text:
Dealer Manual Bureau of Regulatory Services Lansing, Michigan
Dealer Manual
Bureau of Regulatory Services
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................1
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS .................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Licensing of Dealers...........................................................................................................1
Established Place of Business............................................................................................1
1-1.1 Authorization
................................................................................................................... 1
1-1.2 License Expiration.................................................................................................................. 1
1-1.3 Unrenewed License ................................................................................................................ 1
1-1.4 Trailers
............................................................................................................................. 1
1-2.2 Established Place of Business Requirements for New and Used Vehicle Dealers ................. 2
1-2.3 Requirements .......................................................................................................................... 2
1-2.4 Additional Locations in Same County............................................................................. .......3
1-2.5 Another County ...................................................................................................................... 3
Workers' Compensation Insurance ................................................................................3
1-4 Business Hours .......................................................................................................................3
1-4.1 Requirement...........................................................................................................................3
1-4.2 Business Hours ..................................................................................................................... 3
1-4.3 Change in Business Hours.................................................................................................... 3
1-4.4 Sunday Sales......................................................................................................................... 4
1-5 Surety Bond ............................................................................................................................4
1-5.1 Requirement.......................................................................................................................... 4
1-5.2 License Termination ..............................................................................................................4
1-5.3 Authority............................................................................................................................... 4
1-6 Fleet Insurance ........................................................................................................................4
1-7 Dealership Changes ................................................................................................................5
1-7.1 Requirements .................................................................................................................. .......5
1-7.2 Application
...................................................................................................................... 5
Change of Address or Change of Business Name ...........................................................5
1-8.1 Postal Changes........................................................................................................................5
1-8.2 Move within Same County .................................................................................................... 5
1-8.3 Move from One County to Another ...................................................................................... 5
1-8.4 Change of Name ....................................................................................................................5
Revised December 2007
Change of Ownership .......................................................................................................5
1-9.1 Requirement........................................................................................................................... 5
1-9.2 Corporations
1-9.3 Partnerships
.................................................................................................................... 6
1-9.4 imited Liability Companies................................................................................................... 6
1-9.5 Individual Ownership ............................................................................................................ 6
Additional Sales Locations................................................................................................7
1-10.1 Supplemntal Locations ........................................................................................................ 7
1-10.2 Temporary Sales Locations ................................................................................................. 7
1-10.3 Temporary Sales Locations – RV Dealers........................................................................... 7
Going Out of Business .......................................................................................................8
1-11.1 Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 8
Vehicles in Inventory....................................................................................................... 8
1-12 EFT Transactions..................................................................................................................8
1-13 Dealer Classifications ...........................................................................................................8
Class A (New Vehicle Dealer) ........................................................................................ 8
Class B (Used Vehicle Dealer) ........................................................................................ 9
Class C (Used Vehicle Parts Dealer) ............................................................................... 9
Class D (Broker).............................................................................................................. 9
Class E (Distressed Vehicle Transporter)...................................................................... 10
Class F (Vehicle Scrap Metal Processor) ...................................................................... 10
Class G (Vehicle Salvage Pool)..................................................................................... 10
Class H (Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealer) .................................................................... 11
1-13.10 Class R (Automotive Recycler) ..................................................................................... 11
1-13.11 Salvage Vehicle Agent License ..................................................................................... 12
1-13.12 Class W (Wholesaler Vehicle License) ......................................................................... 12
1-14 Dealer Plates .........................................................................................................................13
1-14.1 Authorization ................................................................................................................. 13
1-14.2 Proper Use .......................................................................................................................... 13
1-14.3 Improper Use ...................................................................................................................... 14
1-14.4 Sanctions ........................................................................................................................ 14
1-14.5 Dealer Plate Frames............................................................................................................ 14
1-14.6 Loss of Plate ....................................................................................................................... 14
1-14.8 Destroying Expired Dealer Plates....................................................................................... 15
Repair Facility Service ....................................................................................................15
Chart: Original Vehicle Dealer Application Requirements ........................................................... 16
CHAPTER 2: RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS
2-1 Required Records.................................................................................................................... 1
2-1.2 Required Records ................................................................................................................... 1
2-1.3 Class A Dealers ...................................................................................................................... 1
2-1.4 Class B Dealers....................................................................................................................... 2
2-1.5 Class C and Class R Dealers................................................................................................... 2
2-1.6 Class D and Class G Dealers .................................................................................................. 3
2-1.7 Class E Dealers....................................................................................................................... 3
2-1.8 Class F Dealers ....................................................................................................................... 3
2-1.9 Class H Dealers ...................................................................................................................... 3
2-2 Police Book ...............................................................................................................................4
2-2.1 Description
2-2.2 Use
................................................................................................................................... 4
2-2.3 Dismantled Vehicle Requirements ......................................................................................... 4
Computerized Police Book ................................................................................................5
2-3.1 Requirement............................................................................................................................ 5
2-3.3 Reporting Requirements ......................................................................................................... 5
2-3.4 Security Features .................................................................................................................... 6
2-3.5 Software Testing..................................................................................................................... 6
2-3.6 Labels
.............................................................................................................................. 6
2-4 Washout System .......................................................................................................................6
2-4.1 Restrictions
CHAPTER 3: TITLING AND REGISTRATION
3-1 Titles
....................................................................................................................................1
3-1.1 Authority
.......................................................................................................................... 1
3-1.3 Title Possession Exceptions.................................................................................................... 1
3-1.4 Proof of Ownership ................................................................................................................ 2
3-1.5 Proper Title Assignments ....................................................................................................... 2
3-2 Wholesale Transactions...........................................................................................................2
3-2.1 Instructions
3-2.2 Resale Titles ........................................................................................................................... 2
3-3 Retail Transactions ..................................................................................................................3
3-3.3 Transfer of Interest ................................................................................................................. 3
3-3.4 Assigning Security Interest..................................................................................................... 3
Lease Buy Back Transactions ...........................................................................................5
3-4.3 Conducting an Off Lease Vehicle Transaction....................................................................... 5
3-5 Title Assignments ....................................................................................................................6
3-5.1 By Seller ................................................................................................................................ 6
3-5.2 Errors in Title Reassignments................................................................................................ 6
3-6 Odometer Statements ............................................................................................................ 6
3-6.2 Conforming vs. Nonconforming Titles................................................................................... 6
3-7 Disclosure Statements.............................................................................................................7
3-7.1 Disclosure Requirement – Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle.............................................................. 7
3-7.2 Disclosure Requirement – New Vehicle Damage ................................................................. 7
3-7.3 Disclosure Requirement – Driver Education Vehicles .......................................................... 7
3-8 Appointment of Agent Forms (Power of Attorney) .............................................................8
......................................................................................................................... 8
3-8.2 Prohibition
.................................................................................................................................. 8
3-9 Temporary Registrations ........................................................................................................8
3-9.1 Availability
3-9.2 Authorized Use ....................................................................................................................... 9
Table 1: Types of Vehicle Registrations ....................................................................... 10
14-Day In-transit Registration (Retail Transactions Only) .........................................10
3-10.1 Authority ........................................................................................................................ 10
3-10.2 Export Sales........................................................................................................................ 11
3-10.3 Proof of Insurance .............................................................................................................. 11
3-10.4 Out-of-state Address........................................................................................................... 11
3-10.5 Instructions .................................................................................................................... 11
3-10.6 Lost Ownership Documents .............................................................................................. 11
3-11 Resale Titles..........................................................................................................................12
3-11.1 Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 12
3-11.2 Application .................................................................................................................... 12
3-11.3 Legend ........................................................................................................................... 12
3-12 Lost
Titles .........................................................................................................................12
3-12.2 Surety Bond ........................................................................................................................ 13
3-12.3 Self-certification of Ownership .......................................................................................... 13
3-12.4 Out-of-state Dealers............................................................................................................ 13
3-13 Trade-in Vehicle...................................................................................................................14
Rescinded (Canceled) Deals ............................................................................................14
Expeditious Title Service.................................................................................................16
3-14.2 Sales Tax Credit.................................................................................................................. 14
3-14.3 Registration Fee Refund ..................................................................................................... 15
Instant Titles (While-You-Wait Service) .......................................................................16
3-16.1 Locations ....................................................................................................................... 16
3-16.2 Eligible Transactions .......................................................................................................... 16
3-16.3 Instant Title Checklist......................................................................................................... 16
Driver Education Vehicles ..............................................................................................17
3-17.1 Requirements ..................................................................................................................... 17
3-17.2 Sales Tax ........................................................................................................................... 17
3-17.3 License Plates .................................................................................................................... 17
Selling a Motor Vehicle to a Minor ................................................................................17
Acquiring a Vehicle – Previous Owner Deceased .........................................................17
Wrong Title or MCO with an RD-108 ...........................................................................18
Used Vehicle Titled in Error ......................................................................................... 18
New Vehicle Titled in Error .......................................................................................... 19
3-20.4 Record
Deletion............................................................................................................. 19
Demonstrator Title – Class A Dealers Only ..................................................................20
Titling a Demonstrator Vehicle ..................................................................................... 20
3-22 Courtesy
Deliveries ..........................................................................................................20
3-22.2 Requirem ents ................................................................................................................. 20
Canadian or Other Imported Vehicles ..........................................................................21
3-23.1 Authority
3-23.2 Requirem
ent................................................................................................................... 21
Sample Form: MV-13 Registration Refund Request ....................................................................... 23
CHAPTER 4: ODOMETER REQUIREMENTS
4-1 Disclosure
............................................................................................................................1
4-1.2 Record
Retention ............................................................................................................. 1
Accuracy ............................................................................................................. 1
4-2 Exempt
Vehicles .................................................................................................................1
Conforming vs. Nonconforming Titles.............................................................................2
4-3.1 Conform
ing Titles............................................................................................................ 2
4-3.2 Nonconform
ing Titles...................................................................................................... 2
4-4 Odometer
Statements ........................................................................................................2
4-4.1 Requirem
ents ................................................................................................................... 2
4-4.2 Retail
Transactions .......................................................................................................... 3
Multiple Buyers or Sellers............................................................................................... 3
4-4.4 Wholesale
Transactions ................................................................................................... 3
4-4.5 Out-of-state
Titles............................................................................................................ 3
Certificates of Origin (MCO/MSO) .................................................................................3
4-5.2 Vehicle
ent..................................................................................................................... 3
Never Titled ....................................................................................................... 3
Replacing or Repairing an Odometer..............................................................................4
Door Frame Stickers..........................................................................................................4
Actual Odometer Reading Known................................................................................... 4
Unable to Register Same Mileage ................................................................................... 4
Vehicles Without Odometers ............................................................................................4
Completing Odometer Statement .................................................................................... 4
Kilometers vs. Miles...........................................................................................................5
4-9.1 Procedure
Applying for Michigan Resale Title ................................................................................ 5
CHAPTER 5: SALVAGE
Salvage Titles and Scrap Titles.........................................................................................1
Late Model Vehicles...........................................................................................................2
5-1.2 Distressed
Vehicles.......................................................................................................... 1
5-3 Salvage
5-3.1 Definition
Applying for a Salvage Title ........................................................................................... 2
Major Component Parts................................................................................................... 2
Selling at Wholesale ........................................................................................................ 3
Selling to Non-dealers ..................................................................................................... 3
Disclosure..............................................................................................................3
5-4.2 Disclosure
Language ....................................................................................................... 3
5-4.3 Signatures
........................................................................................................................ 3
Description ......................................................................................................... 3
Distribution of Copies ..................................................................................................... 4
