Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to turn in my damaged car title?
If you have a car title that was destroyed or damaged, you must turn it in at your local SOS branch. While making your in-person visit, you can also apply for a duplicate car title. Part of the process requires you to complete an Application for Michigan Vehicle Title and have payment ready for the duplicate fee.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Michigan

How can I transfer a car title if I have a lien on it?
In the state of Michigan you are not able to complete a car title transfer if there is a lien on your title. If you are making payments on your car, the vehicle title will reflect a lien on your vehicle. To release the lien, have the lender sign the Certificate of Title or provide you with a lien termination settlement. For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan
How do I file a police report if my car title was stolen?
If you have a stolen car title, visit the nearest police station to file a report. You will be required to submit this report when making your Michigan duplicate car titlerequest in person. The Michigan Department of State charges a $15 replacement fee. It is to the discretion of the SOS whether or not this fee is waived upon your visit. Fees may vary and change without notice.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Michigan

How do I obtain a duplicate car title?
If you have a lost car title or a stolen car title, you may request a replacement online or at a Secretary of State office. When making your request in person, allow up to 15 days for your new title to arrive in the mail. The Michigan Department of State charges a $15 duplicate fee. This fee is subject to change without notice.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Michigan

How do I obtain a salvaged car title?
Getting a salvaged car title will require you to do the following:

You can also submit your request for a salvaged title by mail. You will need to send a $15 check, along with proper documentation and application, to the address below:

Michigan Department of State Out of State Resident Services Unit 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48918

Your check must be made payable to the “State of Michigan.”

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan

How do I transfer my car title between states?
If you are in the process of moving to another state, you will need to get in touch with the DMV of your new location. A drivers license representative will be able to further assist you and guide you through the proper steps oftransferring car titles.When moving to Michigan, bring your out-of-state car title, vehicle registration and new driver s license. You will need to first get a Michigan driver s license to then transfer car titles between states.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan

How do I transfer my car title if I lost the original?
In the event that you have lost your car title, you may request a replacement either online through the MI ExpressSOS system or at a nearby branch. Requests that are made in person cannot be completed without your Michigan drivers license.

A charge of $15 will apply for the duplicate fee. Once your request has been processed, you can expect to receive your duplicate car title in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan

How do I transfer my car title?
If you are the seller of a used vehicle, follow these steps below to transfer car titles:
  • Complete a bill of sale for the buyer
  • Note the odometer reading
  • Remove the license plate from your vehicle

If you are the buyer of a used vehicle, bring these items to the SOS office:

If you are purchasing a new vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will give you a new car title documentation to the Michigan Department of State.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan

How do I transfer the title of my RV?
To obtain an RV title, follow the standard car title transfer procedures as is done for a standard passenger vehicle. When visiting your nearby DOS branch, you must bring the following documentation with you:

At the branch, you will be asked to fill out an Application for Certificate of Manufactured Home Ownership.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan

How long does it take to receive my replacement car title after ordering online?
If you recently requested a duplicate car title online, call the Michigan Department of State to find out about expected delivery. If you need same-day service for your title, then visit your local branch to make this request for an additional fee. You must be the owner of the vehicle in order to obtain same-day delivery. Standard in-person requests for a duplicate car title take up to 14 days for mail arrival.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Michigan

If a family member dies and leaves his or her car to me, how do I switch over the title?
In order to have the car title of a deceased transferred to your name, you must complete the following steps and present this documentation at your local SOS office:
  • Original car title
  • Current car registration or license plate number
  • Copy of death certificate

If you have further questions about your particular case, contact the Michigan Department of State at their toll-free number 1-888-767-6424.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan

What are some reasons that may require me to transfer my car title?
There are a few situations that will require you to complete a MI car title transfer, including the following:
  • You are buying your vehicle from a private party.
  • You are gifting your vehicle.
  • Your are donating your vehicle.
  • You are adding a co-owner to your vehicle.
  • You are moving to a different state.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan

What are the required fees to get a replacement car title?
The state of Michigan has a standard $15 duplicate title fee in place. Your new title will arrive in the mail within 15 days. If you have not received your car title during this time period, contact the Michigan SOS to inquire about its status. However, if you would like to request same-day delivery, you can do so for an extra fee. You must be physically present at a local SOS office to take advantage of the same-day service.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Michigan

What documents do I need to present for a replacement car title?
Replacing your car title at an SOS branch will require you to present your current Michigan drivers license and fill out the appropriate Application for Michigan Vehicle Title. After making your duplicate request, allow up to 15 days to get your title in the mail. If you need to receive your car title sooner, same-day delivery is also available for an additional charge.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Michigan

What documents do I need to transfer my car title?
When transferring a car title, you must fill out a bill of sale and include the following information:
  • Vehicle s description
  • Odometer reading
  • Buyer s name, address and phone number
  • Seller s name, address and phone number
  • Selling price
  • Date of sale

During your SOS office visit, you will need to present these documents:

The state of Michigan requires residents to title their vehicle within 15 days of purchasing it.

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan

What forms must I fill out for a duplicate car title?
When getting a car title replacement, you may be asked to complete an Application for Michigan Vehicle Title. On this application, you will need to include information such as your vehicle description, license plate number, Vehicle Identification Number, the reason for your duplicate title and more. In completing your request for a duplicate, you will also be asked to present your Michigan drivers license.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Michigan

What if the original is located after my car title replacement has been issued?
If your original car title is found after submitting a request for replacing car title, turn it in to your nearest SOS office. You may also choose to dispose of it in a safe manner to prevent any fraudulent activity. Your original title will be deemed invalid should it be located after your request for a new one. If you would like more information about the steps you need to take in this situation, contact the Michigan Department of State at 1-888-767-6424.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Michigan

What is the process to get a title for a scooter or motorcycle?
Whengetting car titles for motorcycles, motorcyclists visit a local SOS office with the following documentation:
  • Proof of vehicle ownership
  • Your current Michigan drivers license
  • Your Michigan car insurance

For more information: Title Transfers or Obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan

When should I complete a Bill of Sale?
A bill of sale is essential during the sale of a car between two private parties. The information on this document should be completed by the seller, and should contain the following details:
  • VIN
  • Vehicle description
  • Current mileage
  • Buyer s name, address and phone number
  • Seller s name, address and phone
  • Date of sale
  • Selling price

For more information: Title Transfers or obtaining a New Certificate of Title in Michigan

Where can I mail my request for a replacement title?
The Michigan Department of State does not currently have an available option to replace car title by mail. You can obtain a replacement title either online or at a Secretary of State office. The cost for a replacement title is $15. There is also a same-day service for drivers who need to get their title much sooner than the standard 15-day processing period.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Michigan

Will I need to present proof of insurance to get a car title replacement?
If you are in the process of getting acar title copy, the Michigan Department of State requires drivers to present the following documentation in person:

You may also be asked to show your car insurance card as proof of vehicle ownership. Bring all necessary documents with you, and be ready to submit payment for the duplicate fee.

For more information: How to Replace a Lost Vehicle Title in Michigan