Looking to sell your car in Michigan? Whether you’re in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, or a small Upper Peninsula town, this guide walks you through the steps to sell your vehicle legally, efficiently, and without stress.
Sell a Car in Michigan – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before listing or selling your car, make sure you have the following ready:
- Michigan Certificate of Title: The title must be in your name, with all owners’ signatures. Any lien must be released before transfer.
- Valid Identification: A Michigan driver’s license or government-issued ID is typically required.
- Odometer Disclosure: Required for vehicles less than 10 years old. This is generally completed on the back of the title.
- Bill of Sale (Recommended): Not required, but helpful for documenting the transaction.
- Lien Release (if applicable): If a lienholder is listed on the title, you must provide proof it’s been satisfied.
Michigan SOS Forms You May Need
Depending on your situation, these documents may be necessary:
- Bill of Sale Template: Optional but recommended.
- TR-11L – Application for Michigan Vehicle Title: Used if a duplicate title is needed.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (if not included on the title)
You can find these forms at the Michigan Secretary of State website.
Sell Your Car in Michigan — Fast & Easy
Get a real offer in minutes
instead of waiting days for responses
Get your car’s true value
trustworthy, no guessing, no back-and-forth
We’ll handle the handoff
no need to arrange inconvenient meetups
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale
While a clean vehicle may help it sell faster, we make the process simple no matter the condition.
At Ken Ganley Buying Center, we buy cars as-is. Whether it’s spotless or needs work, we’ll make you a fair offer — fast.
Step 3: Determine Your Car’s Value
Before committing to an offer, understand what your vehicle is worth:
- Use Our Instant Appraisal Tool: Get a free quote in under 2 minutes.
- Use KBB, Edmunds, or NADA Guides: Compare resale values based on condition and trim.
- Check Listings in Michigan Cities: Look at similar vehicles in Lansing, Kalamazoo, Warren, Troy, and Traverse City to understand local pricing.
Step 4: Choose a Selling Method
There are several ways to sell your car in Michigan:
- Sell to a Car Buying Center (Fastest Option): We make a real offer, handle the paperwork, and pay you the same day.
- Trade-In at a Dealership: May be convenient if you’re buying another car, but trade-in values are often lower.
- Private Sale: Can take longer and requires more effort — including listings, buyer communication, and managing the title transfer.
Choose Ken Ganley Buying Center for a fast, no-pressure alternative.
Step 5: Get Paid
Private sales can come with payment risks. When you sell to us, you get secure, verified same-day payment — no scams, no delays.
We handle all the paperwork and make the process quick and easy.
What Affects Car Values in Michigan? Local Market Insights to Know
Michigan’s climate and regional preferences influence resale values:
- AWD and 4WD vehicles are popular due to snowy winters and rural road conditions.
- Fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles are in demand in metro areas like Ann Arbor and Detroit.
- Trucks and SUVs hold strong value in suburban and rural regions.
- Michigan remains a key production hub, concentrating heavily on pickups and SUVs. About 85% of Michigan’s light vehicle production in 2025 is focused on these segments, well above the national average. This production emphasis supports local demand and resale values for these vehicles.
Local demand, condition, and seasonality can all affect how much your car is worth.
Ready to Sell Your Car in Michigan?
Let Ken Ganley Buying Center simplify the process. Skip the hassle of private buyers and trade-in games.
Start your free appraisal online or call us at 330-427-3656.
We help people all over Michigan sell their vehicles quickly and confidently.
Need help selling your car in Michigan? Here are some quick answers
Do I need to notarize the title when selling my car in Michigan?
No, Michigan does not require notarization for vehicle title transfers, but the title must be signed by both the buyer and seller. However, you must complete the title accurately with no modifications such as crossing out names or using correction fluid, as this will invalidate the document. Use only black or blue ink and ensure all information is legible. Both parties should ideally visit a Secretary of State office together to complete the title transaction for maximum security.
Do I keep my license plates after the sale in Michigan?
Yes, plates stay with the seller and can be transferred to another vehicle or returned to the Secretary of State. You should remove the license plates at the time of the transaction before handing the vehicle to the buyer. The Michigan Secretary of State does not require license plates to be physically returned, but you can transfer them to a different vehicle you own or surrender them if you prefer. The buyer is responsible for obtaining new plates and registration.
Can I sell my car without a title in Michigan?
No, you must apply for a duplicate title using Form TR-11L before selling. The duplicate title costs $15 and can be obtained in person at a Secretary of State branch office or by mail, with processing taking up to 14 days. Only the vehicle owner listed on the record can apply for a duplicate title, and you’ll need to provide a completed application, valid photo ID, and the applicable fee. If there’s a lien, you’ll need proper lien termination documentation.
Is a bill of sale required when selling a car in Michigan?
No, but it is highly recommended for documentation purposes and legal protection. Under Michigan law, a seller is not liable for damages or violations resulting from the buyer’s use of the vehicle if the seller maintains proper bill of sale documentation. Many private vehicle owners choose to notarize their bill of sale as a best practice. The bill of sale should include vehicle information, buyer and seller details, purchase price, and signatures from both parties.
Who pays the sales tax when a car is sold in Michigan?
The buyer is responsible for paying the 6% sales tax when they register the vehicle with the Secretary of State. Michigan buyers must also pay title fees (typically $15) and registration fees when completing the title transfer. The sales tax is calculated based on the purchase price documented in the sale. As the seller, you don’t pay sales tax, but accurate documentation of the sale price is important for the buyer’s tax calculation.
What if multiple people own the vehicle in Michigan?
The signature requirements depend on how the names appear on the title. If there are multiple owners listed with “AND” between the names, all owners must sign the title for the sale to be valid. If the names are connected with “OR,” only one owner’s signature is required. If no connection is listed between names, it defaults to “AND” and all parties must sign. This is crucial to understand before attempting to sell a jointly-owned vehicle.
What if I can't be present for the title transfer in Michigan?
If you cannot be present at a Secretary of State office for the title transaction, you can appoint someone else to complete the transfer on your behalf by completing and signing an Appointment of Agent form. You must provide the agent with a copy of your license or ID along with the completed form. However, it’s strongly recommended that both buyer and seller visit the Secretary of State office together when possible to ensure the transaction is completed properly.
What is Michigan's Electronic Lien and Title (ELT) system?
Michigan uses an Electronic Lien and Title system for vehicles with liens held by participating financial institutions. If your lender participates in ELT, the title is held electronically rather than as a physical document. When selling a vehicle with an electronic lien, you’ll need a lien termination statement from the lender, or the title must be signed by a representative of the financial institution. The lender will process the lien release electronically, and a paper title will be issued to complete the sale.