assignment. However, Michigan residents entering military service must register their vehicles in Michigan before deployment if they establish Michigan domicile. Active duty members may qualify for registration fee exemptions under certain circumstances.

Students attending Michigan colleges or universities may retain their out-of-state registration if they do not establish Michigan residency through employment, voter registration, or other activities demonstrating intent to remain permanently. Full-time students maintaining financial dependence on out-of-state parents typically qualify for this exemption.

Temporary visitors and tourists may operate vehicles with valid out-of-state registration for short-term visits, provided the registration remains current. Business fleets operating vehicles principally based in Michigan must register all such vehicles regardless of corporate domicile location.

Licensed motor vehicle dealers must register demonstration vehicles, service vehicles, and obtain appropriate dealer plates under Michigan dealer registration provisions. Interstate commercial carriers may participate in the International Registration Plan (IRP) for vehicles traveling across multiple jurisdictions, allowing proportional registration fees based on mileage distribution among participating states.

What Types of Vehicles Need Registration in Michigan

Michigan requires registration for all motor vehicles operated on public roadways, including the following categories:

• Passenger vehicles including automobiles, station wagons, sport utility vehicles, and pickup trucks
• Motorcycles and motor scooters regardless of engine size or power output
• Commercial vehicles under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating
• Heavy commercial vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating
• Buses used for passenger transportation including school buses, transit vehicles, and charter coaches
• Recreational vehicles including motor homes, travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, and camping trailers
• Trailers exceeding 2,500 pounds gross vehicle weight or used for commercial purposes
• Antique vehicles 26 years or older operated on public roads with historical significance
• Classic vehicles meeting specific collector criteria and maintained in original condition
• Farm vehicles operated beyond farm property boundaries on public roadways

Michigan establishes vehicle classifications based on weight, usage, and design characteristics for fee determination purposes. Vehicles exceeding certain weight thresholds require commercial registration regardless of actual use. Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles follow the same registration requirements as conventional vehicles based on their weight and classification.

Mopeds with engines under 50cc and limited speed capabilities require registration but may qualify for reduced fees. Specialty vehicles may be eligible for historic vehicle plates or other special registration categories with modified operational restrictions and fee structures.

Which Vehicles Are Exempt From Registration in Michigan

Several vehicle categories operate under exemptions from standard Michigan registration requirements:

• Farm tractors and agricultural implements operated exclusively for farming activities on farm property
• Farm trailers used solely for agricultural purposes between farm locations or on farm property
• Federal government vehicles operated by authorized federal agencies and departments
• Military tactical vehicles owned and operated by the Department of Defense or National Guard
• Construction equipment and specialized machinery not designed for highway transportation
• Golf carts operated within private communities, golf courses, or designated recreational areas
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) operated exclusively on private property or designated trail systems
• Off-road vehicles (ORVs) registered through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
• Snowmobiles registered through specialized recreational vehicle programs
• Watercraft trailers under 2,500 pounds used exclusively for boat launching and retrieval

Michigan operates extensive recreational vehicle programs through the Department of Natural Resources for off-road vehicles, ATVs, and snowmobiles. These vehicles require DNR registration and permits rather than Secretary of State vehicle registration when operated on designated trails and recreational areas.

Vehicles stored on private property and not operated on public roads are exempt from registration requirements but must be registered before returning to public road use. Antique vehicles used exclusively for exhibitions, parades, or car shows may qualify for limited-use registration with operational restrictions.

What Do You Need To Register a Car in Michigan

Michigan vehicle registration requires specific documentation and payment of applicable fees and taxes:

Required Documentation:

• Completed Application for Title and Registration with all sections properly filled out
• Proof of ownership through manufacturer's certificate of origin, previous title, or proper bill of sale
• Valid driver's license or state-issued identification card from any U.S. state
• Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance meeting state minimum coverage requirements
• Odometer disclosure statement for vehicles under 10 years old showing accurate mileage
• Lien holder information if applicable, including complete lender details and payoff amounts

Vehicle Identification Requirements: All out-of-state vehicles require Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification through Secretary of State inspection or law enforcement verification. This applies to all vehicles previously titled in other states, regardless of age, condition, or purchase source.

Safety and Emissions Requirements: Michigan does not require safety or emissions inspections for standard passenger vehicles during the registration process. However, vehicles must be in safe operating condition and meet federal equipment standards. Salvage vehicles may require special inspections before registration approval.

