A Michigan DMV bill of sale is a document that contains specific information about a vehicle sale, such as the personal data of the legal entities involved in the sale and details about the vehicle. A vehicle bill of sale form, also known in Michigan as a record of sale, is often a significant document in legal situations involving the ownership of a car, as it can be used to verify the details of the transaction. A vehicle bill of sale is also required for several unique procedures through the Department of the Secretary of State (SOS).

Note that an official SOS bill of sale template is reserved for special vehicle types, such as trailers and watercraft. Therefore, a sample bill of sale will be required for buyers and sellers of regular motor vehicles in order to finalize the change of ownership. Find out when this credential is necessary and how to fill out this document by reading the sections below.

When is a bill of sale necessary in Michigan?

The Michigan SOS does not typically require a car bill of sale when completing the standard vehicle title transfer through a local SOS office. However, an MI bill of sale PDF or printout may be necessary to complete several special transactions. For instance, this credential may be used by car owners transferring ownership of a snowmobile, as this type of vehicle is not titled by the SOS.

Moreover, this document may be necessary for other types of vehicles that may during the registration procedure, such as trailers and watercraft. In such cases, a bill of sale form will be required of the owner only if a title was not issued for the special vehicle in question.

The SOS will also require the submission of a vehicle bill of sale when car owners are titling and registering homemade vehicles constructed from various new or used parts. The documents required for all used parts and materials must be submitted along with the other supporting paperwork to finalize the titling procedure for the assembled vehicle.

Note that a bill of sale template is not accepted in these circumstances, and applicants will be required to submit a standard form they can obtain online or elsewhere. Learn whether or not a Michigan used car bill of sale is necessary for other official SOS purposes by contacting the department.

Who needs a Michigan bill of sale?

Keeping a bill of sale copy in Michigan after transferring the ownership of a vehicle is an important step that must not be avoided due to the importance of the information contained within this document. This signed credential contains the personal data of the parties involved in the car sale and specifics about the sold vehicle can be used to resolve any legal issues that may arise after the process of buying a car. Buyers can use this document as proof that they are the current owners of the vehicle.

Sellers should retain a copy of the bill of sale form for at least 18 months after selling the vehicle. By doing so, sellers will remain protected under state law from future damages and traffic violations committed by the new owner with the vehicle in question.

A properly signed MI vehicle bill of sale may also prove useful for other general purposes as well. By having a car sales receipt, you will not only have access to the information about the vehicle sale, but also have the means of resolving future related issues as they arise.

How to Complete a Bill of Sale Form in Michigan

When completing an auto bill of sale agreement in Michigan, both the buyer and the seller will be required to input certain types of information. Depending on whether you use the bill of sale form to register a trailer, snowmobile or watercraft or another template, the requirements may vary slightly. However, regardless of the type of bill of sell template you choose, you will still be required to input the following general information:

  • The seller’s name, address and signature.
  • The buyer’s name, address and signature.
  • The vehicle sale price and date of sale.
  • The vehicle year, make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN).

Note: Prior to signing the car receipt of sale, ensure that the information entered is accurate.

Vehicle owners who must submit an MI bill of sale form to the SOS for purposes of finalizing a vehicle-related procedure will generally be required to do so in person. Inquire whether other methods of submission are available by contacting the SOS.

Last updated on Tuesday, March 10 2020.