Michigan Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trucks, Trailers, and Boats
A Michigan Bill of Sale is a crucial document that legally records the sale of a vehicle or vessel, protecting both buyers and sellers. It serves as proof of purchase, helps with title transfers, and can prevent disputes.
Michigan Bill of Sale Form
Whether you are a car buyer or seller, completing a bill of sale ensures a clear, documented transaction. Download our free Michigan Bill of Sale template today to safeguard your sale!
What's the Function of a Michigan Bill of Sale?
Every purchase needs a receipt to legitimize the selling and buying process. However, the bill of sale differs from the usual receipt you often encounter.
The bill of sale is proof of purchase that solidifies the transfer of a vehicle or vessel between a buyer and seller. When you register the vessel or vehicle after a purchase, you may need to present the bill of sale as a required document.
Get a Vehicle Report Before You Pay!
Purchasing a used car requires extra attention, as you may not know what has happened in the past or how the previous owner treated the vehicle. To avoid this, get a vehicle history report and be informed about the car’s past.
What Information Can You Find in the Vehicle History Report?
When you run a VIN check with Detailed Vehicle History, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle.
- Mileage
- Ownership History
- Sales History
- Usage History
- Accident History
- Lien & Loans
- Recalls History
- Flood Damage
- Title Brand
- Warranty Status
- Salvage Title
- Repair Cost
- Hail Damage
- Ownership Duration
- Accident History
- Maintenance Schedule
In addition, sellers can display their vehicles’ original factory specifications and features with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.
Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!
What's Included in a Window Sticker?
Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.
- MSRP & Pricing
- Optional Equipment
- Warranty Details
- Engine Specs
- Exterior Features
- Color Codes
- Standard Features
- Safety Ratings
- Fuel Economy
- Interior Features
- Packages & Options
- Manufacturing Info
What Should Be Written in the Bill of Sale?
A Michigan bill of sale includes essential information to verify the transaction:
- Names and contact details of the buyer and seller.
- Date of sale to document when the transaction took place.
- Vehicle details (make, model, year, VIN, mileage, etc.).
- Sale price to establish the transaction value.
- Odometer disclosure statement (if applicable).
- The signatures of both parties are required to confirm the agreement.
Why You Need a Bill of Sale?
Why Sellers Need a Bill of Sale
A Bill of sale protects sellers by documenting the ownership transfer of the vehicle, which is essential to prevent future liability if the buyers fail to register the vehicle under their name. The bill of sale ensures the sellers are not held responsible for any issues after the sale.
Prevent Liability for Accidents or Crimes
A bill of sale helps protect the seller if the buyer gets into an accident or commits an offense with the vehicle. It proves that ownership was transferred, and the seller is no longer responsible.
Show the Sale Price for Tax Reporting
Recording the exact sale price is important for tax purposes. This ensures that the buyer and seller can report accurate financial details to Michigan’s tax authorities.
Provide Legal Proof in Case of Disputes
A signed bill of sale is legal documentation in case of disagreements over payment or ownership. This is especially useful if the buyer fails to complete registration promptly.
Why Buyers Need a Bill of Sale
For buyers, the bill of sale is a valid proof of ownership, especially when an issue arises regarding the titling and registration. It ensures transparency in the transaction by confirming the agreed-upon sale price and vehicle details. The bill of sale can also help with tax reporting and registration requirements in certain cases.
Proves Ownership Before Title Transfer
The bill of sale serves as temporary proof of ownership until the title is officially transferred to the buyer’s name.
Protects Against Fraud
Having a bill of sale confirms transaction details, preventing fraudulent claims regarding vehicle history, mileage, or previous damages.
What to Check Before Buying a Car!
Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.
Check the vehicle history
Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.
Look for flood damage
Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.
Verify the odometer reading
Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.
Be informed about the title
Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.
Check for theft records
You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.
Get the service record
Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.
Taking a few minutes to check a car’s background can save you from expensive surprises down the road.
How to Register a Vehicle in Michigan?
The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) handles vehicle registration in Michigan. To legally drive, you must register your vehicle and obtain license plates. Requirements vary based on ownership and residency.
Follow these steps to register your vehicle before it hits the road:
Gather the Required Documents
Buyers must provide a bill of sale, vehicle title, proof of insurance, and valid identification when registering a vehicle in Michigan.
Complete the Title Transfer
The seller must properly sign the title, and the buyer must submit it to the Michigan Secretary of State’s office to finalize the ownership transfer.
Pay Registration Fees
Registration fees vary based on the vehicle type, weight, and age. Additional taxes may apply depending on the purchase price.
Obtain License Plates and Stickers
Once the vehicle is registered, the new owner will receive license plates, a sticker, and official registration documents from the state.
How to Register a Vessel in Michigan
The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) oversees boat registration. All motorized boats and some non-motorized vessels must be registered before use. Registration ensures compliance with state boating laws and regulations.
Here’s how you can register your vessel.
Submit a Bill of Sale and Proof of Ownership
When applying for a new registration, boat buyers must present a bill of sale, previous registration, or manufacturer’s certificate of origin.
Complete the Application
A boat registration application and the required documents must be completed and submitted to the Michigan Department of State.
Pay the Registration Fee
The registration fee depends on the boat’s length and motor size. Some vessels may also require a title.
Receive Your Registration and Decals
Once approved, owners will receive a registration certificate and decals, which must be displayed on the vessel for legal operation.
Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State
Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!
Frequently Asked Questions
A Michigan Bill of Sale is not always required for registration but is proof of purchase. The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) may request it for certain transactions.
No, Michigan does not require a bill of sale to be notarized. However, having a signed document with accurate details helps avoid disputes over ownership and payment.
A handwritten bill of sale is valid in Michigan as it includes essential details like buyer and seller information, vehicle description, sale price, and signatures.
No, a Bill of Sale only documents the sale. To officially transfer ownership, the seller must sign over the title, and the buyer must complete the registration process with the Michigan SOS.