To get a car title in Michigan, you need to apply at a Secretary of State (SOS) branch office. The process and required documents depend on your specific situation, such as whether you’ve just purchased the vehicle, need a duplicate, or are transferring ownership after a lien is satisfied. The most common scenario involves bringing the current title, proof of Michigan auto insurance, a valid driver's license, and payment for the title fee to an SOS office. For a new purchase, the seller must properly assign the title to you.
The core requirement is presenting the properly assigned title certificate. This document is the legal proof of ownership. If there's a loan on the car, the lienholder (the bank) holds the title until you pay it off. Once the loan is satisfied, the lienholder will send you the title or a termination statement, which you then take to the SOS to get a clean title in your name.
If the original title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a duplicate title. This requires submitting Form TR-205 to the SOS. Both the current owner and the lienholder (if applicable) must sign this form.
Here is a breakdown of common scenarios and their core requirements:
| Scenario | Primary Document Needed | Key Supporting Documents | Typical Fee (Approx.) | Processing Time |
|---|
| New Vehicle Purchase from Dealer | Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO) | Application for Title (TR-11L), Proof of Insurance, Sales Tax Payment | $15 | Dealer typically handles |
| Used Vehicle Purchase (Private Sale) | Title assigned by previous owner | Proof of Insurance, Odometer Disclosure, Bill of Sale (recommended) | $15 | At SOS office visit |
| Replacing a Lost/Damaged Title | Application for Duplicate Title (TR-205) | Valid ID, Lien termination statement if loan is paid | $15 | 2-3 weeks by mail |
| Transferring Title After Loan Payoff | Title held by lienholder or Lien Termination Statement | Proof of Insurance, Valid ID | $15 | At SOS office visit |
| Inheriting a Vehicle | Original Title, Death Certificate, Supporting documents proving inheritance | Proof of Insurance, Valid ID | $15 | Varies by probate situation |
After a successful application, the Michigan SOS will mail the new title to your address on file. It's crucial to double-check all information on the title for accuracy as soon as you receive it.
