Free Michigan Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale
Michigan vehicle transfers must comply with both federal TIMA (49 U.S.C. § 32705) and the Michigan Vehicle Code, specifically MCL § 257.233, which governs odometer disclosures on title transfers. Vehicles 25 or more model years old (2001 or older in 2026) and those with a GVWR above 16,000 lbs are exempt. Michigan places the odometer disclosure on the Certificate of Title itself; both seller and buyer must complete and sign the odometer section of the title before submitting it to a Michigan Secretary of State branch office.
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Michigan Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Primary Form
Standard bill of sale
Agency
Michigan DOS
Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Automotive Regulation
Primary ID Field
VIN
Sales Tax
0.06%
Title Required
Yes
Inspection
Not required
Michigan Odometer Disclosure Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Confirm the vehicle requires disclosure: 2002 or newer model year and GVWR 16,000 lbs or under.
- Read the odometer and record the exact mileage on the day of the sale.
- Select the correct certification on the Michigan title: 'Actual mileage', 'Exceeds mechanical limits', or 'Not actual mileage.'
- Seller prints name, signs, and dates the odometer section of the Michigan Certificate of Title.
- Buyer prints name and countersigns the acknowledgment section on the same title.
- Both parties keep copies of the completed title before submitting.
- Submit the title to a Michigan Secretary of State branch office; Michigan's 6% use tax is collected at the time of transfer.
- Michigan requires title transfers to be completed at an SOS branch — online title transfers are not available for private-party sales.
Common Pitfalls
- An 'as-is' sale does not exempt the seller from Michigan's MCL § 257.233 or federal TIMA odometer disclosure requirements.
- Leaving the odometer certification blank — Michigan Secretary of State branch staff will reject the transfer without a complete odometer section.
- Overlooking Michigan's specific state statute (MCL § 257.233), which provides separate state-level penalties in addition to federal ones.
- Not bringing both parties' signatures or completing the title fully before visiting the SOS office — partial completions are not accepted.
- Making corrections on the Michigan title using ink or correction fluid; a replacement title is required before any transfer proceeds.
Michigan Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale — FAQs
What Michigan law governs odometer disclosures specifically?
MCL § 257.233 of the Michigan Vehicle Code specifically governs odometer disclosures on title transfers. It operates alongside and reinforces federal TIMA requirements.
Is odometer disclosure required for a 2001 vehicle sold in Michigan in 2026?
No. A 2001 model-year vehicle is exactly 25 years old in 2026 and is exempt under both federal TIMA and MCL § 257.233. Voluntary disclosure is still acceptable.
What if the odometer was tampered with before I bought the car — what do I disclose when I sell it?
Select 'Not actual mileage' and disclose the known tampering history in the bill of sale. Certifying a reading you know to be inaccurate as 'Actual mileage' makes you a co-conspirator in odometer fraud.
Does Michigan have a separate odometer form for private-party transfers?
No. Michigan uses the Certificate of Title for odometer disclosure. MCL § 257.233 requires the disclosure on the title itself — no separate state form is used for private-party sales.
What penalties apply for odometer fraud in Michigan?
Federal penalties: up to $10,000 and/or 3 years imprisonment per violation. MCL § 257.237 provides additional state criminal penalties. Civil recovery is triple actual damages, minimum $1,500, plus attorney's fees.