Free Michigan Used Car Bill of Sale
Buying a used car in Michigan from a private seller means the transaction is "as-is" by default — no implied warranty applies once you sign the bill of sale and the title. The TR-12 bill of sale records the purchase price, odometer reading, and as-is acknowledgment that protects both sides when the buyer titles the car at an SOS branch within the state's strict 15-day window.
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Michigan Used Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
Used vehicle purchases are subject to the 6% Michigan use tax, calculated on the actual purchase price you report on the bill of sale, with no local add-ons.
Exemption: Used cars sold or gifted between spouses, parents, children, siblings, stepchildren, grandparents, or grandchildren are exempt from the 6% use tax with proper relationship documentation at the SOS branch.
Inspection Requirements
No safety inspection and no emissions inspection are required to register a used vehicle in Michigan. The only mandatory check is a VIN verification (TR-54) for vehicles titled out of state, including most used cars purchased across state lines.
Registration
Registration for this vehicle type is handled by Michigan Secretary of State (Michigan SOS) — not the same agency that handles cars in Michigan. Plan for separate filings.
Michigan Used Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist
- Verify the VIN on the title matches the dashboard plate and door jamb sticker
- Confirm the seller's name on the title matches their photo ID
- Run a vehicle history report (NMVTIS, Carfax, AutoCheck) for hidden brands
- Complete the federal odometer disclosure on the title (vehicles under 20 years old)
- Write "AS-IS, no warranty" on the bill of sale to disclaim implied warranties
- Both parties sign and keep copies of the bill of sale
- Buyer applies for title and registration at SOS within 15 days using Form TR-11L
Common Pitfalls
- Buying a car with an unsatisfied lien — the lienholder still owns it until released
- Skipping the odometer disclosure on the Michigan title (mandatory for under-20-year-old vehicles)
- Not getting "AS-IS" in writing — opens the seller to implied-warranty claims
- Out-of-state purchases without a planned TR-54 VIN verification before the SOS visit
- Paying with cash without a signed receipt — disputes become impossible to resolve
Pro Tip
A complete TR-12 bill of sale, an "as-is" disclaimer, and a fast trip to the SOS within 15 days are the three things that turn a used-car handshake into a clean Michigan title.