Michigan Car Bill of Sale: Form + Requirements
Michigan recommends a bill of sale for private vehicle transfers. The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) handles vehicle titling. Notarization is not required. Generic templates are acceptable.
Is a bill of sale required in Michigan?
Recommended but not strictly required. Michigan's title-transfer process focuses on the title and Form TR-11L (Application for Michigan Vehicle Title).
Notarization
Not required.
State-specific form
Michigan doesn't publish a single mandatory bill of sale form. Generic templates with the required fields are acceptable.
The bill of sale should include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
Sales tax implications
Michigan state sales tax: 6% statewide. Michigan doesn't add local sales tax on vehicles. The buyer pays at the SOS at title transfer.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- No statewide emissions testing: Michigan doesn't require periodic emissions inspection
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded
- 6% state sales tax computed on the sale price; underreporting may be challenged if materially below market
Where to file
The buyer files at any Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) office within 15 days of sale.
For a more complete national reference, see the national bill of sale guide and our Detroit guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a bill of sale in Michigan?
Recommended but not strictly required.
Does Michigan require a notarized bill of sale?
No.
What's the sales tax on a private car sale in Michigan?
6% statewide. Michigan doesn't add local sales tax on vehicles.
What form do I use?
No single mandatory form. Generic templates with the required fields are acceptable.
Where do I file the bill of sale in Michigan?
At any Michigan Secretary of State office, with the signed title. Within 15 days of sale.
Does Michigan require emissions testing?
No.
What if I lost the title in Michigan?
Apply for a duplicate at the Michigan SOS. $15 fee.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
Selling a car in Michigan?
Generate a Detroit-, Grand Rapids-, or Lansing-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.
For Detroit specifically, see our selling in Detroit guide.