by Armando Martinez
License Plate Transfer Process in Michigan
In Michigan, the license plates stay with the seller when a car is sold in a private party sale. Unless the license plate is transferred to another vehicle owned by the seller, either destroy or recycle the license plate. Never allow the buyer to drive off with your plates on the vehicle. Plate transfers in Michigan must be done in person at the Michigan Department of state office. To schedule an appointment online visit https://dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/TAP/_/.
However, the seller must provide the buyer with a signed and dated title, a bill of sale, and a valid safety inspection certificate. The vehicle’s current odometer mileage should be entered onto the title if spaces are available or if not available, seller should complete an Odometer Disclosure form BDVR-108 and provide it to the buyer. The buyer must then transfer the title and register the vehicle in their name at the Secretary of State (SOS) office within 15 days of the sale date. Since the seller remains responsible for any citations or damages caused by the vehicle’s operation, it is strongly recommended that you and the seller visit a Secretary of State office together to complete this step.
To transfer the title and register the vehicle, the buyer will need to bring the following documents to the SOS office:
- A signed and dated title
- A bill of sale
- A valid safety inspection certificate
- Proof of insurance
- An Application for Michigan Vehicle Title and Registration
- Payment for registration fees, sales tax, and other applicable fees
-Odometer Disclosure form BDVR-108, if needed.
License Plate Fees in Michigan
The fees for license plates in Michigan depend on several factors, including the type of vehicle, type of license plate chosen, and the length of time for which the plates are valid. Some of the fees you may need to pay include:
- Title fee: $15
- Registration fee: varies based on vehicle type and location
- Sales tax: 6% of the purchase price or the vehicle's fair market value, whichever is higher
- License plate fee: varies based on vehicle type and length of registration
Additionally, there may be other fees for title transfers, registration stickers, and other administrative costs.
Conclusion
Transferring license plates in a private party car sale in Michigan requires the seller to provide the buyer with a signed and dated title, a bill of sale, and a valid safety inspection certificate. The buyer must then transfer the title and register the vehicle in their name at the SOS office and pay the applicable fees, which can include registration fees, sales tax, and license plate fees. For more information you can visit https://www.michigan.gov/sos/vehicle/ownership . By following these steps, you can ensure a successful private party sale and a smooth license plate transfer process in Michigan.
This article was written by Armando Martinez. Armando Martinez is among the nation’s experts on automotive titling, registration, DMV services and document operations. With nearly two decades of experience across a broad range of financial services functions and some of the largest names in auto, from Wells Fargo to Uber, Armando combines vision and ingenuity with a wealth of information so auto shoppers and sellers can learn from his experience.
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