Salvage Vehicle Agent .......................................................................................................4
Out-of-state Salvage, Scrap, or Flood Vehicles...............................................................4
Specific Dealer Classifications ........................................................................................ 4
5-5.3 License
Expiration........................................................................................................... 4
5-5.4 Photo
Identification ......................................................................................................... 4
5-7 Rebuilt
Salvage...................................................................................................................4
5-7.1 Recertification
Inspection................................................................................................ 4
Retitling for Road Use..................................................................................................... 5
Selling Rebuilt Salvage at Retail ..................................................................................... 5
5-8 Scrap
Vehicles ....................................................................................................................5
5-9 Assembled
Vehicles............................................................................................................6
Applying for an Assembled Title .................................................................................... 7
5-10 Replacement
VIN ...............................................................................................................7
5-10.1 Requirem ent..................................................................................................................... 7
5-10.2 VIN
Sticker...................................................................................................................... 7
5-11 Flood-damaged
Vehicles....................................................................................................7
5-11.2 Definition ......................................................................................................................... 8
Selling at Retail ............................................................................................................... 8
Record Keeping Requirements.........................................................................................8
Proof of Ownership ......................................................................................................... 8
Scrap Processor Exception .............................................................................................. 8
Police Book Requirements .............................................................................................. 8
Major Component Parts Record ...................................................................................... 8
Scrap Vehicle Inventory, Form TR-9 .............................................................................. 9
Sample Form: Major Component Parts Record........................................................... 11
Sample Form: Salvage Vehicle Disclosure Form......................................................... 13
CHAPTER 6: BROKER REQUIREMENTS
6-1 Definition
6-2 Broker
Licensing................................................................................................................1
6-3 Dealer
Plates .......................................................................................................................2
Additional Locations in Same County............................................................................. 2
Additional Locations in Another County ........................................................................ 2
Established Place of Business.......................................................................................... 2
Clarification ..................................................................................................................... 2
....................................................................................................................... 2
6-3.2 Auctions
........................................................................................................................... 2
6-4 Title
Reassignments ...........................................................................................................3
Name on Title .................................................................................................................. 3
Title and Registration Application – Responsibility.......................................................3
Submitting Title and Registration Applications .............................................................4
Selling Dealer Requirements ........................................................................................... 3
Service ......................................................................................................... 3
Dealer to Dealer (Wholesale) Transactions ..................................................................... 3
Other Brokered Transactions........................................................................................... 3
New Vehicles…………………………………………………………………………….3
Used Vehicles …………………………………………………………………………...3
6-6.1 Branch
6-7 Temporary
Offices..................................................................................................................4
Registrations ..................................................................................................4
6-7.1 Tem
porary Registrations ................................................................................................. 4
Issued by Broker.............................................................................................................. 4
Issued by Other Licensed Dealer..................................................................................... 4
6-8.1 Police
Book ..................................................................................................................... 5
6-8.2 Required
Information ...................................................................................................... 5
6-8.3 Other
Records .................................................................................................................. 5
Length of Retention ......................................................................................................... 5
Broker Fee Agreement ......................................................................................................6
6-9.1 Written
6-10 Purchase
Document............................................................................................................6
Agreement..........................................................................................................6
6-10.1 Requirem ents ................................................................................................................... 6
Dates on Purchase Agreement ......................................................................................... 7
6-10.3 Form s ............................................................................................................................... 7
6-11 Advertising
.........................................................................................................................8
Disclosure of Identity........................................................................................................8
Electronic Record Requirements .....................................................................................8
ents....................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 7: RD-108 – APPLICATION FOR TITLE AND
Reporting Retail Sales .......................................................................................................1
Submitting the RD-108 ......................................................................................................1
Applying for Title and Registration................................................................................. 1
7-2.1 Pay
ment Options.............................................................................................................. 1
7-3 Checklist
.............................................................................................................................2
Special Instructions for RD-108s......................................................................................5
7-4.1 Body
Style ....................................................................................................................... 5
Fee Category or Weight................................................................................................... 6
Table 1: Vehicle Fees Based on Value and Weight........................................................ 6
7-4.3 Docum
ent Fees ................................................................................................................ 6
Commercial Plate on Passenger Vehicle ......................................................................... 7
Conversions.............................................................................................................. 7
7-4.5 Van
7-4.6 Motor
Homes................................................................................................................... 7
Name Information on the RD-108................................................................................... 7
"Doing Business As" for a Solely Owned Business........................................................ 7
............................................................................................................................ 7
7-4.9 Address
7-4.10 Leased
Vehicles............................................................................................................... 7
7-4.11 Secured
Party................................................................................................................... 8
7-4.12 Lien
Terminations............................................................................................................ 8
7-4.13 Errors ............................................................................................................................... 8
Odometer Disclosure with RD-108s................................................................................ 8
Special Mailer (Form TR-114) ........................................................................................ 8
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin (MCO) .................................................................. 9
Cab and Chassis MCO – Vehicle Incomplete ................................................................. 9
Cab and Chassis MCO – Vehicle Complete.................................................................... 9
7-4.19 Two-stage
Vehicles ......................................................................................................... 9
Standard Body Styles for Michigan Title and Registration........................................... 10
Table 2: Standard Body Styles for Michigan Title and Registration............................ 10
7-5 Registration
......................................................................................................................11
7-5.1 Dealer
Responsibility .................................................................................................... 11
Exceptions – Title Only Sales ....................................................................................... 11
7-5.3 New
License Plate ......................................................................................................... 12
New License Plates – Expiration Date .......................................................................... 12
New License Plates – Prorating Months........................................................................ 12
New License Plates – Determining Fees ....................................................................... 13
Using the Ad Valorem or Value (Base Price) Plate Fee Charts .................................... 13
Plates .................................................................................................................... 14
7-5.8 Farm
License Plate Transfers.................................................................................................. 16
Plate Transfers on RD-108s........................................................................................... 17
7-5.11 Added
Fees .................................................................................................................... 17
Change of Plate Classification....................................................................................... 17
Transfer of Individual's Passenger Plate ....................................................................... 18
Transfer of Passenger Plate Owned by a Company or Corporation .............................. 18
Transfer of Pickup or Van Plate Owned by an Individual............................................. 18
Transfer of Full-year Commercial Plate ........................................................................ 19
Transfer of Three-month or Six-month GVW Plate...................................................... 19
Transfer with a Replacement Plate ................................................................................ 20
7-6 Tax
Section .......................................................................................................................23
Taxable Dealer Services and Other Charges Appearing on RD-108............................. 23
Dealer Rebates and Discounts ....................................................................................... 23
Titles .................................................................................................................. 23
Trucks................................................................................................................... 23
Federal Excise Tax on RD-108 for New Truck Purchases............................................ 23
Gifts and Prizes.............................................................................................................. 24
7-6.7 Governm
ent Vehicles .................................................................................................... 24
Native American Indian Tribes and Members............................................................... 24
Permits ........................................................................................................... 24
7-6.9 In-transit
Vehicles............................................................................................................. 24
Leased Vehicles – Tax Status and 14-Day In-transit Permits ....................................... 24
Rebates.................................................................................................... 24
7-6.12 Manufacturer
Organizations ................................................................................................ 24
7-6.13 Nonprofit
7-6.14 Out-of-state
Delivery ..................................................................................................... 25
Repeat Offender (Registration Denial) ..........................................................................25
7-7.1 Repeat
Offender............................................................................................................. 25
Selling Vehicles to Repeat Offenders............................................................................ 25
7-7.3 Registration
Denial ........................................................................................................ 25
Registration Status Web Site ......................................................................................... 25
7-7.5 Plate
Transfers ............................................................................................................... 26
7-7.6 Ignition
Interlock ........................................................................................................... 26
Plates .................................................................................................................. 26
Dealership Employees As Repeat Offenders................................................................. 26
7-7.9 Paper
Plates.................................................................................................................... 26
Acquiring and Selling a Vehicle with a Paper Plate...................................................... 26
Sample RD-108.............................................................................................................. 27
Table 3: Vehicle Registration Fees and Expiration Dates ........................................... 28
Table 4: Leased Vehicle Registration Fees and Expiration Dates............................... 29
Table 5: County Codes…………………………………………………………………………30
CHAPTER 8: SALES TAX
8-1 Requirement
.......................................................................................................................1
Collection of Sales Tax.................................................................................................... 1
8-1.3 Tax
Rate........................................................................................................................... 1
Determining Sales Tax.......................................................................................................1
ers ............................................................................................................................ 1
8-3 Exemptions
Leasing Companies – Titling Vehicles .................................................................2
Leasing Companies – Selling Vehicles ................................................................2
Leased Vehicles – Tax Status ...............................................................................2
Military Personnel.................................................................................................3
Michigan Rehabilitation Services Clients ............................................................3
Ministers ...............................................................................................................3
Native American Indian Tribes.............................................................................3
Non-profit Organizations ......................................................................................3
Payment.................................................................................................................4
Rebates..................................................................................................................4
Relatives................................................................................................................5
Religious Groups – Church Vans, Buses, and Other Vehicles.............................5
Repossession by Secured Party.............................................................................5
Resale Titles..........................................................................................................5
School Buses.........................................................................................................5
Trade-in Credit......................................................................................................5
Vehicle Warranties ...............................................................................................6
8-3.1 Am
bulances, Community-Based ..................................................................................... 6
8-3.2 Brokers
8-3.3 Charitable
Organizations ................................................................................................. 6
8-3.4 Churches
Credit Unions – Federal................................................................................................... 6
Dealers – Out-of-state Dealer Buys a Vehicle from a Michigan Dealer ......................... 6
Dealers – Resale Titles, Lease Vehicles, Rentals, Demos ............................................... 6
onstrator Vehicles .................................................................................................... 7
8-3.8 Dem
Table 1: Demonstrators Based on Volume..................................................................... 7
8-3.9 Foreign
Diplomats ........................................................................................................... 7
Fire Trucks and Ambulances ........................................................................................... 8
Houses of Worship .......................................................................................................... 8
Stock ................................................................................................................... 8
8-3.12 Rolling
In-transit Permits and "Export Sales".............................................................................9
8-4.2 Exporting
Vehicles .......................................................................................................... 9
.................................................................................................................... 10
In-transit Permits – States with No Tax Reciprocity ..................................................... 11
In-transit Permits – "No Tax Due" States...................................................................... 11
In-transit Permits – States with Tax Reciprocity ........................................................... 11
Address...................................................................................................... 12
Proof of Insurance ......................................................................................................... 12
State Sales Tax Used for In-transits............................................................................... 12
When Going to Canada or Another Country ................................................................. 12
CHAPTER 9: FOREIGN SALVAGE VEHICLE DEALERS
Salvage and Scrap Titles ...................................................................................................2
Buying and Selling Vehicles ..............................................................................................3
Rebuilding a Michigan Salvage Vehicle...........................................................................5
Dismantling a Vehicle ........................................................................................................5
9-1.2 Violations
Classification........................................................................................................ 1
9-2.2 Records
9-3.1 Salvage
9-3.2 Scrap
Inspection .......................................................................................................... 2
Titles .................................................................................................................. 2
Titles ...................................................................................................................... 2
Buying Vehicles in Michigan .......................................................................................... 3
Selling Vehicles in Michigan .......................................................................................... 4
Vehicles Returning to Michigan...................................................................................... 5
Surrendering the Title Document .................................................................................... 5
9-6.2 Procedures
FORMS AND PUBLICATIONS ........................................................................................................................ 1
The Michigan Department of State licenses and regulates motor vehicle dealers. This Dealer
Manual provides information about requirements under the Michigan Vehicle Code
(Public Act 300 of 1949, as amended) in an easy-to-follow format. It is also designed to instruct
dealers about how to complete certain types of documents and about the proper maintenance of
dealer records.
All vehicle dealers are expected to be familiar with the laws and regulations that govern their
businesses. If you have a question, check this manual first.
Dealers should review the Dealer Manual and familiarize their staff with its contents and layout.
The chapters and sections of the Dealer Manual are arranged by topic. The information in this
Dealer Manual is not protected by copyright, and may be reproduced in part or in whole, as
Changes in law or policy may require periodic updates to the Dealer Manual. Revised chapters
are no longer mailed to licensees, but will be placed on the Michigan Department of State's Web
site (www.Michigan.gov/sos) with revision dates for comparison. Any corresponding chapters
in your Dealer Manual having dates that do not match the revision dates should be removed and
replaced.
