Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?
If any of the following apply to you, you will be unable to renew car registration:
  • You have unpaid tickets
  • You have unpaid late fees
  • You are moving to a different state

In order to renew car registration online, you must have received a renewal notice in the mail with a proper PIN. You may be charged an extra fee to renew through the ExpressSOS system.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?
To renew your car registration, visit a local SOS branch with the following documents:

If you are unable to make an in-person visit, then you may be eligible to renew car registration online or by mail instead. To renew by mail, you will need to submit the correct documentation, along with payment, to the address below:

Renewal by Mail Michigan Department of State 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48980

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Do boats need to be registered?
Boats in the state are registered with the Michigan Department of State. Registration fees vary, depending on the type of motorboat or nonpowered vessel you have. Your boat registration will expire on the third year after its issuance, specifically on March 31.

When renewing boat registration, complete the process online through the Express SOS system, in person at your SOS office or by mail. To submit renewal payment by mail, include your credit card information, money order or check and send to the following address:

Renewal by Mail 7064 Crowner Driver Lansing, MI 48918

For more information: How to Register a Boat or Water Craft in Michigan

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?
A lost car registration or stolen car registration will require you to stop at your local police station to file a report. When visiting a Michigan Department of State office to request duplicate car registration, make sure to have a copy of this report with you. You will also be asked to present your Michigan drivers license, current car registration and license plate number.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?
The Michigan Department of State does not require drivers to surrender their license plate when moving to a different state. If you choose not to surrender your license plate to a local SOS office, it must be disposed of properly in order to avoid any type of fraud. For more information, contact the MI Secretary of State at their toll-free number 1-888-767-6424. Their hours of operation are from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?
If you have a car registration that was damaged or mutilated, you should turn it in to your nearest SOS branch. You can also make your duplicate request in person by presenting the following documents:

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?
The state of Michigan requires mopeds to be registered. It is not necessary to have it titled, but you must complete a car registration in person at a nearby SOS branch. You are required to pay a $15 fee in order to receive a three-year registration decal that must be placed on your moped. When operating a moped, you must wear a helmet at all times if you are a driver under the age of 19.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?
The state of Michigan does not require smog or emissions testing. Residentsregister carsby visiting a nearby SOS office and presenting the documents below:

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan

How can I renew my vehicle registration?
In Michigan, you can renew car registration online, in person or by mail. To be qualified to renew online, you must receive a renewal notice in the mail, which will contain a PIN. With the PIN number, you can access the ExpressSOS system.

If renewing by mail, you must send correct payment, along with your renewal notice and proof of insurance to the address below:

Renewal by Mail Michigan Department of State 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 48980

If you are a resident currently outside the state or a military member, send proper documentation and payment to this address instead:

Out-of-State Resident Services Unit 7064 Crowner Drive Lansing, MI 49818

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan

How can I transfer my registration to another state?
If you are wondering how to register cars in a new state, contact the DMV of the state you are moving to. When transferring your car registration, bring your current Michigan drivers license with you to your local DMV, as well as the following documents:
  • Proof of car ownership
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Payment for the registration fee

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?
To request a disabled person license plate, fill out an Application for a Disability License Plate and have your licensed physician complete Part 2 of the form. If you would like to receive a disabled person parking placard, you will need to complete the Disability Parking Placard Application instead. Your physician must fill out Part 3 of the handicap placard application.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?
In the event that you have a lost car registration or a stolen car registration, you must visit a nearby police station to file a report. Make sure to bring this police report to your local SOS office when making a request for a duplicate car registration. There is no fee for a car registration replacement.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Michigan

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?
To get a duplicate car registration, make your request either online or in person. If you would like to complete your transaction online, you will need to use the Michigan ExpressSOS system, which you can find on the MI SOS website. With your drivers license on hand, you can make an in-person visit as a walk-in or scheduling an appointment ahead of time.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Michigan

How do I obtain car registration?
To begin the process of car registration, you must visit a MI SOS office and present the following documentation:

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?
Failure to renew your Michigan car registration on time will result in a $10 late fee. In the event that your registration has been expired for more than six months, a 24-month renewal fee will be charged. To avoid these late fees, renew car registration before it expires. You can do in person, online or by mail.

