Michigan is one of the country's premier ATV states — the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula host thousands of miles of trails. An ATV bill of sale plus prompt SOS titling is only half the job: to ride legally on public lands, you also need an annual Michigan DNR ORV license and, on designated trails, an ORV trail permit. Skip either and conservation officers will write you up.
ATV titling laws are inconsistent — some states require full title transfers, others only require registration, and a few have no requirements at all. Read our guide to find out exactly what your state requires for off-road vehicle transfers. Read: Do I Need a Bill of Sale? →
Michigan titles ATVs and ORVs through the SOS. Buyer must title within 15 days of purchase using Form TR-11L. To ride on Michigan public lands, owners must also purchase an ORV license and (on designated trails) an ORV trail permit from the Michigan DNR.
Inspection
Not required
Sales Tax Details
ATV purchases are subject to the 6% Michigan use tax, paid at the SOS branch when titling.
Exemption: Family transfers between spouses, parents, children, siblings, stepchildren, grandparents, and grandchildren are exempt from the 6% use tax with relationship documentation at the SOS branch.
Inspection Requirements
Michigan does not require ATV safety or emissions inspection. Riders born on or after January 1, 1979 must complete an ORV safety course before operating on public lands. Helmets are required for operators and passengers under 18.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by Michigan Secretary of State (titling) and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (ORV license and trail permit) — not the same agency that handles cars in Michigan. Plan for separate filings.
Michigan ATV Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
Complete bill of sale with VIN, year, make, model, and engine displacement
Seller assigns Michigan ATV/ORV title to buyer
Buyer files Form TR-11L at any SOS branch within 15 days
Pay 6% use tax plus title fee at the SOS counter
Buy a Michigan DNR ORV license ($26.25 annual) before riding public lands
Buy a DNR ORV trail permit ($10 annual) for designated trails
Riders under 16 must complete the Michigan ORV safety course
Common Pitfalls
Riding without an ORV license — DNR conservation officers issue tickets and impound machines
Forgetting the 15-day SOS title deadline (late fees apply)
Riders born after 1/1/1979 operating without a safety certificate
Carrying a passenger under 18 without DOT-approved helmets
Ignoring the ORV trail permit requirement on designated trails (separate from the basic ORV license)
Pro Tip
A clean Michigan ATV bill of sale, a 15-day SOS title trip, and DNR ORV license plus trail permit stickers on the machine make the difference between legal trail riding and a stack of tickets in the UP.
Michigan ATV Bill of Sale — FAQs
Does Michigan require ATVs to be titled?
Yes. Michigan SOS titles all ATVs and ORVs (off-road vehicles) regardless of age. The buyer must apply for a new title within 15 days of purchase using Form TR-11L at any SOS branch and pay the 6% use tax on the purchase price. Title alone does not let you ride on public lands — that requires the separate Michigan DNR ORV license. An ATV ridden only on private property still needs to be titled but does not need the DNR license or trail permit.
What is the Michigan ORV license and trail permit?
Michigan operates a two-tier DNR system. Every ORV/ATV used on public lands must display a $26.25 annual ORV license sticker. To use the state's ~4,000 miles of designated ORV trails and routes, you also need a $10 annual ORV trail permit on top of the license. Both stickers are sold at DNR offices, license agents, and online through the Michigan DNR eLicense system. Conservation officers actively check for both — the trail permit is the most common citation in the UP.
Does Michigan require an ATV safety course?
Yes for younger riders. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1979 must complete a Michigan ORV safety education course before operating an ORV on public lands. Riders 12-15 years old must have a safety certificate and be supervised by an adult. Riders under 12 may only operate on the parents' private property unless on a closed event course. The course is offered free online through the DNR with a $10 certificate fee.
Are family ATV transfers tax-exempt in Michigan?
Yes, with the same relationships as cars. Transfers between spouses, parents, children, siblings, stepchildren, grandparents, and grandchildren are exempt from the 6% Michigan use tax when titled at the SOS branch. You must declare the relationship on the TR-11L application and may be asked for documentation. The $26.25 ORV license and $10 trail permit are not waived — those go directly to the DNR's natural-resource fund and apply to every rider, family transfer or not.