Michigan bills of sale are forms used to document the sale of vehicles, boats, firearms, or other personal items in Michigan.
While bill of sale forms are not legally required for proof of purchase in Michigan, creating one is highly recommended when selling high-value items (such as a car) to protect yourself in a legal dispute.
Sometimes, your Michigan bill of sale must be notarized before it is signed by the buyer and seller and made official.
How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan
To register a vehicle in Michigan, you must process the registration at the Secretary of State (SOS) office.
Bill of Sale – By Type (5)
Use a vehicle bill of sale form to buy or sell a motor vehicle.
Vehicle Bill of Sale
Use a boat bill of sale to transfer ownership of recreational water vehicles (such as motorboats, sailboats, yachts, and jet skis).
Boat Bill of Sale
Use a trailer bill of sale to buy or sell a trailer (or any non-motorized vehicle pulled by another vehicle).
Trailer Bill of Sale
Use a firearm bill of sale to transfer ownership of a gun (such as a handgun, rifle, or shotgun).
Firearm Bill of Sale
Use to prove motorcycle ownership and document transaction details.
Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Requirements
In Michigan, vehicle and vessel registrations are processed by the Secretary of State office, and they do not legally require registrants to submit a bill of sale.
However, it is always a good idea for the seller to provide the buyer with a bill of sale since it can be used as a record of the purchase transaction, and it is good to have such information in your personal records.
Language & Copy Requirements
- Language: SOS documents, including bills of sale, are not prepared in multiple languages. However, extensive interpreter services are available for all those that need them to complete the registration and titling processes.
- Copies: You may make a copy of your bill of sale for each party, though it is unnecessary to file the original with the state (unless it replaces the registration or title of a vessel).
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form BVDR-108)
- Original Certificate of Title (if lost or damaged, you can apply for a replacement by filling out an Application for Michigan Vehicle Title—Form TR-11L; you will also need this form if the vehicle is transferred from out of state)
- Valid Driver’s License
- Registration Fees
- Proof of Insurance according to Michigan’s minimum requirements [1] :
- $20,000 for personal injury protection
- $40,000 per accident that results in deaths or injuries
- $10,000 for property damage
- Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney, if someone else will represent the owner during the titling or registering process
Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Certificate of Title
- Previous registration with the seller’s signature
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO)
- Surety Bond, if applicable
- Registration Fees
Sample