If renewing online, have the PIN from the renewal notice on hand to enter the system.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?
If you would like to obtain duplicate personalized plates, you will need to visit a nearby MI SOS office for more information. Personalized plates are available for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, motorhomes, buses, vans and pickups. Approved plates are sent out to the owner within a period of three weeks after the request has been made and processed.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?
Your DMV car registrationmust be kept inside your vehicle at all times. You should place a photocopy of your registration in another safe location, such as your home or inside your wallet. In the event that you are pulled over by a police officer, you will be required to show proof of car registration.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?
If you are wondering in what types of scenarios you will need to replace car registration, the most common ones are listed below:
  • Your car registration is lost
  • Your car registration is stolen
  • Your car registration is damaged
  • Your car registration is destroyed.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Michigan

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?
Your MI car registration fee depends on a few factors, such as the size of your vehicle. For an exact amount of what you are required to pay, call the Michigan Department of State at 1-888-767-6424, or inquire about pricing during your in-person visit. Make sure to bring the necessary payment with you in order to complete the transaction.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?
The state of Michigan does not charge a fee for replacing car registration. You can request a duplicate auto registration certificate online or in person at a local SOS office. When making your request, you will need to have the below documents on hand:

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Michigan

What are the required fees to renew my registration?
To find out the exact cost of your car registration renewal, contact the Michigan Department of State at 1-888-767-6424. Their operating hours are from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also visit a nearby SOS branch and speak with a representative. If you decide to submit payment in person, make sure to bring your current Michigan drivers license with you, as well as your car registration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?
Whether you choose to replace car registration in person or online, there are a few documents to have available:

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Michigan

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?
To apply for Michigan DMV car registration, you need to make an in-person visit to a local Michigan Department of State branch and show the following items:

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?
If you are renewing car registration in person, bring the following documents with you:

Aside from getting car registration renewal at a Secretary of State office, you can also complete the process at a Self-Service Station, which is found at several local government offices.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?
If a sufficient amount of time has passed and you have not received your registration documentation, you can contact the Michigan Department of State at 1-888-767-6424 for further details. You may be asked for your drivers license number, as well car registration information, to confirm your identity.

If you prefer to inquire about your DMV car registration in person, simply stop by a nearby SOS branch with proper documentation. Those individuals who renewed their registration online should also bring proof of receipt.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan

When does my car registration expire?
Your car registration is valid for a full 12-month period before you are required to apply for renewal. If you do not renew by the expiration date, you will be charged a late fee. If more than six months have passed since your registration expired, a 24-month renewal fee will apply. In order to avoid any confusion or penalties, make sure to renew your car registration on time.

Your local SOS office accepts the following forms of payment:

  • Check
  • Money Order
  • Cash
  • Credit Card (Discover, MasterCard and Visa)

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?
To begin the process of applying for a duplicate car registration in person, simply find a Michigan Department of State branch near you. You can find contact information, including phone numbers, of the offices in your area by clicking this link. Call ahead of time to find out their hours of operation, and see when is most convenient for you to make an in-person visit.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?
You may be asked to complete an application in person when requesting a duplicate car registration. You will need to have your current car registration with you, as well as your drivers license, for this process to go through.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?
Yes, the Michigan Secretary of State sends out car registration renewal notices 45 days before its expiration date. If you do not have your current address on file, contact the DOS as soon as possible to update your records. In the event that you do not receive this renewal notice in the mail, you will then be required to submit your request at a local SOS branch

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?
In the state of Michigan, a driver s car registration expires on the birthday of the month listed on your registration tab. This only applies to owners of the following vehicles:
  • Passenger vehicles
  • Trucks
  • Motorcycles

You can expect to receive a renewal notice in the mail 45 days prior to the expiration date. With this notice, you will have the option to renew your car registration online or by mail for your convenience.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Michigan