Issues that significantly impact dealers and their businesses are typically announced in Dealer
Bulletins and Dealer Newsletters. These resources are also available online. Please check the
Department of State's Web site frequently to ensure your dealer resources are up to date.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If a conflict appears between the language of this manual and the
language of Michigan law, the law will prevail. Please refer to specific statute or consult an
attorney if any conflict is perceived or encountered. The Michigan Vehicle Code can be
accessed online at www.michiganlegislature.org
Because of space limitations, the Dealer Manual only highlights basic requirements for
Michigan dealers. It does not attempt to identify or explain every requirement of applicable
law, rule or policy.
IMPORTANT TELEPHONE
Attorney General, Michigan Department of
Consumer Protection Division ........................................... (517) 373-1140 or (877) 765-8388
Auto Theft Hotline ...............................................................................................(800) 242-HEAT
Environmental Quality, Michigan Department of
Environmental Assistance ................................................................................ (800) 662-9278
Labor and Economic Growth, Michigan Department of
Bureau of Construction Codes, Building Division (manufactured housing) ... (517) 241-9313
Corporations Division ...................................................................................... (517) 241-6470
Office of Financial & Insurance Regulation (insurance, installment sales)..... (877) 999-6442
Workers' Compensation................................................................................... (888) 396-5041
Natural Resources, Michigan Department of
Parks and Recreation (Off-Road Vehicle information).................................... (517) 373-9900
State, Michigan Department of (Bureau of Regulatory Services)
Business Licensing and Regulation Division/Licensing Unit.......................(888) SOS-MICH
Fax............................................................................................................. (517) 335-2810
• Dealer Licenses and Renewals
• Dealer Plates (replacement, issuing, canceling)
• Dealer Surety Bonds and Fleet Insurance
• Mechanic Licensing and Testing
• Repair Facility Registration
Complaint Investigation Unit ........................................................................(888) SOS-MICH
• Consumer Complaints
• Curbstoner Referrals (unlicensed dealers)
• VIN replacement/assembled vehicles
Dealer and Repair Resource Section ................................................................ (517) 373-6993
• Dealer Manual and Repair Facility Manual
• Licensee Training Classes
Revised July 2006
State, Michigan Department of (continued)
Department of State Information Center .......................................................(888) SOS-MICH
• Branch Office Issues
• Plate Fee Calculation
• Resale Title Processing
Electronic Funds Transfer ................................................................................ (517) 322-1728
Garage Keeper's Lien....................................................................................... (517) 322-1473
Record Look-up Unit (vehicle histories).......................................................... (517) 322-1624
Repossessor's License ...................................................................................(888) SOS-MICH
Titles by Mail ................................................................................................... (517) 322-1473
Watercraft, ORVs, and snowmobiles ............................................................(888) SOS-MICH
Treasury, Michigan Department of
Sales, Use and Withholding Taxes Division .................................................... (517) 636-4230
• Sales Tax Exemptions
• Sales Tax Reciprocity (with other states)
• Sales Tax for Watercraft, ORVs, snowmobiles
Auto Safety Hotline (NHTSA)......................................................................... (888) 327-4236
Customs (imports) ............................................................................................ (313) 442-0368
Federal Trade Commission (window stickers)................................................. (202) 326-2222
LICENSING OF DEALERS
1-1.1 Authorization. Section 248 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.248) provides that
any person, partnership, or corporation engaging in business as any type of vehicle dealer in
Michigan m ust be licensed by the Michigan Depa rtment of State. The Bureau of Regulatory
Services oversees this licensing activity. Other auto-related businesses, such as m otor vehicle
repair facilities and automotive mechanics, are also licensed by the Department of State.
The Michigan Departm ent of State licenses ten cl assifications of dealer s, including new vehicle
dealers, used vehicle dealers, vehicle brokers, wholesalers and various types of salvage and scrap
dealers. Applicants m ust com plete a form AR-0032, Original Vehicle Dealer License
Application, to apply for a dealer license.
1-1.2 License Expiration. Dealer licenses expire each Decem ber 31 and m ust be renewed
annually. Form AR-0033, Vehicle Dealer License Renewal Application, is mailed to the dealer's
licensed location each Septem ber. This license renewal application m ust be com pleted and
returned with the required fee to the Bureau of Regulatory Services before November 1.
1-1.3 Unrenew ed License. After Decem ber 31 of each year , dealers who have not renewed
their licenses cannot operate and m ust reapply on an original vehicle dealer application (AR0032). Secretary of State offices will not accept tr ansactions from dealers whose licenses have
expired.
1-1.4 Trailers. A dealer license is required for the sale of trailers weighing over 2,500 pounds.
A dealer license is required for all trailers or campers that require a certificate of title (e.g., trailer
coaches or pick-up campers).
ESTABLISHED PLACE OF BUSINESS
1-2.1 Authoriz ation. By law, every dealer m ust have and m aintain an established place of
business. This requirem ent is outlined in Section 248 of the
Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL
257.248). The location shown on each dealer' s license is the dealer' s official "established place
of business." Any proposed changes in the dealer ship location must be applied for on form AR0068, Vehicle Dealer License Application Change of Name and/or Change of Address.
Revised June 2006
1-2.2 Established Place of Business Requirem ents for New and Used Vehicle Dealers.
Following are the requirements for licensing of new and used vehicle dealers:
The prem ises m ust contain a perm anently enclosed building or structure either
owned, leased, or rented by a dealer, whic h is not a residence, tent, tem porary
stand, or any temporary quarters;
The building or structure is required to be continuously occupied in good faith for
the purpose of selling, buying, trading, leas ing, or otherwise dealing in m otor
vehicles;
All books, records, and files necessary to conduct the business of a Class A or
Class B dealer must be maintained in the building or structure;
A building or structure housing an office
of at least 150 square feet in size,
equipped with standard office furniture, working utilities, a working restroom, and
a working telephone listed in the name of the business on the dealer's license;
Land space of no less than 1,300 square f eet to accom modate the display of a
minimum of 10 vehicles of th e kind and type that the dealer is licensed to sell and
an additional 650 square feet for custom er parking. The display and custom er
parking areas must be adequately surfaced and well lit during business hours;
An exterior sign displaying the nam e of the dealership that is perm anently affixed
to the building or land with letters clear ly visible from a highway identifies the
premises;
Conspicuous posting of the dealer' s regular hours of operation. The posted hours
must be not less than 30 hours per week;
The prem ises m ust contain a registered re pair f acility on site f or the repair and
servicing of m otor vehicles of a type so ld at the established place of business,
unless the dealer has entered into a writte n servicing agreem ent with a registered
repair facility at a location not to
exceed a distance of 10 m
iles from the
established place of business. If repa irs are conducted pursuant to a servicing
agreement, the servicing agreement must be conspicuously posted in the office;
The premises meet all applicable zoning and municipal requirements.
For specific information on established place of business and other dealer requirements, you may
contact the Bureau of Regulatory Services at 1-888-SOS-MICH (767-6424), or check the
Secretary of State Web site by clicking on "Services to Businesses" at www.Michigan.gov/sos.
1-2.3 Requirements. All classes of dealers must meet the following requirements:
Approval by the Secretary of State;
Occupied by the dealer either continuously or on a regular basis;
Books and records kept there;
A large share of the business transacted there;
Vehicle inventory kept there;
Zoning and municipal approval.
1-2.4 Additional Locations in Same County. A dealer license authorizes the dealer to conduct
business at a principal place of business in a par ticular county. Additional locations in the sam e
county can be licensed as supplem ental locations , at no fee, if the
same activities will be
conducted. If the types of activity differ, a separate dealer license may be required.
1-2.5 Another County. A separate dealer license is required if a dealer sells at retail in another
county or establishes a place of business in another county.
Used vehicle parts dealers (Class C) and autom otive recyclers (Class R) m ust maintain workers'
compensation insurance for em ployees classified as autom obile dism antlers, or else have an
insurance exem ption from the Office of Financ ial and Insurance Regulation. Foreign salvage
vehicle dealers (Class H) m ust m aintain worker s' com pensation insurance as required by their
home states. Other classes of dealers may be required to carry workers' compensation insurance,
but proof of such insurance is not required with th e application for Class A, B, D, E, F, G, or W
dealers (unless also licensed as a Class C or R dealer). Contact the Departm ent of Labor and
Economic Growth at (877) 999-6442 for details.
1-4.1 Requirement. A dealer m ust maintain and post regular business hours and m ust advise
the Michigan Departm ent of State of those hours. A dealer' s business hours are kept on record
with the department.
1-4.2 Business Hours. At a m inimum, new and used vehi cle dealerships m ust be open to the
public for business 30 hours each week.
1-4.3 Change in Business Hours. A dealer must notify the Michigan Department of State if the
dealer's business hours change. There are two ways to notify the department of such a change:
Send or fax a brief letter to the Licensi ng Unit listing the new hours. The address
is: Michigan Departm ent of State, Licensing Unit, Lansing, Michigan, 48918.
The fax is: (517) 335-2810.
Change the pre-printed business hours listed on the dealer' s next license renewal
application. Simply cross off the old hours of business and write in the new hours.
Mail this form to the Licensing Unit at the address above.
1-4.4 Sunday Sales. The Secretary of State m ay deny the a pplication for a license as a dealer,
may refuse to issue a dealer license, or m ay suspend or revoke a license al ready issued if it finds
the applicant or licensee has engaged in the business of buying, selling, trading, or exchanging
new, used, or secondhand m otor vehicles or has offered to buy, sell, trade, or exchange, or
participate in the negotiation thereof, or attem pted to buy, sell, trade, or exchange any m otor
vehicle or interest in any m otor vehicle or a ny written instrum ent pertaining to a m otor vehicle
on a Sunday. Sunday sales are perm itted in counties having population fewer than 130,000
inhabitants according to the latest or each succeeding federal decennial census.
1-5.1 Requirement. All Class A, B, and D dealers are required to m aintain a vehicle dealer
surety bond in the am ount of $10,000. These bonds are used to reim burse purchasers, sellers,
financing agencies, and governm ent agencies fo r m onetary loss caused by any tax deficiency,
fraud, cheating, or misrepresentation in the conduct of the dealer's vehicle business.
1-5.2 License Termination. If a surety bond com pany can cels a dealer' s surety bond, the
dealer's license term inates on the effective date of the bond cancellation. If there is no surety
bond, there is no license. Dealers whose bonds ar e canceled, or who have no bond on file with
the Michigan Departm ent of State, m ust immediately cease operations and cannot sell vehicles,
process RD-108s, or otherwise conduct business.
1-5.3 Authority. Michigan law (MCL 257.248) requires the issuing surety com pany to notify
the Michigan Department of State in advance of any bond cancellation. The Licensing Unit will
notify the dealer by m ail of the cancellation. If the bond has not been replaced or reinstated by
the cancellation date, a second notice is m
ailed advising the dealer the license has been
terminated and all dealer plates m ust be su rrendered. Secretary of State offices and other
interested businesses are then notified that the license is no longer in effect.
New, used, and wholesale vehicle dealers (Class A, B, and W
) are required to m aintain a
minimum of 20/40/10 fleet-type Michigan no-fault vehicle insurance. The insurance certificate
must indicate coverage for either "all-owned vehi cles" or "any vehicle." Dealers m ust keep a
copy of the proof of insurance in each vehicle that leaves the lot, including test drives.
DEALERSHIP CHANGES
1-7.1 Requirements. Changes in ownership, officers,
location, business hours, type of
business, franchise status, and dealer classifi
cations are exam ples of changes that require
notification or approval by the Michigan Department of State.
1-7.2 Application. A dealer m ust com plete and subm it an original application f or a license
(form AR-0032) or a special application (form AR-0068), Vehicle Dealer License Application
Change of Name and/or Change of Address, to request a change.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR CHANGE OF BUSINESS NAME
1-8.1 Postal Changes. If a dealer' s business address is changed by the Post Office but the
dealership has not m oved, the dealer m ust submits a copy of the postal notice to the Licensing
1-8.2 Move w ithin Same County. W hen a dealer m oves to a new location within the sam e
county, the dealer must complete form AR-0068, Vehicle Dealer License Application Change of
Name and/or Change of Address, which is available from the Licensing Unit or online at
www.Michigan.gov/sos under "Services to Businesses." Change of address riders for the surety
bond and fleet insurance are required. The dealer must include municipal and zoning approvals
for the new location.
