Are you looking to transfer a car title in Michigan? ChoiceCash Title Loans has your back! Here’s all the information you need to know about how to transfer a car title in Michigan.
Transfer a Car Title in Michigan for a Private Vehicle Sale
One of the reasons why you may need a car title transfer in Michigan is because you are either buying or selling a vehicle in a private sale. While it is recommended that both the buyer and the seller go to a Secretary of State branch office to complete any vehicle purchase, there are other requirements that must be met. Those requirements are:
- There is a seller’s section on every vehicle title in Michigan that must be completed. All the seller has to do is fill out the information requested on the form and sign it. If there are multiple owner’s names listed on the vehicle title, all of them will have to sign in order for the sale to be legitimate. The seller must also indicate the exact odometer reading at the time of the vehicle sale. If this is not done at a Secretary of State branch office, the buyer needs to make sure that this information is filled out accurately.
- The seller must confirm that the vehicle they are selling is free of any liens or loans. If there is an existing lien listed on a vehicle title, they technically have ownership rights over the vehicle. So, the lien or loan must be paid off by the seller before they can sell their vehicle.
It’s a good idea to perform these tasks at a Secretary of State branch office because they can help both the buyer and the seller confirm they have fulfilled all the requirements for selling/buying a vehicle and transferring the car title in Michigan properly. If things are done incorrectly, unfortunately the sale won’t be considered legitimate under Michigan law.
Requesting a Duplicate Title in Michigan for a Title Transfer Later On
Sometimes, requesting a duplicate title is required before a title transfer can occur in Michigan. Reasons, why one may need a duplicate title, are if that person is trying to sell their vehicle, and cannot locate the physical copy of the title. It is always a good idea to know where the title to your vehicle is, so if you know you have lost or misplaced your vehicle title you may want to request a duplicate title.
In Michigan, duplicate titles are only processed for vehicles registered to the state. That means if your car is registered for another state other than Michigan, you’ll have to go to that state in order to get your duplicate title. For vehicles registered in MI, the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (a.k.a. the “VIN”) and a valid driver’s license are required in order to obtain a duplicate title.
You can request a duplicate title in Michigan by completing a Duplicate Michigan Title Application and mailing it to the Michigan Department of State Special Service Branch.
In some cases, you may also request an Instant Title in Michigan. This will allow you to receive a copy of your title right away. However, there are fees and eligibility requirements that must be met in order to get an Instant Title.
Requesting a Vehicle Title History Check Before Transferring a Car Title in Michigan
Before a seller sells their vehicle in a private sale, they should disclose any accidents/damage, or major violations involving the vehicle being sold to the buyer. The buyer then has the ability to confirm this information by requesting a Vehicle Title History Check from a Secretary of State branch office.
To purchase a vehicle title history check, one must complete a Non-Account & Individual Record Lookup Request Form (BDVR-154), and submit payment, a written explanation as to why the title history check is required, along with contact info to a MI Secretary of State branch office. Costs of requesting a vehicle title history check are $11 per record, with an additional $1 added for certified records.
How to Transfer a Car Title for Vehicle Sales in Michigan from a Dealership, or a Foreign Country
There are a few other reasons why you may need to transfer a vehicle title in Michigan. Some of those reason may be:
- Title transfer for purchasing a car from a dealership.
- Title transfer for purchasing a car from a foreign country.
- Title transfer for purchasing a car from a family member.
Need a title transfer from a vehicle purchase from a dealership in Michigan? Good news! In this case, it’s the responsibility of the dealership to put your name on the vehicle you are purchasing. The dealership will provide you with all the proper documents and forms you’ll need, along with filing the title application at a Secretary of State branch office on your behalf. This must be done within 15 days of the vehicle purchase. Regarding the license plate, it’s also the responsibility of the dealership to transfer the license plate from your old vehicle to your new one. Keep in mind there may be fees for any services provided. Make sure you get photocopies of everything the dealership gives you, for safe keeping.
If buying a vehicle from a foreign country that was manufactured in the U.S., you will need to complete an “Entry Summary” CPB 7501 form and get it stamped from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. You will also need to present proof of Michigan insurance. If buying a vehicle from a foreign country that was not manufactured in the U.S., you will need a few pieces of documentation before you can safely bring the vehicle into the United States.
Purchasing a vehicle from a family member works essentially just like a private vehicle sale. A major exception is that most likely the 6% Use Tax will not apply to the sale.ChoiceCash Title Loans and Car Title Transfers in Michigan
Do you have a vehicle title in your name, and looking for emergency funding? A car title loan may be the right choice for you! Check out how you could find a great deal on a ChoiceCash Title Loan, serviced by LoanMart by completing an inquiry form online, or calling 855-422-7402.