Vehicle registration in Michigan involves officially recording a vehicle with the Michigan Department of State (MI DS). Adhering to state-specific regulations, as mandated in Michigan General Law Chapter 257, Section 217, is important to ensure compliance with legal requirements, avoid penalties, and maintain the vehicle's legal status on the road.
When registering a vehicle in the state, owners must provide several documents, including proof of ownership, a valid driver's license, and evidence of Michigan No-Fault insurance. The MI DS may also require certain vehicles to pass safety and emissions inspections before registration.
The MI DS manages vehicle registration regulations. It verifies that all legal requirements are met and facilitates the identification and recovery of stolen vehicles.
How To Register a Car in Michigan?
In Michigan, registering a vehicle is a necessary process that all owners must complete to operate their vehicles legally on the state's roads. It involves providing the required documents, obtaining insurance, and visiting an MI DS branch office.
Generally, before beginning the registration process, vehicle owners must complete the Application for Michigan Vehicle Title Form, which includes providing information about the vehicle, such as the make, model, year, and vehicle identification number (VIN), as well as personal information about the owner(s).
The final step in the registration process is to place the license plates on the vehicle and the registration tab on the rear plate. The registration certificate should always be kept in the vehicle when driving.
Michigan vehicle registration varies by residency, purchase type (dealer/private), length of stay for non-residents, and military status, with specific documents and fees required for each category.
Registration of Vehicles For New Residents in Michigan
When new residents move to Michigan, they must register their vehicles with the MI DS office. To complete this process, they need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of legal presence, such as a valid U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, or other acceptable documents
- Two documents proving Michigan residency, which can include utility bills, bank statements, or a mortgage agreement
- Proof of identity, such as a valid U.S. passport, out-of-state driver's license, or other approved documents
Parents and guardians may present their valid, unexpired license or ID to sign for their minor child. Once all required documents are gathered, new residents should schedule an office visit or pre-apply online to streamline the vehicle registration process.
To prepare for the office visit, new residents can consult the list of accepted documents and use the registration fee calculator to estimate the cost of registering their vehicle in Michigan.
Registration of Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership in Michigan
To register a vehicle from a dealership in Michigan, the dealer is responsible for handling the registration process, including providing necessary documents, collecting fees and taxes, and filing the title application, making the registration process more convenient for the buyer.
Required documents for registering a vehicle purchased from a dealer in Massachusetts include the following:
- Statement of Vehicle Sale or RD-108
- Odometer Mileage Statement and any written warranties or service contracts.
The dealer must file the title application with the MI DS or Secretary of State (SOS) office within 15 days of delivery. A 6.25% sales tax will be collected based on the vehicle's purchase price.
The dealer will provide the buyer with their registration as part of the process. The dealer will affix a 15-day temporary registration to the vehicle's rear window if the buyer purchases a new plate.
However, if the buyer transfers an existing plate to their newly purchased vehicle, this information will be noted on the dealer's Application for a Michigan Title.
Registration of Vehicles Purchased from Private Individuals
To register a vehicle purchased from private individuals in Michigan, the buyer must prepare the following requirements:
- Original vehicle title with the seller's portion completed
- Accurate odometer reading and signature(s) of all owners
- Proof of Michigan No-Fault Insurance
- Valid Michigan driver's license or ID
- Payment for title transfer fee, use tax, and license plate fees
The buyer should go to an MI DS office to finalize the registration. If the vehicle is not registered immediately, the buyer can drive it directly to the storage place within three days of the sale, provided they have the properly assigned title and proof of insurance as a temporary registration.
Registration of Vehicles for a Short-Term Non-Resident
Short-term non-residents must register their vehicles in Michigan if they plan to drive their out-of-state vehicles for more than 90 consecutive days. They must also obtain Michigan No-Fault insurance, even if their vehicle is registered elsewhere.
To register the vehicle, the non-resident must provide:
- Proof of ownership (vehicle title or out-of-state registration)
- Proof of valid Michigan No-Fault insurance
- A valid driver's license or ID
If the non-resident needs to drive the vehicle while waiting for the registration process to be completed, they can apply for a temporary registration permit at an MI DS office by providing proof of vehicle ownership and proof of insurance and paying the permit fee of $20 for a 30-day permit or $40 for a 60-day permit, plus a $10 service fee.
Non-residents who fail to register their vehicle could face penalties, such as a misdemeanor with a potential charge of $100 fine and up to 90 days in jail.
Vehicle Registration for Military and Veterans Members in Michigan
Military veterans who have served with honor in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for special vehicle registration benefits in Michigan. When applying for or renewing a Michigan driver's license or ID, veterans can have a veteran designation added at no extra cost, making it simple to verify their status and receive discounts from participating businesses.
However, if the designation is added later, correction fees will apply. This designation provides veterans with a straightforward and optional method of displaying their status and receiving business discounts.
To qualify for the veteran designation, individuals must have served in the following:
- U.S. Air Force
- Coast Guard
- Air Force National Guard
- Army or Army National Guard
- Navy
- Marine Corps
- Space Force
- Reserve components
Applicants must complete the application and submit acceptable documentation verifying their character of discharge.
For more information or assistance obtaining benefits, military members and veterans can contact the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency by calling 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) or the nearest Veteran Service Officer. The agency provides all services free of charge.
Michigan License Plates
After registration, all vehicles and trailers in Michigan must display a valid license plate with a current registration tab.
