Titling a Car in Michigan After Moving From Another State
Last verified: October 2026 against Michigan Secretary of State sources
Michigan gives new residents no grace period: you title and register your vehicle as soon as you establish residency.
Here is what to do and what to bring.
Step by step
- 1
Act as soon as you move
Schedule a Secretary of State office visit as soon as you establish residency. Michigan law provides no grace period.
- 2
Get Michigan No-Fault insurance
You need proof of a Michigan No-Fault policy. An out-of-state policy cannot be used to register in Michigan.
- 3
Bring your title and ID
Bring your out-of-state title and proof of identity. All owners named on the title must come, or bring an appointment-of-agent form for any who cannot.
- 4
If a lienholder holds your title
Bring your out-of-state registration (expired less than 90 days) or proof of the out-of-state title. Michigan issues a “Foreign Ownership, Registration Only” registration so you can get plates; the out-of-state title stays the ownership document.
- 5
Pay the title and registration fees
The title fee is $15. Registration for 1984 and newer cars is set by the original list price and the vehicle’s age.
What to bring
- Your out-of-state title (or registration and proof of title if a lienholder holds it)
- Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance
- Proof of identity
- All owners present, or an appointment-of-agent form
- Payment for the title and registration fees