Michigan Vehicle Title Transfer
Michigan Vehicle Title Transfer
In the state of Michigan, a vehicle’s title is a legal proof of its ownership. It is a document that shows who owns the vehicle. Michigan vehicle title transfer takes place when the vehicle is being sold and bought; the seller transfers the title into the new buyer’s name. There are certain legal requirements that a seller and buyer must fulfill in order for the financial transaction to be considered legal.
If you are buying a vehicle from a dealer then it is the dealer who takes care of the paperwork. However, if you are buying a vehicle from an individual then the necessary paperwork is done both by the seller and the buyer. It is advised that you along with the seller visit a Secretary of State office to complete the title transfer. If you or the seller cannot do this, then do the following:
- Get the title from the seller. The seller must complete the seller’s section of the title and sign it.
- Make sure that there is no lien on the title. The lien holder must either sign the title or provide you with a lien termination statement.
- Make sure that the odometer reading and the vehicle identification number (VIN) entered on the title by the seller matches with the vehicle’s odometer reading and VIN.
You have 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title into your name in order to avoid a $15 late fee charge. Title transfer fee and use tax will also be paid by you. More documents will be needed from you in order to transfer the vehicle’s title into your name at a Secretary of State office.
If you are the seller then you must do the following:
- Visit a Secretary of State branch office with the buyer to transfer the title in his/her name
- If you cannot then maintain a record of the sale for at least 18 months
- Fill-in the correct information regarding the vehicle’s mileage, selling date/price and seller’s price on the vehicle’s title
- Provide the buyer with lien-free vehicle
- Remove the vehicle’s license plate
- Cancel the insurance policy
In which way is seller required for title transfer in Michigan?
It is ideal if the vehicle seller accompanies you to the Secretary of State Office in order to complete the title transfer. If this is not possible then ensure that the seller has provided you a title. This must be duly completed and signed by the seller. You should also make sure that the seller has entered the odometer reading and that there are no outstanding loans against the vehicle.
As I was reading about getting a correct a vehicle title Michigan, I came across VIN. What is VIN?
A VIN is basically a vehicle identification number. Every vehicle has a unique number that provides information about the origin, manufacturer, owner, and car history. You can use this number to get a vehicle history report from your local DMV office. It is important to check the VIN number before buying any car. Browse further on our pages for more information.
How to transfer car title in Michigan?
When selling or buying a car in Michigan, you need complete a title transfer process. You can easily get a hold of a title transfer form from any DMV office near you. The seller and the buyer both need to sign the title transfer forms in order to successfully transfer ownership of the vehicle. These forms must then be submitted to the DMV office.