How Long Do I Have to Register a Car After Purchase in Michigan?

How long do you have to register a car after purchase in Michigan? Just 15 days to title it (MCL 257.233) — new residents must register immediately under MCL 257.217, though SOS practice allows roughly a 30-day window before enforcement. For comparison, Massachusetts gives new residents only 7 days to register a car after purchase.

Michigan registration is administered by the Secretary of State (SOS) through branch offices.

1. Deadlines

New residents: Must register immediately upon establishing residency (MCL 257.217); SOS practice provides a reasonable window (~30 days) before enforcement.

Purchased vehicle: 15 days to title and register (MCL 257.233).

Failure to title within 15 days: triple title fee + late fee.

2. Required Documents

Vehicle title (signed assignment from seller, or out-of-state title).

Application for Title (TR-11L).

Proof of Michigan no-fault insurance — required to register (MCL 500.3101). New PIP options range from $50,000 to unlimited.

Valid Michigan driver license.

Odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.

3. Fees

Title fee: $15 ($25 instant title).

Registration: ad valorem — based on MSRP and model year (passenger $50 to $300+).

EV surcharge: $135/year (MCL 257.801(1)(c)).

PHEV surcharge: $47.50/year, both indexed to gas tax increases.

6% sales/use tax on purchase price.

Plate transfer: $10.

4. Penalties

Late title (>15 days): triple title fee ($45) + $15 late fee.

Expired registration: $10 to $200 fine depending on duration.

Driving without no-fault insurance: misdemeanor, $200 to $500 fine + license suspension.

5. No Inspections

Michigan has no annual safety or emissions inspections.

6. Online Renewal

Renewals via michigan.gov/sos ExpressSOS portal. New titling and out-of-state transfers must be done at a branch office.

This is legal information, not legal advice.