1-8.3 Move from One County to Another. When a dealer moves to a new location in another
county, the dealer must contact the Licensing Unit to request form AR-0068. Change of address
riders for the surety bond and fleet insurance are required. Sole proprietorships and partnerships
must provide a copy of the assum ed nam e filing in the new county. The dealer m ust include
municipal and zoning approvals for the new location.
1-8.4 Change of Name. W hen a dealership changes its nam e, the dealer m ust contact the
Licensing Unit to request form AR-0068. Change of name riders for the surety bond and fleet
insurance are required from the dealer.
1-9.1 Requirement. All changes in the ownership of a dealership must be reported in writing to
the Licensing Unit. Contact the Licensing Unit or go online at www.Michigan.gov/sos under
"Services to Businesses" for form AR-0069, Dealer Corporate Officer Change Application.
1-9.2 Corporations. Deleting an officer's nam
e from a dealer license requires
notification. The dealership must submit to the Licensing Unit either of the following:
A written statement, signed by the person whose name is being rem oved from the
license, requesting the removal; or,
A certification signed by a corporate officer authorized to act on behalf of the
corporation requesting that the person's name be removed from the dealer license.
To add an officer's nam e to the license, th e applicant needs to com plete form AR-0069, Dealer
Corporate Officer Change Application, including a fingerprint card. The name can be added to
the license only after an investigation of the applicant's background has been conducted.
1-9.3 Partnerships. Written notification to the Licensing Unit is required whenever nam es are
added to or deleted from a dealer license. A new dealer license is needed in certain cases.
a) Adding a Name. To add a partner to the license, the dealer m ust com plete an
application, including a fingerprint card for the new person. Riders for the surety
bond are required. The nam e may be adde d only after the Michigan Departm ent
of State has conducted an investigation of the applicant's background.
Deleting a Name. To delete a partner's nam e fr om the license, the dealer m ust
submit a statem ent, signed by the person w hose name is being rem oved from the
license, requesting the rem oval, or a certification signed by another partner.
Riders for the surety bond are required.
1-9.4 Limited Liability Companies. W ritten notif ication to the Licensing Unit is required
when a managing member is added or deleted from a dealer license.
Adding a Name. Adding a m ember's name to the license requires the dealer to
complete form AR-0069, Dealer Corporate Officer Change Application, including
a fingerprint card. The nam e may be added to the license only after the Michigan
Department of State has conducted an investigation of the applicant's background.
Deleting a Name. Deleting a m ember's nam e from the license requires a
statement, signed by the person whose nam e is being rem oved from the license,
requesting the removal, or a certification signed by another managing member.
1-9.5 Individual Ow nership. W hen a sole owner incorporat es a dealership or transfers
ownership to another person or entity, a new dealer license application is needed. An individual
owner can add or delete a husband or wife by am ending the current license. A copy of the new
assumed nam e filed with the county m ust be subm itted to the Michigan Departm ent of State.
Riders for the surety bond are required. The dealer license number will not change in this case.
ADDITIONAL SALES LOCATIONS
1-10.1 Supplemental Locations. A supplem ental location is a licensed, approved place of
business located within the same county as the dealer's primary established place of business and
is in addition to the primary business location. The business activities at a supplemental location
must be the same as those conducted at the primary location.
To apply for a supplem ental location license, the dealer com pletes form AR-0066, Vehicle
Dealer Supplemental Location License Application, available from the Licensing Unit or online
at www.Michigan.gov/sos under "Services to Bu
sinesses." A dealer m ay have as m any
supplemental locations as desired, but each
location m ust qualify and be licensed by the
Michigan Department of State. There is no fee to add a supplemental location.
1-10.2 Temporary Sales Locations. A dealer m ay hold a tem porary sale at a location away
from the established place of business within the county of licensure. This m ay include a "tent
sale," an auto show, or a sim ilar event during which vehicles m ay be displayed or sold for a
specified length of tim e. Form AR-0066, Vehicle Dealer Supplemental Location License
Application, is required. A Michigan Vehicle Dealer Closeout Statement (Temporary Location)
form is also needed. The Close-Out Statem ent will be used to cancel the supplem ental license
once the temporary sale is over. Approval for temporary sales cannot be given without a CloseOut Statement.
Restriction: No temporary sales locations are permitted outside the dealer's county of licensure.
NOTE: Dealer plates are not issued for temporary sales locations.
1-10.3 Temporary Sales Locations – RV Dealers. Licensed RV dealers are not required to
obtain a supplemental license to deal in motor homes, trailer coaches, trailers, or pickup campers
at a recreational vehicle show if all of the following apply:
The dealer is licensed as a new or used vehicle dealer (Class A or B); and,
The duration of the recreational vehicle show is not more than 14 days; and,
Not less than 14 days before the beginning date of the recreational vehicle show,
the show producer subm its a Recreational Vehicle Show application form to the
following address: Michigan Departm ent of State, Licensing Unit, Lansing,
Michigan, 48918.
The form may be faxed to the Licensing Unit at (517) 335-2810. A copy of the form is available
online at www.Michigan.gov/sos (click on "Services to Businesses" and follow the link to
"Publications and Forms").
1-11.1 Requirements. W hen closing a dealership, incl uding a supplem ental location, a dealer
must complete a Vehicle Dealer Close-Out Statement. The dealer m ust return the wall license,
dealer plates, and unused tem porary registrations to any Secretary of State office or they can be
mailed to the Licensing Unit.
1-11.2 Vehicles in Inventory. Dealers who do not dispose of inventory before going out of
business may be left with inventory that cannot be transferred without a dealer license. There is
a rebuttable presum ption that anyone who sells five or m ore vehicles in a 12-m onth period
without a dealer license is operating as an un licensed dealer and adm inistrative fines m ay be
assessed.
Any vehicles owned at the tim e of closing must be titled in the dealer' s name and sales tax paid.
When closing only a supplemental location, vehicles left in inventory can be either transferred to
the main location or to another supplemental location.
EFT TRANSACTIONS
As a general rule, dealers are not lim ited to processing RD-108s and purchasing BFS-4 15-day
permits at designated Secretary of State offices. Only dealers who use electronic funds transfer
(EFT) must select up to three Secretary of State offices to process EFT transactions.
DEALER CLASSIFICATIONS
1-13.1 Requirements. A dealer license m ay be issued in one or m ore classifications (classes)
depending on the business activities of the dealer. Michigan law imposes different requirements
upon different classes of dealers, and not all cl assifications are "com patible." The following
descriptions indicate what activities each dealer class allows and which classes are compatible.
NOTE: A dealer license number begins with a letter. The letter represents the dealer's
"primary" (first in the alphabet) class. Additional classes are referred to as "alternate
classes." This means if you are licensed in Classes "A", "B", and "C", your dealer license
number will begin with an "A" (for example, your number could be A009999) and your
alternate class codes will be "B" and "C". The license number alone may not show all license
classes a dealer has, but the wall license will show all class information by describing all
authorized activities.
1-13.2 Class A (New Vehicle Dealer). A licensed new vehicle dealer buys and sells new
vehicles under a franchise agreem ent or contract with the m anufacturer of the new vehicle. A
Class A license is compatible with B, C, and E, or B, E, and R classes described below.
As a general rule, Michigan law prohibits manufacturers, importers, and distributors from selling
a m otor vehicle directly to a retail custom er, ot her than through franchised dealers. If m ore
specific information is required, please refer to MCL 445.1574. See the Michigan Legislature
Web site at the following address: www.michiganlegislature.org/
1-13.3 Class B (Used Vehicle Dealer). A Class B dealer buys and sells used vehicles. A Class
B license is compatible with A, C, and E, or A, E, and R classes.
1-13.4 Class C (Used Ve hicle Parts Dealer). A Class C dealer buys or otherwise acquires late
model major component parts (see Chapter 5) for resa le, either at wholesale or at retail. A Class
C dealer can acquire whole vehicles to dism antle them for the resale of their parts, selling the
remains as scrap. Class C and Foreign Salv age Vehicle Dealers (Class H) and Autom otive
Recyclers (Class R) are the only classes which can buy late model distressed vehicles (salvage or
scrap vehicles) or late m odel m ajor com ponent parts through Michigan auctions, brokers, or
salvage pools. Insurance companies may sell directly to Scrap Metal Processors (Class F).
NOTE: A Class C dealer can only be represented at an auction, broker or salvage pool by its
licensed Salvage Vehicle Agent (see Section 1-13.11).
Authorization. A Class C license is com patible with A, B, and E, or E and F or
W classes. Class C is not compatible with D, G, H, or R classes.
Selling Whole Vehicles. A Class C dealer may sell a whole vehicle as follows:
The vehicle is sold to a Scrap Metal Processor (Class F); or,
The Class C dealer applies f or a scrap title and sells the unit by assigning the
scrap title to another Class C dealer, or to a Class H or Class R dealer. If the
scrap title to the vehicle has been assigne d to the Class C dealer in the f irst
assignment space of the scrap title, th
e unit m ay be sold and the title
reassigned only to a Class F Dealer. Class C, H, or R dealers m ay sell scraptitled vehicles on a bill of sale with a disclosure statement that the scrap-titled
vehicle is being sold "for parts only."
The word "scrapped" or "junked"
must be written on the face of the title and the title m ailed to the Michigan
Department of State, Bureau of Dr iver and Vehicle Records, Conversion
Unit, Lansing, Michigan 48918; or,
The Class C dealer is also licensed as a Class B Used Vehicle Dealer.
1-13.5 Class D (Broker). A broker is a dealer who, for co mpensation, brings a buyer and seller
together, negotiates the term s of a transaction, or displays a vehicle offered for sale. In the
broker's role regarding the sale, purchase, lease or exchange of vehicles or salvageable parts, the
broker does not have title or other legal interest in the vehicle or salvageable part. A person who
conducts a vehicle auction is a type of broker and requires a Class D license.
Authorization. The Class D license is compatible only with Class G.
b) Prohibited Practices. A broker cannot acquire ownership of vehicles or their
major component parts.
Restrictions. Brokers have restrictions in se lling late m odel distressed vehicles.
A broker, salvage pool or auction m ay se ll, transfer, or release a late m odel
distressed vehicle, salvage vehicle, scrap vehicle, or salvageable part only to:
The vehicle's former owner; or,
A licensed Salvage Vehicle Agent repr esenting a Used Vehicle Parts Dealer
(Class C), a Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealer (Class H), or an Autom
otive
Recycler (Class R).
1-13.6 Class E (Distresse d Vehicle Transporter). A Class E dealer m ay buy, transport, and
sell vehicles only to a (Class C) Used Vehicle Parts Dealer; (Class F) Scrap Metal Processor; or
(Class R) Automotive Recycler.
Authorization. A Class E license is com patible with A, B, and C, or C and F, or
A, B, and R, or F and R classes.
Restriction. Class E dealers CANNOT sell pa
rts or dism antle vehicles.
Transporters may only rem ove gas tanks, ba tteries, radiators, tires, and wheels to
sell as scrap or to make the vehicle acceptable to the scrap metal processor.
1-13.7 Class F (Vehicle Scrap Metal Processor). A Class F dealer pr ocesses vehicles into
scrap m etal by shredding, shearing, fragm enting, ba ling, or sim ilar m eans. Crushing is not
considered a scrap metal process since it is not the final step before re-melting.
Authorization. A Class F license is compatible with C and E, or E and R classes.
Exception. A scrap m etal processor who ac quires vehicles exclusively from
licensed dealers is not required to be li censed, but m ust keep certain records and
make them available for inspection
by Michigan Departm ent of State
representatives and law enforcement officers.
1-13.8 Class G (Vehicle Salvage Pool). A Class G dealer stores and displays dam aged or
distressed vehicles for insurance com panies and cannot have title or other legal interest in the
vehicle.
