Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Michigan? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Michigan transfers ownership through the signed title assignment at a Secretary of State office, but a bill of sale protects both sides: it locks in the price, the exact handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tickets, tolls, or accidents once the keys change hands.
Michigan requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Michigan?
Not strictly. Ownership transfers through the signed title assignment at a Secretary of State office. But a bill of sale is strongly recommended — it proves the price and sale date and shows you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
No. Michigan does not require a motor vehicle bill of sale or the title assignment to be notarized for a private sale. You can notarize it voluntarily for extra proof, but it is not needed to transfer the title.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must transfer the title at a Secretary of State office within 15 days of the sale. Transferring after 15 days adds a $15 late fee on top of the standard title fee.
Motor vehicle sales tax
Michigan charges 6% use tax, collected by the Secretary of State before the title is transferred. For private-party used sales it's based on the greater of the purchase price or the vehicle's retail (fair market) value.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Michigan county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer transfers the title at a Secretary of State office within 15 days.
Ready to create your Michigan bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Michigan bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Michiganbuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS). Confirm the details with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS).
Michigan bill of sale FAQ
Does a Michigan motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. Michigan does not require a vehicle bill of sale to be notarized. The legal transfer happens through the signed title assignment at a Secretary of State office — notarizing is optional and only adds extra proof.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Michigan?
It isn't legally required to transfer the title (the signed title handles that), but it's strongly recommended. It proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle after the sale.
Where do I transfer the title in Michigan?
At a Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) office. The buyer brings the signed title, proof of Michigan no-fault insurance, valid ID, and payment for the title fee and 6% use tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Michigan?
The buyer has 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title at a Secretary of State office. After 15 days, Michigan adds a $15 late fee, so don't wait.
How much is sales tax on a used car in Michigan?
6% — calculated on the greater of the purchase price or the vehicle's retail (fair market) value. The buyer pays it to the Secretary of State when transferring the title. This is why an accurate sale price on your bill of sale matters.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Michigan?
Yes — Michigan doesn't mandate a specific bill of sale form, so a handwritten one is valid as long as it has the key details. A complete, typed document like this one is simply cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the Secretary of State office.
Is this Michigan bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.