In Michigan, when there is a change of ownership of a car, a
title transfer must take place. This includes ownership changes caused by the
purchase and sale of a vehicle.
Buying from a Dealer
When you purchase a car from a Michigan dealer, that dealer
will handle the titling and registration process for you. You can expect to pay
all applicable fees as part of the vehicle transaction.
Buying from a Private Seller
Take the following steps to complete a vehicle title
transfer after purchasing a
car from a private seller:
•
Obtain the title certificate from the
seller. Make sure the seller completes:
◦
The title assignment and provides a signature.
◦
The odometer disclosure statement.
▪
Note that any change to the title, such
as crossing out a name, invalidates the document.
▪
•
◦
The completed title certificate.
◦
A completed Appointment of
Agent form (Form TR-128), if multiple owners will be on the new
title AND all owners cannot be present.
◦
Proof of lien satisfaction, if applicable.
▪
You cannot transfer a Michigan title if a loan
is still out on the car.
◦
A license plate you wish to transfer from
your old vehicle, if applicable (otherwise, you will purchase a new plate).
◦
Payment for any applicable title transfer
fees.
◦
If possible, make the trip to the SOS with the seller
when the change of ownership takes place. Otherwise, you have 15 days after
the transaction to complete the title transfer on your own.
Keep in mind, however, that you can only drive the
vehicle without a license plate in the immediate 3 days of the purchase
date.
Read more at: http://www.dmv.org/mi-michigan/title-transfers.php