Authorization. A Class G license is compatible only with Class D.
Restrictions. Salvage pools cannot sell vehicles to repair facilities. The salvage
pool, like auctions and brokers, can only se
ll, transfer or release late m odel
distressed vehicles, salvage or scrap vehicles and late m
odel m ajor com ponent
parts to one of the following:
The vehicle's former owner; or,
1-13.9 Class H (Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealer). A Class H dealer is licensed in another
state and is engaged in this state in the busin ess of purchasing, selling, or otherwise dealing on a
wholesale basis in salvageable parts or late m odel distressed vehicles. This dealer buys or
otherwise acquires late m odel m ajor com ponent parts (see Chapter 5) for resale, either at
wholesale or at retail. The dealer m ay also acquire whole vehicles to dism antle for the resale of
parts, selling the remainder as scrap.
In addition to the Used Vehicle Parts Dealer (Class C) and the Autom otive Recycler (Class R),
this is the only other dealer classification whic h can legally buy late m odel distressed vehicles
(salvage or scrap vehicles) or late m odel major component parts from insurance com panies, or
through auctions, brokers, or salvage pools in Michigan.
Authorization. A Class H license is not com patible with any other Michigan
vehicle dealer license. The foreign salvage vehicle dealer must also be licensed in
their home state as a salvage dealer in vehicles or parts.
Restrictions. A Class H dealer can only buy or sell late m odel distressed vehicles
or late m odel m ajor com ponent parts at Michigan auctions, brokers, or salvage
pools when represented by its licensed Salv age Vehicle Agent. A salvage vehicle
agent license is not necessary when dealing at other dealerships in Michigan,
provided the activity is wholesale only.
1-13.10 Class R (Automotive Recycler). This dealer buys or otherwise acquires late m odel
major com ponent parts (see Chapter 5) for resale, e ither at wholesale or at retail. This dealer
may acquire whole vehicles to dism antle them for the resale of their parts, selling the rem ains as
scrap. In addition to the Foreign Salvage Vehicl e Dealer (Class H) and the Used Vehicle Parts
Dealer (Class C), this is the only other dealer classification which can legally buy late m odel
distressed vehicles (salvage or scrap vehicles ) or late m odel m ajor com ponent parts through
auctions, brokers, or salvage pools in Michigan. Insurance companies may sell directly to Scrap
Metal Processors (Class F).
NOTE: A Class R dealer can only be represented at an auction, broker, or salvage pool by its
Authorization. A Class R license is com patible with A, B, and E, or E and F or
W classes. Class R is not compatible with C, D, G, or H classes.
Selling Whole Vehicles. A Class R dealer can se
ll a whole vehicle only as
The Class R dealer applies f or a scrap title and sells the unit by assigning the
scrap title to another Class R dealer, or to a Class C or Class H dealer. If the
scrap title has been assigned to the Cl ass R dealer in the f irst assignm ent
space of the scrap title, the unit m ay be sold and the title reassigned only to a
Class F Dealer. Class C, H, or R d ealers may sell scrap-titled vehicles on a
bill of sale with a disclosure statem ent that the scrap-titled vehicle is being
sold "for parts only." The word "scr apped" or "junked" m ust be written on
the face of the title and the title mailed to the Michigan Departm ent of State,
Bureau of Driver and Vehicle Records, Conversion Unit, Lansing, Michigan
48918. Under no circumstances will the scrap title be given to the purchaser;
The Class R dealer is also licensed as a Class B Used Vehicle Dealer.
1-13.11 Salvage Vehicle Agent License. Michigan law requires any person in the business of
buying, selling, or dealing in late m
odel distre ssed vehicles (including salvage and scrap
vehicles) or salvageable parts through an aucti on, broker, or salvage pool to be licensed as a
Class C, H, or R dealer and be represented by a licensed Salvage Vehicle Agent.
a) Authoriz ation. To qualify for a license as a Salvage Vehicle Agent, a person
must be the owner or an employee of one of the following dealers:
A Used Vehicle Parts Dealer (Class C); or,
A Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealer (Class H); or,
An Automotive Recycler (Class R).
NOTE: A Class C, H or R dealership cannot have more than two licensed salvage
vehicle agents at one time.
Notification Approval. The dealer subm its form AR-0188, Original Salvage
Agent License Application. Upon approval, the agent will receive an authorization
letter with instructions on how to obtai n a photo identification card. The agent
must prominently display the card when attending salvage pools or auctions where
vehicles with salvage or scrap titles are being sold.
Agent Changes. If any of the agent' s information changes or the agent loses his
or her photo identification card, the dealer m ust subm it form AR-0191, Salvage
Vehicle Agent Application for Corrected or Duplicate License. If the dealer hires
a new salvage agent, the dealer subm its an original application for a salvage
vehicle agent license and surrenders the license of the old agent.
1-13.12 Class W (Wholesaler Vehicle License).
A wholesaler engages in the business of
buying and selling used vehicles from and to licensed vehicle dealers. The Class W license is
compatible with a Class C or Class R license. Wholesalers cannot buy, sell or otherwise deal
in vehicles to a person other than a licensed vehicle dealer.
DEALER PLATES
1-14.1 Authorization. Michigan law perm its the use of dealer plates for specific purposes and
prohibits other uses. Every Class A and Class B dealer m ust purchase at least two dealer plates.
Dealer plates are available for wholesale dealers (Class W).
1-14.2 Proper Use. Employees, servants, or agents of a dealer m ay operate a vehicle owned by
a dealer for any purpose, provided that the vehi cle is not a "service vehicle." This group of
permissive users includes the dealer, full- and
part-time em ployees, and authorized agents.
There is no time limit on the use of a vehicle with a dealer plate operated by these persons. The
Michigan Vehicle Code provides for the proper use of dealer plates on vehicles, including:
Dealer-owned vehicles being driven to a nd from repair facilities, storage lots, and
other locations where vehicles are being held prior to sale;
Dealer-owned vehicles being m oved to locations where they m ay be bought or
sold;
Dealer-owned vehicles driven by em ployees, servants, or agents of the dealership
for any use except as a service vehicle;
Dealer-owned vehicles m ay be driven by a prospective custom er of a dealership
for testing or demonstration purposes for up to 72 hours; and
A person who has purchased a vehicle from a dealership m ay operate the vehicle
with a dealer plate for up to 72 hours after taking delivery of the vehicle.
Any tim e a vehicle leaves a dealer's lot on a dealer plate, for law enforcem
following should be in the vehicle:
ent purposes, the
New Vehicle:
Ownership document (could be a manufacturer's invoice or MCO/MSO).
Proof of insurance (copy of fleet insurance).
Written authorization to drive the vehicle.
Used Vehicle:
Ownership document (copy of incoming title reassigned to dealer).
1-14.3 Improper Use. Section 244 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.244) prohibits the
use of dealer plates in the following circumstances:
On vehicles not owned by the dealership except a vehicle sold to a custom er not
more than 72 hours after taking delivery;
On vehicles used as service vehicles or wreckers;
On vehicles owned by the dealership when operated by a person who is not the
dealer, the dealer's employee or agent, or a prospective purchaser; and
On vehicles titled as scrap or salvage unless the salvage-titled vehicle has been
inspected and recertified by a specially trained police officer.
NOTE: Service vehicles include courtesy cars, loaners, rental/lease units and vehicles used for
obtaining parts, or to transport monies and documents to banks and Secretary of State offices,
etc. Service vehicles must be registered like regular vehicles.
1-14.4 Sanctions. The following are penalties for improper use of dealer plates:
Administrative Action. The Michigan Departm
ent of State m
ay take
administrative action against the dealer's license, limit the dealer's plate allotment,
Tax Consequences. Under Michigan' s sales and use tax laws, use tax is due
whenever a vehicle is rem oved from inve ntory and is operated for reasons other
than testing or dem onstration. Such vehicles are titled in the nam
e of the
dealership. Use tax accom panies the dealer's regular tax return, unless sales tax is
paid at the time of titling.
Civil or Criminal Consequences.
The courts m ay hold dealers liable for
associated civil or criminal violations. It is ultimately the courts' decision whether
or not citations are justified in cases of improper dealer plate use.
1-14.5 Dealer Plate Frames. License plate fram es cannot block or partially block registration
information imprinted on the dealer plate.
1-14.6 Loss of Plate. A dealer who loses a dealer plate m ust immediately report its loss to the
Licensing Unit. Replacem ent plates may be requested at the same time. There is a replacem ent
fee of $5.00 per plate. An application form AR-0036, Additional/Replacement Dealer Plates, is
available on the www.Michigan.gov/sos Web site.
1-14.7 Tracking Dealer Plates. Dealers are rem inded to be aware of where their dealer plates
are being used throughout the dealership and to pe riodically audit dealer plates to ensure that
none have been lost or stolen. Lost or stol en plates can be replaced by com pleting form AR0036, Application for Additional/Replacement Dealer Plates.
1-14.8 Destroying Expired Dealer Plates. Upon receipt of your new dealer plate shipm ent in
February, physically destroy and dispose of the dealer plates which are due to expire on February
28. This can be accom plished by either bending th e plates in half and depositing the destroyed
plates in the trash, bending in half and recycling th e metal, or taking the plates to a Secretary of
State office and asking that the plates be destroye d. This prevents unauthorized use of the plates
that were previously assigned to your dealership.
REPAIR FACILITY SERVICE
Class A and Class B dealers are requi red to have a registered repair f acility on site for the repair
and servicing of m otor vehicles of a type sold at the established place of business, unless the
dealer has entered into a written servicing agreement with a registered repair facility at a location
not to exceed a distance of 10 miles from the established place of business. Dealers may either:
Register as a repair facility by subm itting form AR-0012, Motor Vehicle Repair
Facility Registration Application, or have a current repair facility registration; or,
Enter into a servicing agreem ent with a re gistered repair f acility at a location not
to exceed a distance of 10 m iles from th e established place of business. The
agreement must contain the repair f acility's Michigan registration num ber and be
signed by the owner of the repair f acility. A sam ple agreement form is enclosed
with form AR-0032, Original Vehicle Dealer License Application. If repairs are
conducted pursuant to a servicing agreem ent, the servicing agreem ent shall be
conspicuously posted in the office.
The premises meet all applicable zoning requirements and municipal requirements.
ORIGINAL VEHICLE DEALER APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS CHART
ALL CLASSES NEED THE FOLLOWING:
Original Application
Assumed Name and/or Corporate Filing
Class Code
Copy of
Franchise or
Repair Facility
Registration or
License Fee
$10,000 Vehicle
Dealer Surety
Required only
if parts installed
CLASS E
CLASS F
CLASS G
CLASS H
CLASS R
CLASS W
ALL DEALER LICENSES EXPIRE DECEMBER 31.
REQUIRED RECORDS
2-1.1 Records Requirement. Section 251 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.251)
requires vehicle dealers to make and keep certain records concerning vehicle sales transactions.
A dealer must maintain records in a manner prescribed by the secretary of state of each vehicle
that is bought, sold, leased, or exchanged by the dealer or received or accepted by the dealer for
sale, lease, or exchange. Records must be available for inspection by law enforcement and
Michigan Department of State investigators.
2-1.2 Reporting Requirements. Dealer records must be maintained and available for five
The paper copy must be printed in a format similar to the entries found in a bound Police Book.
The stock number is listed first with all other fields either following or indented under the stock
number. The paper copy may be printed on any size paper but it must be printed in at least 10
characters-per-inch type, have no more than six horizontal lines per inch, and have at least onehalf inch margins at the top, bottom, and sides.
Each record must contain a "remarks" area for dealers to keep miscellaneous information about
the vehicle. For example, remarks can include the name of the auction where the vehicle was
purchased, if the title is branded, if the vehicle was purchased for parts only, etc.
