![](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125404229/980961857.jpg)
FOREIGN DRIVER’S LICENSES IN MICHIGAN. You might be required to get a Michigan driver’s license. However, if you are not “legally present” you can’t be.
SUMMARY: How to Register Your Vehicle in Michigan
To have your vehicle registered with the MI SOS, you'll need to provide your vehicle title, driver's license, proof of insurance, and payment for your registration fee. If you purchased a new vehicle from a dealership, the dealer will generally handle the paperwork for you. You can also obtain a temporary registration permit if you only plan to drive your vehicle for a short period of time.
If you've recently taken up residence in Michigan or purchased a new car, you must register your vehicle(s) with Michigan's Secretary of State (SOS).
If you already have a registered vehicle you need to renew your registration, please visit our page on Registration Renewals.
NOTE: There are separate registration requirements for other vehicle types, such as custom-built cars and ATVs. Visit our page on Other Vehicle Registrations for details.
Just Moved? Find all the information you need to finish your moving requirements with the DMV.
New to Michigan?
After establishing residency in the Great Lakes state, you must immediately register your vehicle with Michigan's Secretary of State (SOS).
Vehicle registration and titling generally occur simultaneously. To learn more about titles, visit our page on Title Transfers.
To obtain a Michigan vehicle registration certificate, visit your local SOS office with:
- Proof of Michigan no-fault car insurance (your former out-of-state auto insurance coverage cannot be used).
- Current out-of-state vehicle title.
- All owners must be present. If an owner listed on the title is unable to appear, they must:
- Complete an Appointment of Agent/Power of Attorney form (TR-128).
- Provide a photocopy of their driver's license or ID card.
- All owners must be present. If an owner listed on the title is unable to appear, they must:
- Out-of-state vehicle registration, if your title is being held by a lienholder (certificate can be current or recently expired).
- A completed Application for Michigan Vehicle Title (TR-11L).
- Proof of identification (out-of-state driver's license, photo ID card, birth certificate).
- Payment to cover registration and titling fees (see “Vehicle Registration Fees' below).
Your Michigan car registration certificate expires on the owner's birthday.
Registering a Vehicle in Michigan
The process for vehicle registration differs based on whether your vehicle was purchased from a dealer, bought from a private individual, or transferred/gifted to you from a family member.
Make sure you have an active car insurance policy when registering your vehicle.
Compare rates and buy your policy online: Visit the Insurance Center >>
Vehicles Purchased from a Dealership
If you purchase from a dealership, the dealer will submit your title and car registration documents for you.
Hold onto copies of these documents until your title, registration certificate, and Michigan license plate all arrive in the mail. These will serve as temporary proofs of ownership.
Vehicles Purchased from a Private Party
If you purchase from an individual, the responsibility falls on you to handle the titling and vehicle registration, which go hand-in-hand. The Secretary of State recommends that you and the seller visit an SOS office together for this process.
You have 15 days from the date of purchase to title and register your vehicle. You may drive without plates for the first 3 days in order to register your vehicle. Your assigned title will serve as proof if stopped.
To register, visit your local Secretary of State office with:
- The signed-over title.
- All new owners must appear in person. If an owner is unable to appear, they must provide an Appointment of Agent/Power of Attorney form (TR-128), along with a photocopy of their identification.
- The title should include the following:
- Odometer reading.
- The buyer's and seller's signatures.
- The signature of the lienholder, if applicable.
- The vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Proof of identification (driver's license, U.S. passport, photo ID card).
- Proof of Michigan no-fault auto insurance.
- Payment for all applicable fees and taxes (see “Vehicle Registration Fees' below).
Vehicles Gifted/Transferred from a Family Member
The process for vehicle registrations when purchasing or transferring between family members is the same as those mentioned above for purchases from a private individual.
However, you are exempt from paying use tax on the vehicle if you are buying/receiving it from any of the following immediate family members:
- Parents (including adoptive or step-parents).
- Siblings (including half- and step-siblings).
- Children (including adopted children).
- Grandparents and grandchildren.
- Legal guardians or wards.
You will not need to bring proof of your relationship to the SOS in order to qualify for the tax exemption. However, the Department of Treasury may contact you to ask for proof.
