Registering a car in Michigan requires a visit to a Secretary of State (SOS) branch office. You'll need to provide proof of ownership, such as the vehicle's title properly signed over to you, and proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance. You must also pay the applicable fees, including the 6% sales tax based on the purchase price or fair market value. If your vehicle is from out-of-state, it will need to pass a safety inspection. The process is straightforward if you have all the correct documents prepared beforehand.
The most critical document is the title. If you've just bought the car, the seller must sign the title over to you. If you have a loan and the lender holds the title, they will handle the registration, but you'll need to provide them with your insurance information. Your Michigan No-Fault insurance proof is non-negotiable; the SOS will not process your registration without it. The insurance card or a letter from your provider must be presented.
You will need to pay several fees. The primary cost is the sales tax, which is 6% of the vehicle's purchase price. Additionally, there are registration fees, which include a registration tax based on the vehicle's list price and a $15 service fee. For a new registration, you'll also pay a $15 title fee.
If the vehicle is coming from another state, Michigan law requires a certified vehicle inspection at a police station or licensed mechanic to verify the vehicle identification number (VIN) and ensure it's not stolen. This step is not required for vehicles already titled in Michigan.
A summary of potential fees for a vehicle valued at $20,000 is below. Note that fees can vary.
| Fee Type | Calculation Basis | Estimated Cost |
|---|
| Sales Tax | 6% of purchase price | $1,200 |
| Registration Tax | Based on original MSRP | ~$120 |
| Title Fee | Flat fee | $15 |
| Registration Plate Fee | Flat fee | $5 |
| Service Fee | Flat fee | $15 |
| Potential Total | --- | ~$1,355 |
Schedule an appointment online at the Michigan SOS website to save time. Bring your driver's license, the completed title, proof of insurance, and a checkbook or credit card for payment.