2-1.3 Electronic Records. Dealers who choose to keep electronic records must make certain
their software meets the requirements for electronic record keeping. The Department of State
will not test, evaluate, or recommend software. Dealers who choose to keep electronic records
must be prepared to print a paper copy of the records if requested by law enforcement or
Exception: A dealer must maintain, in a bound volume, a separate record of each late model
distressed vehicle bought, sold, exchanged, accepted or otherwise acquired by the dealer for the
purpose of sale, exchange, wrecking, or storage. The record must include the make, model year,
and body style of each vehicle.
Revised October 2010
2-1.4 Class A Dealers. The following records must be maintained, depending on the activities
in which the dealer engages:
Titles or other ownership documents (TR-42, TR-52L, BDVR-141, TR-208, etc.);
Copies of front and back of conforming titles for odometer disclosure;
Copies of separate odometer disclosure statements used with manufacturer's
certificates of origin (MCO) containing non-conforming odometer disclosure
statements, or new vehicle sales with electronic/paperless manufacturer's
certificates of origin;
Copies of purchase agreements;
Copies of installment sales or lease contracts;
Copies of processed RD-108s and RD-108Ls;
Copies of salvage disclosure statements;
Police Book or washout system;
Copies of Application for Original Michigan Salvage Title or Scrap Title forms
(TR-12);
Copies of Salvage Vehicle Recertification Inspection forms (TR-13A, TR-13B);
Copies of temporary registrations and a separate log of temporary registrations;
Copies of Major Component Parts Record (SOS-426);
m) Copies of Broker Fee Agreements and Broker Purchase Agreements.
2-1.5 Class B Dealers. The following records must be maintained, depending on the activities
Title or other ownership documents (TR-42, TR-52L, BDVR-141, TR-208, etc.);
Copies of finance contracts;
Copies of Broker Fee Agreements and Broker Purchase Agreements.
2-1.6 Class C and Class R Dealers. The following records must be maintained, depending on
the activities in which the dealer engages:
Police Book;
Copies of Scrap Vehicle Inventory forms (TR-9);
Copies of bills of sale or receipts for parts sales;
2-1.7 Class D and Class G Dealers. The following records must be maintained, depending on
the activities in which the dealer engages. For more detailed information, see Chapter 6, Broker
Copies of Broker Fee Agreements;
Copies of Broker Purchase Agreements;
Copies of RD-108s and RD-108Ls for retail sales;
Copies of temporary registrations and a separate log of temporary registrations.
2-1.8 Class E Dealers. The following records must be maintained, depending on the activities
Police Book ;
2-1.9 Class F Dealers. The following records must be maintained, depending on the activities
a) Copies of Scrap Vehicle Inventory forms (TR-9) as they have come in from licensed
dealers;
Copies of reassigned vehicle titles, both front and back;
Police Book.
2-1.10 Class H Dealers. The following records must be maintained, depending on the activities
Copies of Major Component Parts Records (SOS-426);
Copies of bills of sale or receipts for parts purchased;
Copies of Broker Purchase Agreements.
NOTE 1: Class H dealers are required to present evidence in Michigan that they actually
engage and hold the appropriate license to buy, sell, or otherwise deal in distressed, late model
vehicles or salvageable parts in a foreign state. The Class H dealer must also comply with all
requirements for licensure in their home/foreign state.
NOTE 2: Records must be available for inspection by law enforcement and Michigan
Department of State investigators.
2-1.11 Class W Dealers. The following documents are needed:
Title documents for currently owned vehicles;
Copies of titles wholesaled to other dealers, both front and back;
Copies of scrap vehicle inventory forms (TR-9).
POLICE BOOK
2-2.1 Description. A Police Book may be a bound volume or an electronic record containing a
complete bought-and-sold record (see example on page 7) for each vehicle handled by a dealer.
The bound Police Book must be completed in ink. Correction tape or fluid cannot be used in a
Police Book and information cannot be scribbled out. A single line is used to cross information
out and the correct information can be written in above, below or beside the incorrect
information. Police Books can be purchased at office supply stores or printing companies.
2-2.2 Use. When a dealer buys or acquires a vehicle certain information must be entered into
the Police Book or washout system. The following information is required:
Name and address of the person from whom the vehicle was acquired (not the
name of the auction). The selling dealer's license number, if applicable;
Date the dealer purchased or acquired the vehicle;
Stock or inventory number assigned by the dealer;
Title number (does not apply to new vehicles). If the title is not yet available,
leave the space blank. The vehicle may not be offered for sale until the dealer
possesses a properly assigned title or other ownership document;
If the vehicle does not have a Michigan title, the state or country issuing the title;
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN);
Description of the vehicle (year, make, body style, color, etc.);
If the vehicle was purchased or sold through a dealer or broker, the dealer license
number;
Whether the vehicle has a salvage or scrap title;
Buyer's name and address; and,
Date of sale.
Used Vehicle Parts Dealers (Class C), Scrap Metal Processors (Class F), Foreign Salvage
Vehicle Dealers (Class H), and Automotive Recyclers (Class R) must also record the vehicle's
color with the vehicle description information.
Class C, H and R dealers must also maintain their Major Component Parts Record (SOS-426) in
their Police Book or as an attachment. Dealers may link the Major Component Parts Record
(SOS-426) as an electronic sub-record to the Police Book using a common number or "key
word" such as the vehicle identification number or stock number.
NOTE: Michigan's Truth-in-Brokering Act requires that if the vehicle is purchased, sold,
leased, or exchanged through a broker, the Police Book must include the broker's name and
dealer license number and the amount of the broker's fee, commission, compensation, or other
valuable consideration paid by the purchaser or lessee or paid by the dealer, or both. (See
Chapter 6 – Broker Requirements for additional information).
2-2.4 Dismantled Vehicle Requirements. When a vehicle or its remaining parts is sold or
delivered after dismantling, the following information must be recorded in the Police Book:
Name and address of buyer;
Date of sale or date of delivery of the vehicle to the buyer;
Date the title was mailed or surrendered to the Department if the vehicle was sold
to a scrap metal processor;
Title number of the title transferred to the buyer if it is not the same title received
from the seller. (Example: the dealer applied for a salvage title or resale title
before selling the vehicle.)
2-2.5 Labels. The Police Book may be completed using computer-generated labels that are
permanently affixed to the book. The labels must contain all required information and be made
with a "tamper proof" adhesive.
WASHOUT SYSTEM
2-3.1 Restrictions. A washout system (see example on page 8) is a record keeping format
approved for Class A, New Vehicle and Class B, Used Vehicle dealers only. It must contain the
same information as a Police Book; see Section 2-2.2.
Class A and B vehicle dealers may also choose to keep this information in an electronic format.
Dealers who choose to keep electronic records must make certain their software meets the
requirements for electronic record keeping.
2-3.2 Use. When using a washout system a stock number is assigned to a vehicle and it's sold,
the trade-in vehicle is given the same stock number, followed by an "A". When the
trade-in vehicle is sold, the next vehicle taken in trade is assigned the same stock number
followed by a "B". When the last vehicle in the chain is sold without a trade-in, the
record is effectively "washed out."
SAMPLE POLICE BOOK PAGE
SAMPLE WASHOUT SYSTEM PAGE
3-1.1 Authority. Section 235 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.235) requires that a
dealer have in imm ediate poss ession a properly assigned certificate of title, with odom eter
information properly completed, for every vehicle acquired by the dealer.
3-1.2 Req uirement. A vehicle m ay not be sold, displayed, or offere d f or s ale in M ichigan
unless the dealership has a properl y assigned title or other owners hip document in its imm ediate
possession. This inclu des veh icles purchas ed from other states whos e laws per mit f inancial
institutions to hold the title until the lien is p aid (i.e., " title-attached" sales). Brokers and
auctions use the Broker Fee Agreement to show authorization to hold the vehicle. See Chapter 6,
Section 6-10 for more information on broker fee agreements.
If the dealer is the las t ass ignee on the ti tle or other ownership docum ent, and no blank
assignment spaces rem ain, the dealer m ust obtain a resale title before displaying o r selling th e
vehicle. See Section 3-11 for more information on resale titles.
NOTE: Odometer laws require that a certificate of title or ownership document be in the
immediate possession of the dealer for every vehicle offered for sale. A photocopy or any other
facsimile cannot be used in lieu of a properly assigned title or ownership document (e.g., MCO,
TR-12, etc.).
3-1.3 Title Possession Exceptions. There are three ex ceptions to th e requirem ent lis ted in
Section 3-1.2 above, as follows:
Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin. Class A dealers are not required to have a
title in possession for a new vehicle havi ng a paper Manufacturer's Certificate of
Origin (MC O) or an electron ic (paperle ss) M CO. However, in the case of a
paperless MCO, the dealer m ust have an invoice or other paper evidencing
ownership on file.
Off-Lease Vehicles. Dealers are p ermitted to s ell off-leas e vehicles without a
certificate of title in the ir immediate possession. See Section 3-4 f or information
on off-lease vehicle transactions.
Manufacturer's Buy Back Vehicles. The Michigan Vehicle Code does not
prohibit a dealer from se lling a bu y back veh icle when th e m anufacturer has
acquired ownership under the m anufacturer's buy back vehicle program, and is
currently holding the certificate of title.
The manufacturer must mail th e title to the dea ler within 5 b usiness day s af ter
receiving a signed statement from the purchaser, acknowledging the purchaser was
informed by the dealer that th e vehicle was bought back under Michigan or other
state's laws.
3-1.4 Proof of Ownership. A proof of ownership may be one of the following:
Certificate of Title;
Salvage Certificate of Title;
Scrap Certificate of Title;
Garage Keeper's Lien form* (TR-42);
Notice of Abandoned Vehicle form* (TR-52);
Certification of Repossession* (TR-10);
Court Order*.
* Note: Requires the dealer to obtain a resale title issued in the dealer's name prior to sale or
display of the vehicle.
3-1.5 Proper Title Assignments. A proper title assignment includes:
Dealer's name and address, printed or typed;
Dealer's license number;
Completed odometer disclosure statement, if applicable;
Signed and printed names of the buyer and seller;
Date of the assignment.
3-2.1 Instructions. A wholesale vehicle tran saction is one in which a vehicle is tran sferred
from one licensed dealer to another, and the purchasing dealer is buying the vehicle for t he
purpose of resale . In wholesale transactions, the selling dealer assigns the title o r MCO to the
purchasing dealer, enters the sale inform ation into the police book, com pletes the odom eter
disclosure, and completes separate salvage disclosure, if applicable. All title assignments must
be dated.
3-2.2 Resale Titles. If all ass ignment spaces o n the ti tle a re a lready f illed, the selling dealer
must apply for a resale title before completing the sale. No tax is due. See Sections 3-1 and 3-11
RETAIL TRANSACTIONS
3-3.1 Authority. Section 257.217 of the Michigan Vehicle Code requires a dealer to apply for
title and registration on the retail purchaser's be half within 15 days of vehicle delivery. The
requirements for completing form RD-108, Michigan Application for Title and Registration, are
outlined in Chapter 7.
3-3.2 Requirements. The dealer must provid e a copy of each document sign ed, at the tim e of
signing, to the person who signed the docum ent. This includes the RD-108 and the front and
back of the title. Written mileage disclosure must be made for nonexempt vehicles. See Chapter
4, Section 4-1 for more information.
Used Vehicles. The od ometer reading for used ve hicles must be disclosed in the
odometer statement of the title assig nment. The dealer must properly reassign the
certificate of title to th e purchaser, including odom eter disclosure, and m ust
present the purchaser with both the front and back of the certificate of title prior to
the time of sale.
New Vehicles. The odom eter reading for new vehi cles must be disclosed in the
MCO assignm ent; or, if the m
anufacturer participa tes in the Departm ent's
electronic MCO program for new vehicles, the dealer m ust disclose the odom eter
reading on a separate odometer statement.
3-3.3 Tran sfer of Interest. W hen interest in a vehicle transfers from a dealer to a purchaser,
the deal er i s required to apply for a title and registration on behalf of the purchas er with in 15
days of vehicle delivery. A transfer of interest in a vehicle occurs when two elements happen:
The purchas er either co mpletes the a ssignment on the ow nership docum ent, or
signs the application for title (RD-108); and,
The purchaser takes delivery of the vehicle.
