How to Sell a Car in Michigan? A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Sell a Car in Michigan?

There are three main ways to sell your car in Michigan:

Jump to: Sell Car Privately

Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website

Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership

Sell Car Privately in Michigan

Selling your car in Michigan can be an uphill task without the right process. Below are guidelines you can follow when selling your car in Michigan.

Requirements to Sell Your Car in Michigan

• Vehicle title
• Odometer reading
• Date of sale
• Buyers address and signature
• Seller address and signature
• Official names of the seller and buyer
• Proof of insurance

Step 1: Pre-sale Car Inspection

Most private car buyers prefer to have licensed and qualified auto mechanics help them with presale car inspections. Even though presale car inspection is not required in Michigan, having your car checked before proceeding with vehicle sale clears doubts and increases buyer confidence. 

In most cases, buyers pay for a private car inspection. Therefore, you all need to agree on the venue and date when the inspection will be held. If your vehicle has issues after inspection, Michigan laws suggest that you keep the reports for your records. 

Step 2: Prepare Car for Sale

To prepare your car for sale, you need to;

• Fix damages; if the vehicle has mechanical, electrical, or physical injuries you need to fix that before proceeding with the sale. Also, you can change car oil, adjust brake pads or change car tires. 
• Remove all your personal belongings from the vehicle and trash from the back seats. 
• Thoroughly wash your cash to remove dust and debris.

Step 3: List Your Car for Sale on Different Marketplaces and Car Selling Sites

Once you have cleaned your car, create a listing for your car on different platforms to reach potential buyers. Some websites and platforms you can use to list your car include 

When creating your listing, ensure you give detailed and comprehensive descriptions of your car to potential buyers. Include information like car model, make, color, and current condition. Additionally, you can also include if the vehicle has scratches or dents. 

Step 4: Gather Vehicle Documentation

Vehicle documentation that you should collect and put in one place include;

• Owner’s manual
• Vehicle history reports
• Maintenance records 
• Vehicle registration details and information

Providing your potential buyer with detailed vehicle documents boosts buyers’ confidence that the vehicle is properly maintained. 

Step 5: Bill of sale

Bill of Sale is not required in Michigan but having it is important because it helps solve disputes that might arise when the buyer transfers title. It also indicates that the vehicle was legally transferred. 

According to Michigan laws, a Bill of Sale should have;

• Date of sale
• Vehicle purchase price
• Car model, make, and year of manufacture
• Name and signature of the buyer and seller
• Addresses of the buyer and seller

Additionally, Michigan laws require that all documents must be signed in the presence of a notary at the office of the Secretary of State. Like other states, Michigan also charges a sales tax of 6% of the total purchase value of the vehicle. 

Step 6: Transfer of Title

If your title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can fill out and submit a replacement title form along with any fee associated with it. In Michigan, the transfer of title document contains information such as

• Date of vehicle purchase
• Buyers name, signature, and address
• Sellers name, signature, and address
• Car year of manufacturer, make, and models. 

Moreover, in case of death of the car owner, you can follow the procedure outlined in the Michigan DMV to inherit the vehicle. Also, if one co-owner passes away, the surviving partner should fill out a transfer of title to transfer the vehicle into their names. 

In addition, if more than one person owns the title, all owners must sign the documents. Furthermore, if title owners are not in a position to sign the document at a DMV branch office, Michigan law allows them to fill out the Appointment of Agent form provided by the Secretary of state. 

Once the sale of the vehicle is finalized, Michigan motor laws suggest that the seller possess the title until the buyer fills out and submits the seller’s assigned title. 

Step 7: Remove Vehicle Plates

You need to remove your vehicle plate after the sale of the vehicle is finalized. If you don’t remove the license plates, you might be held accountable for crimes or violations committed by the buyer. 

After removing the license plates, you can return them to Michigan DMV offices or transfer them to your own vehicle. Michigan motor laws allow buyers of a recently purchased car to drive home as they wait to process the vehicle title. 

Step 8: Notify DMV

After the sale of the vehicle is finalized, you need to notify the Michigan DMV that you have sold the vehicle. 

Related: 47 Places to Sell a Used Car

Sell Car to Car Buying Website

Peddle and Wheelzy is a legitimate car-selling website that helps you sell your car quickly for the most cash. These car buying sites make selling simple, fast, and easy. In addition, Peddle and Wheelzy will offer you free towing after buying your car. 

With Peedle and Wheelzy, you will save time and money on taxes and the time taken to complete all paperwork since all these processes are taken care of by the company. 

Besides, Wheelzy and Peddle will provide you with instant quotes within minutes after submitting your online application. Once you receive the quotes, you have 7 days to accept or decline the offer. In case you accept the offer, respective company agents will contact you to schedule car pick-up within 48. 

Michigan laws prohibit residents from registering cars in Michigan while they live in a different state. 

Peddle

Peddle Summary

• Buys used, damaged or junk car nationwide
• Get instant quote on (855) 925 4302
• Free towing within 48 hours after offer
• Receive payment upon car collection

How Much Peddle Will Pay for Your Car in Michigan

The table below shows few of the cars Peddle has recently purchased in Michigan

Wheelzy

Wheelzy Summary

• Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a week
• Get offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108
• Free towing of your car from your location
• Instant payment via cash or check

How Much Wheelzy Will Pay for Your Car in Michigan?

Here are a few examples of Wheelzy’s recent purchases:

Related: 15 Places to Sell a Car Online

Sell Car to Dealership

Another way to sell your car quickly and fast for the most cash is by selling it to dealerships. Most car dealerships are known to provide fair and competitive car selling prices to sellers. Nonetheless, you must conduct a background investigation to know the cost of your vehicle. 

Many dealerships will inspect your car and provide a quote depending on your vehicle’s make, model, mileage, and current condition. Once you receive the offer, you will have some time to review it before accepting or declining the offer. If you accept the offer, you need to drop your car and receive your payments at dealership offices.

Best dealerships in Michigan

Sell Car in Michigan FAQ

How many cars can I sell in Michigan without a dealer license?

You can sell up to 5 cars per year without a dealer license, provided the cars are registered under your name. 

How much is Michigan plate transfer fees?

Michigan plate transfer fee varies based on the registration fee of the vehicle. Generally, you will pay between $10 to $15 for plate transfers in Michigan. 

How does Michigan determine title and vehicle registration fees?

Michigan transfer and registration fees are set by the state through a legislative process.

How long should I take before transferring vehicle title in Michigan?

Michigan motor laws require that all vehicle transfer title transfers be done within 15 days after purchasing the vehicle.

How can I transfer vehicle titles in Michigan?

You can transfer your vehicle title by mail, online, or in-person at your county DMV.