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Free Michigan Horse Bill of Sale

A Michigan horse bill of sale documents the transfer of an equine between private parties. Because Michigan does not title horses, the bill of sale plus the registration papers (and current Coggins) is the entire ownership package — making it especially important to capture markings, microchip number, and any pre-purchase exam disclosures before money changes hands.

Michigan Requirements: Transfer title within 15 days. 6% sales tax.

Seller Information

Buyer Information

Horse Details

Sale Information

Condition & Warranty

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Unlike motor vehicles, horses aren't titled by the DMV — making a written bill of sale your primary legal proof of ownership transfer. Our guide explains what a bill of sale must include to be legally binding and enforceable. Read: What Is a Bill of Sale? →

Michigan Horse Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
Private sale
Private transaction (no state titling)
Primary ID Field
Registration Number
Sales Tax
0.06%
Title Required
No
Michigan does not title or register horses. Ownership is documented by the bill of sale together with breed registration papers (Jockey Club, AQHA, USEF, etc.) where applicable. Coggins testing is required for movement and most events.
Inspection
Not required

Sales Tax Details

Michigan applies the 6% state sales tax to private horse sales unless the buyer qualifies for an agricultural production exemption (Form 3372) for horses used in farming operations.

Exemption: Horses purchased for use in commercial agricultural production may qualify for sales tax exemption with a completed Michigan Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption (Form 3372).

Inspection Requirements

Michigan does not run a state brand inspection program. A current negative Coggins test (EIA) within 12 months is required for interstate movement, sale at most auctions, and entry to virtually all Michigan shows, fairs, and boarding facilities.

Michigan Horse Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

  1. Identify the horse by registered name, barn name, breed, color, sex, age, and markings
  2. Record microchip number (if any) and tattoo or brand
  3. Attach a copy of current negative Coggins (within 12 months)
  4. Transfer registration papers with the appropriate breed registry (AQHA, Jockey Club, USEF, etc.)
  5. List purchase price for 6% use tax calculation, or note Form 3372 ag exemption
  6. Disclose any known lameness, vices, or medications administered before pre-purchase exam
  7. Both parties sign; consider notarization for higher-value horses

Common Pitfalls

  • Selling without current Coggins — buyer cannot legally trailer or show the horse
  • Forgetting to file breed-registry transfer paperwork — registration lapses to seller
  • Vague descriptions like "bay mare" without markings or microchip — disputes become impossible
  • Verbal "sound for light riding" promises with no written disclosures
  • Skipping a pre-purchase vet exam on horses over $5,000

Pro Tip

A Michigan horse bill of sale, current Coggins, and prompt registry transfer protect the buyer; written disclosures and PPE references protect the seller from after-the-fact lameness claims.

Michigan Horse Bill of Sale — FAQs

Do I need to register a horse purchase with the State of Michigan?
No. Michigan has no state horse title or registration system — ownership is private, proven by the bill of sale and any breed-registry papers you receive. The state does, however, require a current negative Coggins test (within 12 months) for interstate transport, public sales, fairs, shows, and most boarding facilities. After purchase, file a transfer with the relevant registry (AQHA, Jockey Club, USEF, APHA, etc.) within their deadlines so registration does not lapse and reduce the horse's resale value.
Is a horse sale subject to Michigan sales tax?
Yes, by default. Michigan applies the 6% state use tax to private horse sales reported through the seller's tax return or the buyer's use-tax filing. Horses purchased for commercial agricultural production — breeding stock, working farm horses — may be exempt with a Michigan Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption (Form 3372). Pleasure, show, and racing horses do not qualify, so buyers should plan for $600 of tax on every $10,000 of purchase price.
What does Michigan require for a Coggins test?
Michigan adopts the standard USDA equine infectious anemia (EIA) framework: a negative Coggins from an accredited lab within the prior 12 months is required to move horses across state lines, enter Michigan from another state, sell at public auction, or compete at recognized shows and fairs. Many private boarding barns also require it. Always insist on seeing the original Coggins paperwork before closing — buying a horse without current Coggins means you cannot move or show it until you pay for a new test and wait several days for results.
Should I get a pre-purchase exam in Michigan?
Strongly recommended for any horse over $2,000 or any horse intended for show or breeding. A Michigan equine vet will perform a basic flexion and soundness exam for $300-$500, with optional digital X-rays adding $400-$1,000. The bill of sale should reference the exam date and findings, and either accept the horse subject to those findings or list specific issues the seller is disclosing. Without a PPE on the record, seller-disclosure disputes after the sale almost always favor the seller in Michigan civil court.

Other Michigan Templates

Vehicle Bill of SaleCar Bill of SaleUsed Car Bill of SaleMotorcycle Bill of SaleBoat Bill of SaleTrailer Bill of SaleATV Bill of SaleGun / Firearm Bill of SaleRV Bill of SaleGeneral Bill of SaleFree Printable Bill of SaleOdometer Disclosure Bill of SaleAs-Is Bill of SaleGift Bill of Sale

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