Overview
The buyer is responsible for filing, but sellers have their own reason to move fast - until the title changes hands on record, tickets and liability exposure can still trace back to the name on file. Bring the signed title, Form RD-108, insurance proof, and (if the vehicle is financed) expect a $15 lien-recording fee on top. The calculator below covers standard, instant, and late scenarios.
01 - Official fees
Michigan title transfer fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard title fee | $15.00 | |
| Instant title (same-day, at a branch) | $20.00 | $15 title + $5 instant processing |
| Late transfer fee (past 15 days) | $15.00 | one flat add-on, not a monthly penalty |
| Lien recording | $15.00 | to add a lender's interest |
| Duplicate/replacement title | $15.00 |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the Michigan Secretary of State (branch office or SOS2GO/Online Services) - counties can add small local fees.
02 - Step by step
How to transfer a title in Michigan
- 1
Seller signs the assignment section on the title (odometer disclosure included) and hands it to the buyer.
- 2
Both parties complete Form RD-108 (Application for Michigan Title & Registration).
- 3
Buyer brings the title, RD-108, proof of Michigan no-fault insurance, and ID to any SOS branch within 15 days.
- 4
Pay the $15 title fee (or $20 for instant same-day service), plus 6% sales tax and registration due at the same visit.
- 5
If it's late, the $15 flat late fee is added automatically - no extra paperwork needed to pay it.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Michigan vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Michigan title transfer FAQ
How much does it cost to transfer a title in Michigan?
$15 standard. Add $5 (to $20 total) if you want same-day instant title printed at a branch instead of waiting for it by mail. If you're past the 15-day deadline, add a flat $15 late fee - $30 total either way.
Does the late fee get worse the longer I wait?
No - Michigan's late title fee is a single flat $15, whether you're 16 days late or 16 months late. That's simpler than states with monthly-escalating penalty ladders, though you still owe any registration and tax due at the same visit.
What is 'instant title' and is it worth it?
It's a $5 add-on (making the total $20) that gets you the physical title printed on the spot at an SOS branch instead of waiting for it to arrive by mail. Worth it if you're selling again soon or need the paper title for a loan payoff quickly.
Do I need a separate lien fee if I'm financing the car?
Yes - recording a lender's security interest on the title costs an additional $15 beyond the base title fee, paid at the same SOS visit when the title is issued.
Can I transfer a Michigan title online?
Not for a brand-new-to-you vehicle - the seller's signed title and RD-108 must be presented in person at an SOS branch or via SOS2GO mobile service. Renewals and some other transactions can be done online, but the initial title transfer can't.
I lost my Michigan title - how much to replace it?
A duplicate title costs $15, the same as a standard transfer, and can be requested online, by mail, or at a branch if you're still the registered owner.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.