Is a bill of sale required in Michigan?

The Secretary of State’s private-sale checklist transfers the vehicle on the title itself, so a bill of sale is not one of the listed transfer documents — but the same page tells sellers to keep a record of the sale for at least 18 months, because sellers with proof of sale are not liable if the title is never transferred. A signed bill of sale is that proof.

How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in Michigan?

15 days from the date of sale, paying the title and registration fees and the 6% sales tax where it applies, and putting the new tab and plate on the vehicle as soon as they are issued.

How strict is the odometer disclosure?

Very. The seller certifies under federal law the actual mileage shown at the time of sale; estimates are not acceptable, and the figure generally cannot be corrected once the title application is submitted. Write it on the title — or on the Odometer Mileage Statement if the title has no space — and repeat it on the bill of sale.

What do I do with the license plate when I sell a car in Michigan?

Remove it before the buyer drives off — it stays with you unless you are transferring the vehicle to an immediate family member — and destroy or recycle it so it cannot be misused.

Is this legal advice?

No. Free Contract Generator provides self-help templates and general information, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Vehicle-transfer rules are set by each state and change; confirm the current rule with the agency cited and consult a licensed attorney for advice about your situation.

Michigan Bill of Sale — Free Template & Generator

Michigan transfers a vehicle on the title itself, but the Secretary of State tells sellers to keep a record of the sale for at least 18 months — sellers with proof of sale are not liable if the buyer never transfers the title. Generate that proof with Michigan pre-selected, then follow the steps below, each cited to the Secretary of State.

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Word & PDF
Michigan pre-selected

How it works

01
Michigan is already selected
The governing-law clause names the state; change it only if the sale happens elsewhere.
02
Enter the item and the parties
Vehicle, boat or general item — VIN and odometer, or HIN — plus price, payment method, seller and buyer.
03
Review clause by clause
The as-is terms, the seller’s title warranty and, for vehicles, the federal odometer statement.
04
Download, then file Michigan’s paperwork
Word & PDF on your device; the state steps and forms are listed below, each cited to the source.

What Michigan actually requires

Michigan rules for a private sale

Last verified September 4, 2026

Transfer document The original title, seller’s portion completed

The seller presents the original title with the seller’s portion completed: an accurate odometer reading or mileage statement, the seller’s name, address and signature, and the buyer’s name and address — plus the lien termination statement if there was a loan. Buyer and seller present their driver’s license or state ID.

Michigan Secretary of State — Buying, selling, or leasing (In a private sale)
Odometer Certified under the federal Truth in Mileage Act

The seller certifies the actual mileage displayed on the odometer at the time of sale — estimates or guesses are not acceptable — and the reading is generally not eligible for correction once the title application is submitted. If the title has no space for it, complete the Odometer Mileage Statement.

Michigan Secretary of State — Title transfer and vehicle registration
Keep proof of the sale 18 months

The seller should keep a copy of the title and a record of the sale for at least 18 months. Under Michigan law, sellers with proof of sale are not liable for any damages or a violation of the law if the title isn’t transferred.

Michigan Secretary of State — Additional responsibilities of the seller
License plate Seller removes it before the buyer takes possession

The plate may remain on the vehicle only when the seller is transferring it to an immediate family member. Otherwise the seller removes it and destroys or recycles it so it cannot be used fraudulently.

Michigan Secretary of State — Additional responsibilities of the seller
Buyer’s deadline and tax 15 days · 6% sales tax

The buyer must transfer the title within 15 days from the date of the sale, pay the title and registration fees and the 6% sales tax if applicable, apply for a new plate and registration or transfer a plate they already own, and put the tab and plate on the vehicle as soon as they are issued.

Michigan Secretary of State — Responsibilities of the buyer

How this document fits Michigan’s paperwork

Official form: The Secretary of State’s private-sale checklist is built around the title: the seller completes the seller’s portion, including the odometer certification, and the buyer transfers it within 15 days. A bill of sale is the record of the sale the seller is told to keep.

The title carries the odometer certification and the names; this bill of sale is the seller’s proof of sale for the next 18 months and the buyer’s record of the price the 6% tax is based on, with the seller’s title warranty and the as-is terms added. Both sign it, the seller keeps a copy with a copy of the title, and the buyer transfers the title within 15 days.

FAQ

Michigan bill of sale questions

Is a bill of sale required in Michigan?: The Secretary of State’s private-sale checklist transfers the vehicle on the title itself, so a bill of sale is not one of the listed transfer documents — but the same page tells sellers to keep a record of the sale for at least 18 months, because sellers with proof of sale are not liable if the title is never transferred. A signed bill of sale is that proof.
How long does the buyer have to transfer the title in Michigan?: 15 days from the date of sale, paying the title and registration fees and the 6% sales tax where it applies, and putting the new tab and plate on the vehicle as soon as they are issued.
How strict is the odometer disclosure?: Very. The seller certifies under federal law the actual mileage shown at the time of sale; estimates are not acceptable, and the figure generally cannot be corrected once the title application is submitted. Write it on the title — or on the Odometer Mileage Statement if the title has no space — and repeat it on the bill of sale.
What do I do with the license plate when I sell a car in Michigan?: Remove it before the buyer drives off — it stays with you unless you are transferring the vehicle to an immediate family member — and destroy or recycle it so it cannot be misused.
Is this legal advice?: No. Free Contract Generator provides self-help templates and general information, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Vehicle-transfer rules are set by each state and change; confirm the current rule with the agency cited and consult a licensed attorney for advice about your situation.