Signing Your Michigan Vehicle Title
Michigan title signing is different from many states and must be done correctly to avoid delays. Use a blue or black ink pen only and sign your name exactly as it appears on the title. No nicknames, no alterations.
What Will Void a Michigan Title
- Signing in the wrong section of the title
- Signature that does not match the name on the title
- Cross-outs, erasing, or writing over mistakes
- White-out or correction fluid
- Rips, tears, or damaged titles
- Signing in the dealer reassignment section
If any of these occur, the Michigan Secretary of State will require a duplicate title before the vehicle can be sold.
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Where to Sign a Michigan Title
Michigan titles are signed on the front of the title, not the back.
Sign in the lower left section where it is labeled “Signature of Seller(s)”.
Print your name directly below where it reads “Printed Name of Seller(s)”.
Do not sign anywhere else unless instructed by the Michigan Secretary of State.
Vehicles with Multiple Owners
If more than one owner appears on the Michigan title, all listed owners must sign to complete the transfer.
Titles Showing a Lienholder
If a lienholder is listed on the title, the lien must be released before ownership can be transferred.
- Lien release noted directly on the title
- Or an official lien release document from the lender
Without a lien release, the Secretary of State will not process the title transfer.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Michigan Title
If your Michigan title is lost, stolen, damaged, or voided, you must obtain a duplicate before selling the vehicle.
- Duplicate titles are issued through the Michigan Secretary of State
- All owners listed on the title must sign the duplicate application
- Fees and processing times vary by request method
Official instructions are available through the Michigan Secretary of State:
https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1585_1619-25515--,00.html
After Selling Your Vehicle in Michigan
Once the sale is complete, remove your license plates before releasing the vehicle.
Michigan license plates stay with the seller and may be transferred to another vehicle or returned according to Secretary of State instructions.
Do I Keep My License Plates?
Yes. Michigan requires sellers to remove their license plates before releasing the vehicle.
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