Car Registration Requirements for New Michigan Residents
Individuals who relocate to Michigan with a vehicle registered in another state must transfer the title and registration to Michigan. State law requires new residents to title and register their vehicles immediately upon establishing residency.
Timeline for New Michigan Residents
New Michigan residents must apply for vehicle title and registration as soon as they establish residency in the state. Michigan law provides no grace period for new-resident registration transfers.
A person shall not operate a vehicle required to be registered unless no later than 30 days after the vehicle is registered, a valid registration plate is attached and displayed. Failure to register a vehicle constitutes a civil infraction.
Establishing Michigan Residency
The Michigan Vehicle Code defines a resident as every person who resides in this state and establishes legal presence in the United States. Residency determines the jurisdiction for vehicle titling and registration purposes.
Required Documentation for Car Registration in Michigan
New residents must submit documentation to a Secretary of State office to title and register an out-of-state vehicle:
Essential Documents
- Original title from the previous state, or out-of-state registration if a lienholder holds the title
- Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance for the vehicle
- Proof of identity documents
- Payment of applicable title and registration fees
If multiple vehicle owners are named on the out-of-state title, all owners must appear at the office when applying for a Michigan title. An Appointment of Agent form permits one owner to sign on behalf of an absent owner.
If an out-of-state title is held by a lienholder, the new resident may present the out-of-state registration expired for less than 90 days along with proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance. Michigan will issue a registration allowing license plates without converting the out-of-state title.
Insurance Requirements
The default coverage limits are:
| Coverage Type | Default Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $250,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $500,000 |
| Property damage | $10,000 |
Drivers may purchase lower limits of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
Application Submission Methods
New residents must schedule a visit to a Secretary of State office in person. Michigan also offers online title transfers for certain transactions at Michigan.gov/SOS.
Registration Fees and Costs in Michigan
Title and Processing Fees
- $15 title transfer fee
- $10 to $15 plate transfer fee
- 6 percent sales tax on the purchase price or fair market value, whichever is greater
Registration Fees and Costs in Michigan
New residents must pay title transfer fees, sales tax, and registration fees:
- Use the registration fee calculator to calculate vehicle registration fees
- Use the plate transfer fee calculator to calculate plate transfer costs.
Contact Information
Michigan Department of State
430 W. Allegan Street, Richard H. Austin Building, Lansing, MI 48918
Phone: (888) 767-6424
Michigan Secretary of State
