How to Transfer a Car Title in Michigan

Transferring a car title in Michigan might appear simple at first glance, but several factors can make the process more complex – from uncovering the costs involved to mastering the paperwork and understanding the procedures.

This article will guide you through the essential steps of transferring a car title in Michigan, including how to manage unusual situations like transferring a title from a deceased owner. Whether you’re trying to understand the costs or just want to make sure you’re following the right steps, our guide will help make the process clear and straightforward.

Basic Requirements

In Michigan, the application for the transfer of title is made with the Secretary of State’s (SOS) office. Besides, it’s worth mentioning that it’s impossible to get the plates and use the vehicle on the roads of Michigan without first having a title. 

Every buyer of a car also needs to note that the transfer of the vehicle title will enable them to complete the purchase. This process involves certain requirements. These need to be fulfilled to allow for the transfer of title from the seller to the buyer. 

The basic title transfer requirements include the seller completing their part and the main buyer their respective portions. Both the buyer and the seller are required to take the necessary documents to the SOS. Upon reaching the SOS office, some specific documents will be filled out. Here, title transfer fees will be paid.

Insurance Requirement in Michigan

Obtaining insurance coverage is one condition for transferring the title in Michigan, as opposed to registration. An applicant must prove that they have insurance coverage before the title is transferred to another individual.

Concurrent Processes 

In some cases, title transfer and registration can be carried out simultaneously. This saves the overall processing time and ensures that all the requisite documents are handled in one place.

Assistance with Form Filling 

If you need help with the transfer of title form, you can visit a local SOS office physically or go online. The SOS staff can assist with title transfer paperwork and other applicable support.

Title Transfer Process for Buying a Car 

Acquiring a new vehicle entails many activities, but correcting the paperwork pertaining to the car’s ownership is arguably the most critical.

Timeline for Title Transfer

Whenever you engage in a car sale, whether as a seller or a buyer, you get a window of 15 days from the date of purchase to effect the title transfer. When a person relocates from another state to Michigan, there are 30 days to comply with its laws.

Cost of Car Title Transfer

In Michigan, only $15 is charged for the title transfer. The whole amount may, however, differ due to changes in civil sights parameters. There’s an additional convenience charge of $5 for opting for the instant title service option. Alternatively, if you prefer the basic processing option, the title will be posted to you within 15 days without any additional fees. Any title transfer that goes beyond the given period will attract a late transfer penalty fee of $20.

Necessary Documents and Procedures for Car Title Change in Michigan

When transferring ownership of a vehicle in the state of Michigan, a set of documents and processes must be completed to effect the proper transfer.

Procurable Documents

• Copy of the Title: The seller must provide a copy of the title duly filled out, signed, and dated. 
• DMV Title Transfer Form: Upon signing and providing the title, the seller shall also fill out the DMV title transfer form, which is used to change title custody.
• Proof of Identity and Residency: Suppose you are a new resident of the state of Michigan. In such a case, your current title may be utilized in support; however, the current title is likely to be sufficient. Further, your instructor’s driving license corroborates your identity. 
• Out-of-State Registration (if applicable): If you are paying for an out-of-state car and need proof of ownership during the registration of the vehicle, an out-of-state registration will work for this purpose.

Process Overview

• Dealer Transactions: When a customer buys a new or used vehicle from them, the dealer usually takes care of everything regarding the title transfer.
• Ownership Verification: It is a legal requirement that all persons whose names appear on the title file execute the conveyance instrument to transfer the title legally.
• In-Person Application: We recommend going to the SOS office personally to begin the process of the title transfer.

Private Sale Title Transfer Process

Requesting a Duplicate Title in Michigan

Methods of Request

In Michigan, a duplicate title can be requested at the SOS office or in writing. Finalizing the process over the web is also an option.

Application Process

If a duplicate title is needed, the request for a duplicate form must be completed. This gives the reason for the need for a duplicate title. The duplicate application will also have a detailed explanation of why the duplicate has been requested. This is quite necessary for records and processing purposes.

Cost and Processing Time

The amount that shall be charged to secure a duplicate title will be the same amount one had to part with to get the original title. If you decide to go with the option of online application, then the new title will be delivered by mail within fourteen days of making the online request.

Instant Title in Michigan

Local SOS offices in Michigan do have walk-ins opting for the instant title service. This means that individuals who lose their title and need to replace it immediately can do so. You can show ownership of the vehicle and identification documents without having to wait.

Eligibility and Requirements

In order to be issued an instant title for any vehicle, you must provide proof of ownership of the car and identification of self. If a title has two names, a single individual from the two mentioned in the title needs to apply for the title deed. As part of the procedure of using the instant title service, the client pays the normal duplicate title fee and an extra $5 as a facilitation fee.

Transferring Ownership Without a Title

Options for Resolution

• Contact the Previous Owner: When ownership needs to be changed without the title, one option is to contact the prior owner and ask them to apply for a duplicate.
• Probate or Court Intervention: When the former owner is untraceable, there are ways, such as probate or court, that people may have to turn to to change the car’s title.

Transferring Ownership to a Family Member in Michigan

Gift Transfer of Vehicle

No Tax on Gift Transfers Between Family Members: Michigan residents who wish to transfer their vehicle as a gift to a family member are not obligated to pay sales or use tax. This is one of the easiest ways to learn how to transfer a car title to a family member in Michigan.

Filling the Required Forms and Relationship Validation: Although no tax is charged, the appropriate form for the title transfer must still be completed. The basic fee for the transfer of the title remains. Though proof of a relationship is optional to submit, the SOS office can demand it. 

Recognized Relatives

Eligible family members for the gift of a vehicle include spouses, parents, step-parents, in-laws, brothers, sisters, children, grandparents, and grandchildren. If the correct forms are completed and all the Michigan rules are complied with, transferring a car title to a family member shouldn’t be a problem.

Transferring a Car Title When the Owner is Deceased

Estate Not in Probate

• Order of Survivors: In Michigan, if the estate is not in probate and there’s no will, then there’s a priority or order of survivors to whom a car may be passed after the owner dies. The order after the husband goes chronologically, and it consists of children, parents, siblings, and the rest of the close family, in order.
• Inheritance Process: If there are other siblings or children by ex-spouses, the property, including the vehicle, is usually shared equally between them. The person who inherits the car also possesses the privilege to register the vehicle using the normal channels or cede the car to an individual who will carry out the relevant transfer processes.

Probate Scenario

Role of Executor or Power of Attorney: Senior executors have the power where the deceased owner’s estate is active in probate. They can either sell the vehicle or have someone with power of attorney given the same authority. Either of them may execute the title of the prospective buyer who may wish it transferred to them and have the title reassigned to someone else as the law allows.

Contact Information of Michigan DMV Hours

If further information or assistance is needed, people can call the SOS office in the state of Michigan at (888) 767-6424. In cases where the situation is unique, it’s best to call the nearest Michigan DMV office and get the scenario clarified.

Michigan DMV officials have the authority to deal with specific matters concerning the transfer of title of a motor vehicle within that jurisdiction. For better support and assistance, it’s advisable to go to a local DMV branch physically.

For Michigan DMV hours information, car title transfer appointments in Michigan, or any other related inquiries, refer to the Michigan Department of State’s website.

The Bottom Line

If you want to transfer a car title to a family member in Michigan, you need to follow specific guidelines and regulations. Our guide should be a useful resource helping you achieve just that with our tips and instructions.Keep your family on the road with a smooth, legal transfer of ownership. If you have any doubts or questions, contact our team at Titlelo. We’ll be happy to help!