Michigan car bill of sale Do you need one? And what else does Michigan require?

Do you need a separate bill of sale?

Not required — but keep a record of the sale

Michigan does not ask for a bill of sale as such. What it asks for is a record of the sale, kept for at least 18 months. That record carries the protection. Michigan law says the record is either a photocopy of the signed-over title or a document with the buyer's name, address, driver license number and signature, plus the price and date of sale. A bill of sale counts only if it has all of those.

Source: Michigan Dept. of State, private sale — seller responsibilities; MCL 257.240(2)(b)

Not required. Still worth having.

The title transfers ownership — and the buyer leaves with it. A separate bill of sale gives both of you something to keep.

It records who bought and who sold, the agreed price, when the vehicle changed hands, and any other terms you write into it, such as what was included or that it was sold as-is.

It does not replace the signed title or any notice Michigan requires. You may not need one for the state. You may still want one for your own records.

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Does the title need a notary or witnesses?

Neither

Both parties present a driver's license or state ID. The seller brings the original title with the seller's portion completed — the odometer reading, the seller's name, address and signature, and the buyer's name and address — plus proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance. No notary. If there is a lien, bring the lien termination statement or the title signed by the lienholder.

Source: Michigan Dept. of State, Buying, selling, or leasing — in a private sale, checked Oct 12 2026

What happens to the plates?

Off before they take possession — keep it for another vehicle or destroy it

The seller must remove the license plate before the buyer takes possession. One exception: the plate may stay on the vehicle where ownership is transferring to an immediate family member. You may keep the plate and move it to another vehicle for a fee. If you do not, Michigan tells you how to get rid of an old plate — cut it up or bend it so it is useless, or ask a local recycler — and says whatever method you choose, make sure it is completely destroyed to prevent fraudulent use. Michigan law names a narrower family list than the Department of State: spouse, mother, father, sister, brother or child.

Source: Michigan Dept. of State, private sale — seller responsibilities; MCL 257.233(1)

Do you have to tell the state you sold it?

Nothing to file — keep proof for 18 months

Michigan has no seller notice, and replaces it with something that reads like our own argument: keep a copy of the title and a record of the sale for AT LEAST 18 MONTHS, because under Michigan law a seller WITH PROOF OF SALE is not liable for any damages or violation of the law if the buyer never transfers the title. Michigan law also gives a second way to be protected: go with the buyer to a Secretary of State branch office to make sure the title is transferred. Do neither, and you face a $15 civil fine. You are also presumed to be the last titled owner, liable for towing and daily storage fees if the vehicle is abandoned.

Source: Michigan Dept. of State, private sale — seller responsibilities; MCL 257.240

Where does the odometer reading go?

On the title, and you cannot fix it later

The sharpest odometer warning of any state here. The Truth in Mileage Act requires a certification of the actual mileage shown at the time of sale — Michigan states that estimates or guesses are NOT acceptable, because the seller is certifying under federal law. And then the part that bites: the mileage given to the Department of State is generally not eligible for correction once the title application is submitted. Where the title has no space, complete an Odometer Mileage Statement instead. The buyer has 15 days to transfer, with a $15 late fee after. No odometer reading is required for a vehicle over 16,000 pounds GVWR, a vehicle that is not self-propelled, a 2010 or older model year vehicle, or a 2011 or newer model year vehicle once it is 20 years old.

Source: Michigan Dept. of State, private sale; MCL 257.233a(5); 49 CFR 580.5(c)

The forms Michigan publishes

• Odometer Mileage Statement (BDVR-108) — Only where the title has no space for the reading. Where: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/-/media/Project/Websites/sos/27lawensn/bdvr108.pdf. Revision: 08/26.

Selling here, registering somewhere else

These are the rules where you are selling, not where the buyer is taking it. The title is signed under Michigan’s rules, and the plate and the notice are yours to handle here.

Registering it and paying tax falls under the buyer’s own state’s rules.

How Michigan compares

Counted from the same answers, for all fifty states.

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