Fees and Taxes:

• Sales tax at 6% of purchase price for all vehicle transfers
• Title transfer fee of $15 for standard vehicle titles
• Registration fees varying by vehicle weight and type, typically $30-150 annually
• Plate transfer fee of $10-15 when transferring plates between vehicles
• Late registration penalties beginning 10 days after the legal deadline for new residents

Insurance Requirements: Michigan requires No-Fault insurance with minimum coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for personal injury protection, plus $10,000 property protection insurance. Proof of current insurance must be provided at registration and maintained throughout the registration period.

Where to Register Your Vehicle in Michigan

Michigan operates vehicle registration through Secretary of State branch offices located throughout the state, providing comprehensive motor vehicle services at each location.

Major Secretary of State Offices:

Detroit Secretary of State Office
17320 W Warren Avenue, Detroit, MI 48228
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Wednesday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
(888) 767-6424
Detroit Secretary of State

Grand Rapids Secretary of State Office
2878 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Wednesday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
(888) 767-6424
Grand Rapids Secretary of State

Warren Secretary of State Office
31731 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48092
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Wednesday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
(888) 767-6424
Warren Secretary of State

Lansing Secretary of State Office
7064 W Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Wednesday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
(888) 767-6424
Lansing Secretary of State

Ann Arbor Secretary of State Office
2700 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Wednesday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
(888) 767-6424
Ann Arbor Secretary of State

A complete directory is available at the Secretary of State offices page. Michigan also operates self-service kiosks at various retail locations for registration renewals and provides mobile office services in underserved communities throughout the state.

Can I Register a Vehicle Online in Michigan?

Michigan provides extensive online vehicle registration services through the Michigan Secretary of State e-Services portal for eligible transactions:

Available Online Services:

• Registration renewals for currently registered Michigan vehicles in good standing
• Address changes for existing vehicle registrations and driver records
• Duplicate registration cards and license plate tab replacements
• License plate ordering for specialty and personalized plates
• Registration status inquiries and payment history verification

Service Limitations: Initial vehicle registration requires in-person processing at Secretary of State offices due to VIN verification requirements, document authentication, and insurance verification procedures. Title transfers between private parties must be completed in person, as must transactions involving lien changes, name corrections, or out-of-state transfers.

Eligibility Requirements: Online registration renewal requires current Michigan No-Fault insurance meeting state requirements, no outstanding violations or administrative holds on the vehicle or owner's record, and current address information on file with the Secretary of State. The system automatically verifies insurance coverage and registration status before processing transactions.

Customers access Michigan e-Services using their driver's license number and personal information or through secure account creation. Payment processing accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and electronic bank transfers with applicable convenience fees for certain transaction types.

Processing and Delivery: Online transactions process immediately with confirmation receipts provided. Physical registration documents and license plate tabs mail within 5-7 business days to the registered address, with expedited delivery options available for additional fees.

When Does Vehicle Registration Expire in Michigan

Michigan operates a birthday-based registration expiration system where vehicle registrations expire annually on the registered owner's birthday. This personal expiration schedule applies to most standard passenger vehicles and motorcycles registered in the state.

Standard Expiration Schedule: Vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the owner's birthday each year. If the birthday falls on a weekend or legal holiday, registrations remain valid through the next business day without penalty. The registration period runs from the owner's birthday in one year through the birthday in the following year.

Registration Certificate and Tab Information: Michigan registration certificates display the complete expiration date showing the owner's birthday and year. License plate tabs show the expiration month and year corresponding to the owner's birth month for easy identification by law enforcement and parking officials.

Two-Year Registration Option: Beginning in 2022, Michigan offers two-year registration periods for eligible vehicles, allowing owners to register for consecutive years and expire on the owner's birthday in the second year. This option provides convenience while maintaining the birthday-based expiration system.

Validity Requirements: Valid registration requires current Michigan No-Fault insurance maintained throughout the registration period. Vehicle ownership information must remain accurate, and any address changes must be reported to the Secretary of State within 10 days of relocation to maintain registration validity.

Expired Registration Consequences: Operating vehicles with expired registration constitutes a civil infraction subject to fines typically up to $100 for first offenses. Chronic violations may result in vehicle impoundment and additional penalties. Registration renewal after expiration requires payment of standard fees plus applicable late penalties.

Special Category Schedules: Commercial vehicles may operate under different expiration schedules based on weight classification and usage patterns. Antique vehicles may qualify for permanent registration eliminating annual renewal requirements. Seasonal vehicles may receive temporary registration for limited operational periods during specific months.