NOTE: Section 257.217 of the Michigan Vehicle Code requires that application be made within
15 days of the date of delivery. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in late fees
being assessed, and may result in administrative action against the dealer's license.
3-3.4 Assigning Security Interest. Dealers must apply for title and registration in accordance
with the requirements of the Michigan Vehicle Code, regardless of the status of financing.
According to the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation, a finance contract is between the
purchaser and the dealer. Typically, the dealer assigns the Motor Vehicle Installment Sales
Contract to a finance company and then places a lien on the vehicle's title to secure payment.
If the finance company subsequently rejects the loan contract after interest in the vehicle
transfers to the purchaser, it becomes the dealer's responsibility to offer financing to the
purchaser under the same terms (e.g., interest rate, payment schedule, etc.) as the original finance
contract. This may require that the purchaser make the payments directly to the dealer.
If the lienholder rejects the loan and does not finance the vehicle purchase, the dealer may:
1) Obtain the new title from their customer and have a TR-11L correction title processed
showing another lienholder. A termination statement or letter from the lienholder listed on
the original RD-108 is required. The vehicle owner signs the correction title application.
-Or2) Use the steps outlined below if the dealer had their purchaser complete a Notice of
Assignment of Secured Interest in a Vehicle form (TR-210). Dealers may access this form
on the Department's Web site. By completing the form, the purchaser authorizes the dealer
to assume the loan and finance the vehicle as provided under MCL 257.238 if the initial
lienholder listed on the original RD-108 decides not to finance the vehicle.
The following instructions apply:
a) Have the initial lienholder shown on the RD-108 complete a Notice of Rejection of
Vehicle Financing form (TR-209). Lienholders may access this form on the
Department's Web site. The completed form is given to the dealer and serves as a
termination of lien statement.
b) The dealer submits the following to a branch office:
i) TR-11L correction title application naming the dealer as the new lienholder. The
vehicle owner is not required to sign the TR-11L.
ii) A copy of the original RD-108 title application.
ii) The Notice of Rejection of Vehicle Financing form (TR-209),
iii) The Notice of Assignment of Secured Interest in a Vehicle form (TR-210),
(WHICH MUST BE SIGNED BY THE PURCHASER AT THE TIME OF
DELIVERY)
iv) The outstanding title, if available,
v) The $15 title fee.
c) Branch offices process a correction title application showing the dealer as the new
lienholder. The new title is mailed to the vehicle owner unless the vehicle owner signs a
TR-114 Special Mailer authorizing the correction title to be mailed to the dealer.
NOTE: It is a violation of state law to attempt "repossession" of a vehicle after delivery or to
change the terms of the finance contract if a finance company refuses the contract after a spot
delivery. An installment seller's license is required to legally accept more than two payments on
a motor vehicle from a customer.
Requests for installment seller's license applications, and questions regarding finance contracts
and the laws governing them, may be directed to the Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation
at their toll free number, (877) 999-6442.
LEASE BUY BACK TRANSACTIONS
3-4.1 Authority. Public Act 652 of 2002 perm its deal ers to sell off-lease vehicles without
having the vehicle title in their possession. "Off- lease vehicle" means a motor vehicle leased for
a term of more than 30 days that the lessee elects to purchase at the end of the lease term.
3-4.2 Requirements. The Michig an Vehicle Code requir es the lesso r to m ail th e title to the
dealer within 21 days after receiving paym ent for the purchase price of the vehicle and any other
fees and charges due under the term s of the lease. By law, the dealer has 15 days after receiving
the title from the lessor to apply for title and registration on behalf of the purchaser.
3-4.3 Conducting an Off-Le ase Vehicle Transaction. T he Michigan Department of State, in
an effort to assis t dealers with com pliance, has developed the following steps for dealers to use
when sellin g an off-le ase vehic le. The two-stage transa ction tak es into accou nt both the
purchase and delivery dates and th e requirements of the Michigan Vehicle Code governing the
transfer of vehicle ownership.
Stage One – Date of Purchase:
The lessee, electing to purchase a vehi cle that he or she has been leasing ,
generally visits the dealer to arrange for the purchase of the off-lease vehicle.
The dealer completes the RD-108 to record the sale information.
The purchase date is ind icated on the RD-108 in the appropriate sp ace on the
top left-hand side of the document.
The dealer records the p hrase "Off-Lease Purch ase" and the current m ileage
of the vehicle in the Remarks section of the RD-108.
The purchaser signs the RD-108 and is given a copy of the RD-108 and all
other signed documents.
The sale information is entered into the Police Book.
The lessor receives the purchase price and h as 21 days to mail the title to the
Stage Two – Date of Delivery:
When the dealer has received th e title from the lessor, th e lessee vis its the
dealer a second tim e to com plete the transaction. The tit le is properly
assigned to the purchaser, including the odometer statement. The dealer may
not sign the title on behalf of the pur
chaser. See Sectio n 3-8 for more
The dealer enters the delivery date on the RD-108 in the space located under
the purchase date on the top left-hand side of the document.
The dealer enters the current m ileage of the vehi cle in the designated boxes
on the RD-108. The mileage entered on the RD-108's designated m
ileage
section m ust m atch the m ileage en tered on the title 's odo meter state ment,
whether actual, not actual, or exceeds mechanical limits of odometer.
The dealer gives the purchaser a s econd copy of the RD- 108 showing the
delivery date and the mileage at the time of delivery.
Unless the lessor owns and reta ins the license plate on th e vehicle, the plate
remains with the vehicle and is p rocessed without a plate transfer fee, using
the RD-108, into the lessee's name.
The dealer has 15 days to apply to the Secretary of State for the purchas er's
title and registration after the title has been received from the lessor. After 15
days the mandated $15 late fee is assessed.
TITLE ASSIGNMENTS
3-5.1 By Seller. The transfer of interest in a vehicl e occurs when the owner(s) and purchaser(s)
complete and sign the assignm ent on the ownershi p document (title, MCO, etc.) or application
for title (RD-108) and the purchas er takes delivery. All owners whose nam es are shown on the
face of the title m ust sign the title. The seller must com plete the odometer statement on the title
before the sale can be finalized, unless the
vehicle is exem pt from odometer disclosure
NOTE: No further reassignments are allowed once all reassignment spaces have been used on
Michigan or out-of-state titles. If further reassignment space is needed, a resale title must be
obtained. See Chapter 4 for more information.
3-5.2 Errors in Title Reassignments. Dealers cannot erase information, or use correction fluid
or correc tion tape, to correc t erro rs in title r eassignments. The dealer must apply f or a resale
title. To properly cor rect an assign ment error, lineou t the incorre ct inf ormation and enter the
correct information. Attach a completed form TR-34, Certification, explaining the error.
ODOMETER STATEMENTS
3-6.1 Requirements. Dealers must keep co pies of both incom ing and outgoing odom eter
statements for five years. This includes copies of the both the front and back of titles.
3-6.2 Conforming vs. Nonconforming Titles. Refer to Chapter 4, Odometer Requirements.
3-7.1 Disclosure Requirement
– Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle.
Salvage Vehicle Records
Administrative Rule 3 (R 257.253), prom ulgated under authority of the Michigan Vehicle Code,
requires certain docum entation in th e sa le of a rebu ilt sa lvage veh icle. Bef ore s elling a late
model salvage vehicle that has been repaired, inspected, and recertified by a specially trained law
enforcement officer, th e dealer must certify to the buy er in writing that the v ehicle was
previously "distressed." See Chapter 5, Section 5-4 for more information.
3-7.2 Disclosure Requiremen t – Ne w Vehicle Damage. W ritten d isclosure of dam age and
repairs is required when a new vehicle dealer
is selling a new, demonstrator, executive or
manufacturer, or program vehicl e that has been da maged and repaired, and that m eets the
following criteria:
The dealer has knowledge of the damage and repairs to the new vehicle; and,
The cost of the cum ulative repairs – calculated at the rate of the dealer's
authorized warranty rate for labor and parts –
exceeds either of the following
threshold criteria:
Five percent (5%) of the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the
vehicle; or,
Seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) in surface-coating rep airs o r corrosion
protection restoration, or a combination of these items.
NOTE: The disclosure must include an itemization of the repairs performed. A disclosure
statement is not required for any damage or repair of glass, tires, wheels, bumpers, audio
equipment, in-dash components or components contained in the living quarters of a motor home.
Disclosure of material facts is always necessary, regardless of the cost or extent of repairs.
3-7.3 Disclosure Requirement – Driver Education Vehicles. As provided by the Michigan
Vehicle Code, dealers m ay elect to sell, lease, or loan veh icles to be used for driver education
purposes. Disclosure of the vehicle's use as a driver education vehicle is required.
If the vehicle is sold to a political subdivision of the state (e.g., a school district),
an orange title bearing the legend "MUNICIPAL" will be issued in the name of the
school district. Check the "Governm ent Vehicle" box on the RD-108 when a
vehicle is titled into the name of a school district.
If the v ehicle is loaned or leas ed to th e schoo l dis trict, n o spec ial title will b e
issued. However, prior ownership by a municipality or school district is a material
fact, and must be disclosed to the purchas er in writing. When a driver education
vehicle is returned to the dealer after a loan or at the end of a lease, the dealer must
disclose to the purchaser in the Rem arks section of the RD-108 that the car was
used as a driver education vehicle.
APPOINTMENT OF AGENT FORMS (POWER OF ATTORNEY)
3-8.1 Authority. The Michigan Vehicle Code requires all purchasers to sign certificates of title,
RD-108s, and related docum ents pertaining to th e ownership of a vehicle. W hen a purchaser
cannot sign, an agent m ay be appointed to si gn on behalf of the purchaser. Form TR-128,
Appointment of Agent, is provided for this pur pose. Form TR-128 is available at Secretary of
State branch offices, on the Secretary of State's W eb site. The Appointment of Agent form is
submitted with the title documents.
3-8.2 Prohibition. Michigan's odometer law (MCL 257.233a) prohibits dealers from signing an
odometer statement on behalf of the purchaser; or , if the dealer is acquiring a vehicle by m eans
of a purchase or trade-in, the dealer canno
t si gn on behalf of the seller. In summary, the
following prohibitions apply:
Dealers, their employees, or their agents cannot use form TR-128, Appointment of
Agent, to sign in the area reserved for the purchaser's signature on the certificate of
title;
Agent, to sign the purchaser's signature on a separate odometer statement;
Agent, to sign on behalf of the seller when a vehicle is be ing traded in or sold to
their dealership.
Appointment of Agent form is used when a purch aser or seller cannot be
3-8.3 Use. An
present at the time of sale. A third party is appointed to sign the transaction documents on behalf
of the person who appointed them . This incl udes m aking proper odom eter disclo sures. The
appointed agent cannot be the dealer, an employee of the dealer, or an agent of the dealer.
The appointed agent prints the name of the
person being represented on the docum ent being
signed, followed by the designation "P/A" (or "Pow er of Attorney"). The agent then signs
his/her own name.
TEMPORARY REGISTRATIONS
3-9.1 Availability. There are two types of 15-day tem porary registrations used by Michigan
Form BFS-4, which is used when the dealer applies for a new plate on behalf of
the purchaser; and,
The shaded tem porary registration area in the left colum n of the RD-108. This
temporary registration is used when a purchaser is transferring a currently valid
plate to the newly acquired vehicle.
15-day temporary registrations (BFS-4) and RD-108 form s are us ed only by Class A, B, and D
dealers. T he BFS-4 tem porary registrations may be purchased at the dealer's designated
Secretary of State branch office in blocks of five.
3-9.2 Authoriz ed Use. A 15-day tem porary registration is only issued to a purchaser when a
new plate is being purchased or transferred and the dealer delivers the vehicle before the RD-108
is processed at a Secretary of State branch office.
A dealer must provide the new plate and the bran ch-issued registration to the purchaser before
the 15-day tem porary registration period is over.
