Michigan — quick answer
In Michigan, a bill of sale is recommended for a private vehicle sale and notarization is not required. No witnesses are required. The relevant state form is TR-207. Ownership is transferred through the Michigan SOS via the assigned title.
Is a bill of sale required in Michigan?
Recommended. A bill of sale (TR-207) is available but ownership transfers by signing the title.
Both parties sign the title; the buyer titles and registers at a Secretary of State branch.
Does a Michigan bill of sale need to be notarized?
Not required. No notarization required.
Witness requirements
No. Michigan does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires a written odometer disclosure when title is transferred for vehicles less than 20 years old. As of 2026 that means model year 2011 and newer; model year 2010 and older are generally exempt. Record the exact mileage — never round it. See the NHTSA rule.
How to transfer a vehicle title in Michigan
- 1Complete the bill of sale and title assignment.
Fill in the buyer, seller, price, odometer, and date. Both parties sign and date the document.
- 2Hand over the signed title.
Both parties sign the title; the buyer titles and registers at a Secretary of State branch.
- 3Register with the Michigan SOS.
The buyer titles and registers the vehicle, bringing Bill of Sale (TR-207). Confirm the current fees and documents on the official Michigan SOS page.
Official Michigan sources
We link to primary government sources and review this page regularly, but requirements change. This is general information, not legal advice.
Michigan bill of sale by type
Get requirements and a free template tailored to Michigan for each item type — the generator applies the Michigan notary and witness rules automatically:
Michigan bill of sale — FAQ
Is a bill of sale required in Michigan?
In Michigan, a separate bill of sale is recommended. A bill of sale (TR-207) is available but ownership transfers by signing the title.
Does a Michigan bill of sale need to be notarized?
No. No notarization required.
Do I need a witness for a bill of sale in Michigan?
No. Michigan does not require witnesses for a standard private bill of sale.
How do I transfer a vehicle title in Michigan?
Both parties sign the title; the buyer titles and registers at a Secretary of State branch. Titling and registration in Michigan are handled by the Michigan Secretary of State.
Is a bill of sale proof of ownership?
Generally no. For titled property like a car or boat, the title is what proves ownership. A bill of sale proves that a sale happened and records the price, date, and terms — it supports the title transfer but does not replace it. For untitled property (furniture, equipment, electronics), the signed bill of sale is usually the main proof of ownership.