Michigan residents can choose from several plate options based on their eligibility and preferences, including:
- Standard
- Special cause fundraising
- University fundraising
- Military and veteran
- Amateur radio and special organization
- Collector
- Historic and authentic
- Disability plates
Commercial vehicle plates can be obtained at an MI DS office. Digital license plates are legal in Michigan but are sold by private companies and auto dealers, not the MI DS.
How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Michigan?
To obtain a vanity or personalized license plate in Michigan, visit the Michigan SOS or DS Online Services website and check the Personalized Plate Availability Tool.
In the tool, enter the desired letter and number combination to check its availability. Remember that plates may be personalized with up to 6 or 7 characters, depending on the plate type, and only letters A to Z and numbers 0 to 9 are allowed.
If all information is correct, they will select "Submit" and "Checkout" on the following screen to proceed to the CEPAS website for payment. They will choose their payment method (credit card or checking account) and select "OK."
Individuals should remember that all plate configurations are subject to review by the MI DS, and the department has the authority to decline to issue a configuration, per state law.
A non-refundable fee of $30 is charged for a personalized plate and the registration fee. Upon renewal, a $15 personalized service fee is added to the annual plate fee.
How Much Does Vehicle Registration Cost in Michigan?
According to the "Vehicle Base Prices" from the Michigan DS, the cost of vehicle registration in the state varies depending on the type of vehicle and other factors.
Passenger car registration fees are primarily based on the vehicle's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) from the year it was manufactured. The fee decreases annually for the first three years before remaining constant. On the other hand, motorcycles have a flat registration fee of $25, prorated for the original registration term.
Commercial vehicle registration fees are determined by the vehicle's weight and usage, with different fee structures for vehicles like pickup trucks or vans over 8,000 lbs. When registering a vehicle, owners can purchase a Recreation Passport for $14 (one-year) or $28 (two-year), granting access to state parks, recreation areas, and boat launches.
Temporary registration permits are available for those who need to drive their vehicle while awaiting the completion of the registration process. Fees range from $20 for a 30-day permit to $40 for a 60-day permit, plus a $10 service fee.
How To Renew Vehicle Registration in Michigan?
In Michigan, vehicle owners can renew their registration up to six months before expiration. The expiration date typically falls on the owner's birthday, but if that date happens to be on a weekend or legal holiday, they have until the next business day to renew without incurring any penalties.
If a vehicle owner fails to renew their registration before the expiration date, they will be charged an extra $10 fee and fined by law enforcement for driving with an expired registration.
Vehicle owners can renew their registration using one of three methods: online, at a self-service station, or an office visit. Renewing vehicle registration before it expires is essential to avoid late fees and potential legal issues.
Renew Online
Individuals need to use the Quick Renewal system to renew their vehicle registration online. The process requires the vehicle owner to provide their license plate number, VIN, and email address. Payment must be made with a debit and credit card or bank account number.
Once the online renewal is complete, the vehicle owner can print the updated registration from the browser under the "View Transaction Documents" section. The renewed registration tabs will be sent to the address on file with the MI DS office.
Renew by Mail
When renewing a vehicle registration and license plate by mail in Michigan, vehicle owners must have a few key items on hand. First, they should have the vehicle registration renewal notice sent to them by the MI DS.
Next, they must prepare a check payable for the required renewal fee. In some cases, the renewal notice may indicate that a copy of the vehicle owner's valid Michigan No-Fault vehicle insurance policy is also required.
To complete the mail-in renewal process, vehicle owners should send the requirements to the following address.
Michigan Department of State
Internal Services Section
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, MI 48980
Renew by Self-Service Station
To renew a vehicle registration at a self-service station in Michigan, vehicle owners need their renewal notice, license plate number, and VIN. Payments can be made using a valid debit or credit card or cash. Each transaction incurs a $3.95 service fee.
After payment, the renewed registration tab will print instantly, while the updated vehicle registration document will be mailed to the address on file. To find the nearest self-service station, individuals can visit the "Find a self-service station page" on the MI DS website.
Renew through Office Visit
For vehicle owners who cannot renew their registration and license plate online, by mail, or at a self-service station, renewal can be completed at any MI DS office.
To renew in person, vehicle owners should bring their renewal notice, current vehicle registration, license plate number, and Michigan driver's license. If required, they must also provide proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance.
Payment for the renewal can be made using cash, check, money order, or a debit or credit card. To schedule an appointment, individuals can use the "Schedule an office visit" feature on the MI DS website.
How To Check if a Vehicle Is Currently Registered in Michigan?
To check if a vehicle is currently registered in Michigan, a person can follow a few simple steps. Although Michigan doesn't have a direct online system for individuals to verify a vehicle's registration status, there are other ways to get this information.
One way is to contact the MI DS by phone or email. A person can request a record or document showing the vehicle's registration status. However, they should be aware that obtaining this information is fee-based.
Those who prefer to order online can visit the MI DS website, select "Online Services," and then "Record Sales Services." They must log in or request records, follow the prompts, and pay using a debit/credit card or e-check.
If someone prefers to order by mail, they can fill out a form called BDVR-153, which is for account holders. They'll need to send the completed form along with a check or money order to the address provided.
The MI DS can provide various types of information, including ownership details, partial history for specific dates, or records for all assets registered or titled through their department. The cost is $15 per record, with an extra $1 for certified records. Note that the MI DS keeps vehicle records for 15 years for title histories and four years for registration histories.