NOTE: For the purposes of assessing taxes and exemptions, all “step' relationships end in the event of a divorce.
Transferring a Michigan Vehicle Registration
You can transfer your existing license plates to a newly-purchased vehicle, provided the SOS has it in its files as being under your name.
To complete the vehicle registration transfer, visit any SOS branch office with:
- Your current Michigan vehicle registration certificate.
- If the SOS can verify your license plate number in their database, that will suffice.
- The title of the new vehicle.
- If the title is being processed, the SOS will accept a copy of the title application.
- Proof of MI no-fault car insurance, only if you changed insurance carriers since last registration renewal.
- Payment for the $8 transfer fee.
Note that if you also apply for a new title at this time, additional fees will apply.
Temporary Registration Permits
If you don't plan on driving your vehicle for an extended period of time (if, for example, you are in the military and out of the country frequently), the state does offer temporary vehicle registration permits valid for 30 days and 60 days.
The permit will cost you a certain portion of what your full registration fee would be:
- 30 days permit: Either a portion of the annual registration rate, or $20 (whichever is higher).
- 60 days permit: Either a portion of the annual registration rate or $40 (whichever is higher).
In addition, both permits come with a $10 service fee.
Apply by visiting any SOS office with:
- Proof of Michigan no-fault car insurance.
- The vehicle's MI title.
- Payment for the $10 temporary permit fee.
Military & Non-Resident Vehicle Registration
Military Members
MI Military Stationed In State
The state does not offer any vehicle registration exemptions or waivers for Michigan military personnel living in the state. Simply follow the processes listed above based on your specific vehicle purchase.
MI Military Stationed Out of State
To register a vehicle while deployed outside of the state, submit:
- A completed Application for Michigan Vehicle Title (TR-11L).
- If you need the title/registration mailed to an address other than the one specified on your application, submit a Special Mailing of Title Request (TR-114) with your application.
- A copy of the title.
- Proof of Michigan no-fault car insurance.
- Payment for registration and title fees and taxes (see “Vehicle Registration Fees' below).
- Make check or money order made payable to “State of Michigan.'
Mail documents and payment to:
Michigan Department of State
Special Services Branch
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, Michigan 48918
Special Services Branch
7064 Crowner Drive
Lansing, Michigan 48918
NOTE: Vehicle registration renewal late fees are waived for all Michigan military members stationed outside of the state on active duty.
Jump over to our Drivers in the Military page for additional information.
Non-Resident Military in Michigan
Out-of-state military personnel stationed in Michigan are allowed to drive with their out-of-state plates. Make sure you keep your registration current in your home state.
If you choose to make Michigan your residence, you may register your out-of-state vehicle using the methods described in “New to Michigan?' above.
Michigan Vehicle Registration for Non-Residents
If you're an out-of-state student attending college in Michigan, in most situations you do not have to register with the SOS. However, if you take a part-time or full-time job, your exemption is negated, requiring Michigan license plates for your vehicle.
If you're a non-resident living or working in the state, you must register your vehicle with Michigan's SOS if you establish residency in any of the following ways:
- Register to vote in Michigan.
- File a Michigan income tax statement.
- Open a Michigan business.
- Obtain a Michigan driver's license.
- Pay in-state college tuition.
Michigan Vehicle Registration Fees
How your registration fees are calculated is based upon your vehicle's age:
- Model year 1984 and newer: Fees are based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP).
- The state provides a year-by-year chart of MSRPs for all models.
- Model year 1983 and older: Fees are based on the vehicle's weight.
- Consult the state's vehicle weight chart.
Other base fees that may apply:
- Title fee: $15.
- Vehicle registration late fee: $10.
- Vehicle title late fee: $15.
- Vehicle registration transfer fee: $8.
- Use tax: 6%.
- License plate fee: $5 (standard plate).
Obtain a Duplicate Michigan Vehicle Registration
If your MI registration certificate is damaged or goes missing, the onus is on you to replace it immediately.
Fortunately, the state makes it easy to apply with an online replacement form.
To apply, you'll need to provide your:
- Social Security number.
- MI driver's license number.
- Eye color.
- Date of birth.
A MI duplicate registration certificate is free. For more information, visit our Replacing a Lost Registration page.
Michigan License Plates
When it comes time to obtain a MI vehicle registration certificate, you'll also be given a choice of license plates. You can opt for a standard plate, or one of the state's many specialized plates. Our License Plates & Placards page gives the full scoop on your choices.
Replace Your MI License Plate
If your license plate has been lost, stolen, or damaged, visit any Michigan Secretary of State office with:
- Proof of identification.
- Either the car's registration certificate or the license plate number.
- Payment for the $5 plate replacement fee.
- Expect to pay additional fees for specialized plates.
Notify your local law enforcement agency immediately if you suspect the license plate was stolen.
Forms
This form is provided by your state's agency/department.
Please select one of the below to continue:
Email the link to this formFeatured Resources:
Introduction
Whether you own a passenger car, truck, van, or motorcycle, you will need to renew your registration annually with the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS). Failing to renew on time may result in late fees and further fines.
If you've already renewed your registration, you can check the status of your order by contacting the MI SOS.
First-Time Michigan Registration
This page is for registration renewals. If you have purchased a used car that you need to register, or have just established residency in Michigan, visit our Registration page.
Registration Renewal Notice
For individually-owned vehicles (passenger car, truck, motorcycle), the registration will expire on the owner's birthday. Individually-owned vehicles may be renewed as soon as the renewal notice is received.
Registration for company-owned vehicles will expire on the date designated by the SOS. Company-owned vehicles may not be renew their registration early.
The MI SOS sends renewal notices by mail 45 days before the renewal deadline. Information in the renewal notice includes:
- Expiration date
- Fees
- PIN for online renewal, if eligible
- Instructions for renewal by mail
Didn't Receive a MI Registration Renewal Notice?
Renewal forms cannot be resent, even if you did not receive yours. If you never received your renewal notice, it is still your responsibility to renew by the deadline by visiting your local SOS office.
Or, if your prefer, you can renew by mailing a copy of your current registration certificate, proof of car insurance coverage, and payment (check or money order) to:
- Michigan Department of State
- Renewal by Mail Unit
- 7064 Crowner Drive
- Lansing, MI 48980
If you move, be sure to update your new address with the SOS.
Renewing Your MI Registration
The Michigan SOS provides a number of methods for renewing. However, if your renewal notice did not provide you a PIN number, your only option is to renew in person.
DID YOU KNOW?: Proof of car insurance may be REQUIRED when renewing your registration!
Compare rates and buy your policy online: Open the Insurance Center >>
Renew Online
If you received a PIN on your renewal notice, you may renew with the Online Renewal PLUS system or the Express SOS system. Follow the instructions for the system that works best for you.
- Visit the state's Online Services page.
- Click the Renew Vehicle Plate/Tab link.
- Click the Individual circle.
- Click the Next box at the bottom of the page.
- Decide whether you want to use Online Renewal PLUS or Express Renewal.
Online Renewal PLUS
![Michigan Michigan](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125404229/445954081.jpg)
![Calculate Drivers License Number Michigan Calculate Drivers License Number Michigan](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125404229/105408724.png)
Use Online Renewal Plus if you need to change your address or register multiple vehicles.
You will need to provide:
- The PIN found on your registration renewal notice
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
- Either your state ID number or Michigan driver license number
- Your birth date and eye color
- A valid credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover)―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional 1.75% processing fee.
Express Renewal
Use Express Renewal if you're renewing a single registration and your address and vehicle information are correct on your renewal notice, and you don't need to order new license plates.
To use Express Renewal, you'll need to provide:
- The PIN on your registration renewal notice
- Your license plate number
- A valid credit or debit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover)―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional 1.75% processing fee.
Renew In Person
Visit your local SOS branch office with:
- Your renewal notice or current registration certificate
- Your driver's license
- Proof of car insurance
- Payment for registration fees―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional 1.75% processing fee.
You will leave with your new registration and vehicle tags.
Renew at a Self-Serve Station
Visit any self-service station found at PLUS offices, SUPER!Centers, and some government locations.
You can use this option if:
- All the information on your renewal notice is correct (name, address, vehicle type)
- Your PIN is listed on your renewal notice
- You have a valid credit card (MasterCard, Discover, or Visa)―if you pay with with a credit card, you'll be charged an additional 1.75% processing fee.
The self-service machine will prompt you for information on a touch screen. Upon completing, you'll receive a receipt and new tabs.
Renew by Mail
This option is open to both in-state and out-of-state residents.
In-State Residents
If the information on your renewal notice is incorrect, you cannot renew via mail. You must instead renew in person. Otherwise, send payment, proof of car insurance, and your renewal notice using the provided enclosed envelope. If you lost the envelope, mail to:
- Michigan Department of State
- Renewal by Mail
- 7064 Crowner Drive
- Lansing, MI 48980
Out-of-State Residents
Out-of-state residents will need to send:
- A cover letter with:
―Your license plate number
―The address where you want your new registration sent
―Your daytime phone number, with the area code - A copy of your insurance certificate
- A check or money order made out to the State of Michigan (call (517) 636-5872 for the exact fee)
Mail payment and documents to:
- Michigan Department of State
- Special Services Branch
- 7064 Crowner Drive
- Lansing, MI 48918
MI Registration Renewal Fees
Renewal rates are calculated differently based on the year of your vehicle:
- For vehicles 1984 to present: fee is based on the suggested retail price
- For vehicles 1983 or older: fee is based on the vehicle's weight
Late Fees and Penalties
Your vehicle registration expires on your birthday or on the expiration date designated by the SOS for company-owned vehicles.
- A $10 late fee will be assessed if you don't renew by the expiration date.
- If your vehicle registration remains expired longer than 6 months, the SOS will charge a 24 month renewal fee.
Michigan Tax Deduction
You can declare the entire vehicle registration cost (except for any renewal service fees) as a deduction, provided you file using a long form.
Michigan Emissions Testing
Michigan does not mandate emissions testing.
For additional information regarding Michigan's Air Quality programs, visit our Emissions page.
MI Liability Insurance Requirements
You must have insurance to renew your vehicle registration. Michigan's No-Fault insurance is the minimum amount of insurance allowed.
Failing to maintain required coverage may result in the suspension of your driver's license and/or license plates, plus possible court fees and fines.
Insurance covers you for such things as:
- Bodily injury and property damage
- Personal injury
- Property protection
You must keep proof of insurance with you at all times when driving your car or riding your motorcycle.
Check out our Insurance Center page for additional information on Michigan insurance requirements and licensed providers.
Registration Renewal for MI Military Personnel
If you are a Michigan resident serving in the military out of state, you may renew your vehicle's registration by mail or online.
Renewal by Mail
When renewing your registration by mail, you'll need to include:
- Your renewal notice with the address where you want your new tags sent printed on the front of the notice.
- Fee payment, which is listed on your renewal notice. Pay with check, money order, or credit card (you will be charged a 1.75% processing fee if you pay with credit card).
- A copy of your insurance certificate.
Send your documents using the enclosed envelope that came with your renewal notice. If you've misplaced the envelope, mail to:
- Michigan Department of State
- Renewal by Mail Unit
- 7064 Crowner Drive
- Lansing, MI 48980
Renewing Online
Renew online using the same steps listed above in the MI Registration Renewal section.
Non-Operational Vehicle Registration
Unregistered vehicles are not allowed on public streets. If you have a non-operational vehicle, it must be stored on private property. If you decide to begin driving the vehicle or wish to park it on the street, you must renew its registration by visiting your local SOS office with:
- Proof of car insurance
- Proper identification
- Check, credit card, or money order to cover all fees, including late charges if you allowed the registration to expire
Replacement Registration Certificates, Stickers, and License Plates
If your license plates are lost or stolen, or no longer legible in accordance with law enforcement guidelines, you must get them replaced. Visit our License Plates page for more information.
You also need to get duplicates of your registration certificate or renewal stickers if they become lost or damaged.
Featured Resources:
![](/uploads/1/2/5/4/125404229/980961857.jpg)