The Michigan Vehicle Code prohibits
issuing more than one temporary registration per vehicle sale transaction.
BFS-4. The 15-day temporary vehicle regist ration is issu ed when a new license
plate is bein g purchased for a m otor vehicle, trailer, or trailer coach. T he dealer
must verify the purchas er has Mich igan no-fault insurance before the tem porary
registration can be issued. It is valid for 15 days from the date of issuance.
Dealers m ay obtain BFS-4 tem porary regi strations in blocks of five from their
designated Secretary of State branch office for $5 per block. Dealers m ay charge
purchasers $1 to cover the cost of th e BFS-4. T he temporary registration num ber
must be recorded in the lower right column of the RD-108.
RD-108. The gray-shaded area in the m iddle left column of the RD-108 m ust be
completed to serve as the 15-day tem porary registration for plate transfers. It is
used when the purchaser already has a licen se plate and is transf erring it to the
newly acquired vehicle. The dealer verifi es the registration is valid and in the
purchaser's nam e by seeing proof of regi stration or by cont acting th e dealer's
designated Secretary of State branch office.
The license plate b eing transferred must be placed on the new vehicle at the tim e
of delivery. The dealer must ensure that the purchaser receives a copy of the RD108 at the tim e of signing. The copy of the RD-108 serves as the purchaser's
temporary registration when a plate is transferred.
Types of Vehicle Registrations
The following table outlines the sp ecifics of d ealer plate use and various types of tem porary
registrations.
BFS-4
In-transit
Purchase of a new
license plate from
another vehicle
Plate or
after delivery
Recorded on
RD-108
Record the BFS-4
control number in
line of RD-108
(lower right
Record plate
number in
section of the
RD-108 (middle
left column).
Record "no title –
in-transit" in
plate number box.
Record title
number and state
to be registered in
Remarks section.
Dealer must verify
proof of Michigan
no-fault insurance.
Dealer must
verify transfer
plate is valid and
registered in the
purchaser's name.
for any vehicle
owned by the
$1 each,
in blocks of five
None – purchaser
pays $10
Cost to
14-DAY IN-TRANSIT REGISTRATION
(RETAIL TRANSACTIONS ONLY)
3-10.1 Authority. The Michig an Vehicle Co de requires a registration to be displayed on all
vehicles being driven on Mich igan roadways. The 14-day in-t ransit registration (BFS-50)
permits a nonresident to drive a r ecently purchased vehicle to th eir home state where it will be
titled and registered. Temporary registrations used for Mi chigan residents are not used for sales
to nonresidents.
The 14-day in-transit registration al so serves as a tax docum ent for the other state. To ensure
proper collection and rem ittance of sales tax, th e selling dealer a pplies f or the in-tr ansit
registration, regardless if the purchaser is
driving the vehicle or is towing or otherwise
transporting the vehicle (e.g., on a truck or trailer) to their home state.
3-10.2 Export Sales. If a vehicle is delivered by the dealer to an out-of-state destination, it m ay
qualify as a tax-exem pt export sale. For details, see Chapter 8, S ection 8-4. A 14-day in-transit
registration cannot be issued for an export sale.
3-10.3 Proof of Insurance. Proof of vehicle insurance is required for all in-transit registrations.
This can be insurance for any vehicle in the purchaser's name.
3-10.4 Out-of-state Address. An o ut-of-state address showing where the vehicle will be titled
and registered is required on the RD -108. Since no Mi chigan title will be i ssued, a lien will not
be recorded in Michigan . Dealers indicate the lien on the R D-108, so it can be recorded by the
purchaser's home state when the purchaser titles the vehicle.
3-10.5 Instructions. Use the following steps to obtain an in-transit registration:
Complete an RD-108 as follows:
In the space provided for the pl
Enter the complete out-of-state address.
Enter the state and title n umber of the assigned title and the s tatement "To be
Titled and Registered in (State)
" in the Remarks section (see Chapter 8
for sales tax information). Example:
ate num ber, enter "NO TITLE – IN-
Michigan Title #226C450081
To be titled and registered in Texas
Enter the 14-day in-transit registration f ee of $10 in the license fee box. Subm it
the properly assigned o wnership document (title, MCO, etc.). The branch of fice
will retu rn the owners hip docum ent to the d ealer with the 14-d ay in- transit
Give the reassigned title and the in-trans it registration to the purchaser. Instruct
the purcha ser to disp lay the in- transit r egistration in th e rear windo w of the
vehicle. If there is no rear window, display it in any location where it can be easily
seen by law enforcement.
3-10.6 Lost Ow nership Documents. The in- transit regis tration app lication cr eates a reco rd
with the Department of State that shows the transfer to an out-of-state resident. With this record
in place, the Michigan Department of State may assist with replacing the title or other ownership
document if it is los t before the pur chaser has titled and registered th e vehicle in his/her hom e
state. Please contact the Depa rtment of State Infor mation Ce nter at (517) 322-1460 for m ore
RESALE TITLES
3-11.1 Requirements. Dealers apply for a resale title when:
All ass ignments are used on a Mich
igan title, ou t-of-state title, or f oreign
certificate of ownership, and further reassignments are needed.
The ownership docum ent is eith er a court order; form TR- 42, Garage Keeper's
Lien; form TR-52, Notice of Abandoned Vehicle; or another type of bill of sale
(vehicle acquired at a tax sale, auction of government vehicles, U.S. Form 97, etc.).
A late m odel distressed vehicle is not ye t titled as salvage or scrap. The dealer
must apply for a resale s alvage title within five days after a cquiring the vehicle.
See Chapter 5 for more information on distressed vehicles.
The previou s owner of the acquired vehi cle is deceased. The dealer subm its a
death certificate and form TR-29, Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle, with the
RD-108. The Secretary of State branch office will record inform ation from the
death certificate and return it to th e dealer. The dealer th en return s the death
certificate to the family. See Section 3-20 for more information.
Vehicle information on the certificate of title (year, make, VIN, body style, etc.) is
being corrected. The dealer subm its for m TR-54, Vehicle Number and On-Road
Equipment Inspection, with Part 1 completed by a law enforcement officer.
3-11.2 Application. To apply for a resale title:
Complete an RD-108 nam ing the dealership as both buyer and selle r. In the area
where the plate number is shown, enter "TITLE ONLY." In the Re marks section,
enter "Tax Exem pt – For Resale. " Be sure that th e o dometer inf ormation is
complete and correct and that the proper fee category is entered in the fee category
Submit the RD-108 with the reassigned t itle to your Secretary of State branch
office with the title fee. Sales tax is not due.
3-11.3 Legend. The following legend appears on all resale titles:
NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PLATES – NO TAX PAID
LOST TITLES
3-12.1 Authority. Section 257.217 of the Michigan Vehicle Code provides for the replacement
of titles that have not be en transferred by the De partment into a Mich igan vehicle dealer's name
(e.g., reassigned titles). The Michigan Vehicl
e Code provides two di fferent m ethods for
replacing a lost title, depending on the age and value of the vehicle.
NOTE: Forms for applying for lost titles may be obtained by accessing the Michigan Secretary
of State Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos or by visiting a Secretary of State branch office.
3-12.2 Surety Bond. If the vehicle is less than six m odel years old or exceeds $2,500 in value,
the Department will require a surety bond in order to issue a replacement title. This in demnifies
the State against outstanding claims of interest in the vehicle. The dealer will need to submit the
following documents to a Secretary of State branch office:
Form RD-108, completed for a resale title (see Section 3-11).
Form TR-205, Ownership Certification, completed by the dealer.
Form TR-54, Vehicle Number and On-Road Equipment Inspection, with Part 1
completed by a law enforcement officer.
Form BDVR-108, Odometer Mileage Statement, completed by the dealer.
Agent's Authority, available from a bonding agency. This docum ent is usually a
power of attorney from the parent com pany. It shows the com pany's restrictions
for issuing bonds.
f) Form
TR-121, Uniform Surety Bond, com pleted by the bonding com pany. The
bond coverage period must be three years and the face amount of the bond must be
for twice the value of the vehicle, as determined by the Department of State.
NOTE: The Department of State will generally accept a bonding company's statement of the
vehicle's value. However, under Section 257.217 of the Michigan Vehicle Code, the Department
reserves the right to determine the face amount of the bond if it is deemed to be insufficient.
3-12.3 Self-certification of Ownership. If the vehicle is six or more model years old and worth
$2,500 or less, a dealer m ay self-certify ownership of the vehicl e without posting a surety bond.
The dealer applie s f or a re sale title by subm itting the f ollowing f orms to a Secre tary of Sta te
d) Form
BDVR-108, Odometer Mileage Statement, completed by the dealer.
NOTE: The vehicle must meet both the age and the value criteria to be eligible for selfcertification. Failure to meet both criteria requires that a surety bond be posted.
3-12.4 Out-of-state Dealers. There is no provision in the Mich igan Vehicle Code for replacing
a reass igned title lost b y an out-of -state vehicle dealer. Out-of -state de alers m ust contact th e
titling authority in their state of licensure to
inquire about appropriate steps or seek rem edy
through a court of jurisdiction.
TRADE-IN VEHICLE
Sometimes a customer with a trade- in vehicle cannot find its title. A title is required before the
transaction can be com pleted, and it m ay be nece ssary to a pply for a d uplicate title. There a re
several ways to accomplish this:
The vehicle owner can apply for a dup licate title and, upon receip t, reassign it to
the dealer.
The dealer can apply for a dup licate title on behalf of the ow ner, using f orm TR128, Appointment of Agent, completed by the owner.
Under certain conditions, the owner and th e dealer can process a duplicate/transfer
title transaction. This service allows e ligible owners to process a duplicate title
application in which no title will be p rinted, followed immediately by processing a
transfer title applic ation into th e ne w owner's (dealer's) nam e. The following
steps are used:
The owner and a representative of the dealer g o togeth er to a Secretary of
State branch office to apply for the duplicate/transfer service.
The dealer must bring an RD-108, completed for a resale title, for this step of
the transaction. The title fee is due for both transactions.
NOTE: If the title record is in two names, both owners must appear at the branch office and
present identification.
RESCINDED (CANCELED) DEALS
3-14.1 Instructions. If a dealer cancels o
r rescinds a vehicle s ale af ter applying for a
purchaser's title and registration, the dealer may claim a credit of the sales tax with the Michigan
Department of Treasury, under certain conditions . (Sales tax submitted to the Secretary of State
with vehicle sales transaction paperwork is remitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury.)
The dealer may also apply for a ref und of the re gistration fee from the Michigan D epartment of
State if th e vehicle was not delivered and the plate or tab was not used on the vehicle. If th e
vehicle was delivered but the registration was not used, the purchaser (not the dealer) m ay apply
for a refund of the registration fee. See Section 3-14 for more information.
NOTE: When a vehicle sale is rescinded, the dealer refunds sales tax and registration fees to the
3-14.2 Sales Tax Credit. To qualif y f or a credit of paid sales tax, the dealer m ust m eet the
requirements established by the
Michigan Departm ent of Tr easury. Questions regarding
eligibility for a sales tax credit may be directed to the Department of Treasury at (517) 636-4730.
The steps are as follows:
The customer assigns the title back to the dealership;
The dealer r equests a s ales tax c redit on behalf of the cus tomer – in writing – on
dealership lette rhead. This reque st is submitted to the Michigan Dep artment of
Treasury at the following address:
Michigan Department of Treasury
Sales, Use and Withholding Taxes
Further inf ormation f or f iling a sa les ta x credit can be ob tained by c alling th e
Michigan Department of Treasury at (517) 636-4730.
The dealer may sell the vehicle again by reas signing the title. A r esale title is no t
NOTE: Rescinding a deal cancels the sale, but does not change the title record. When a new
vehicle has been titled and registered in the purchaser's name following a vehicle sales
transaction, the vehicle is considered "used." It cannot thereafter be represented as a "new"
vehicle to a potential buyer. See Section 3-20.
3-14.3 Registration Fee Refund. To qualify for a registration fee refund, the sale must have
been canceled before the vehicle w as delivered or, if deli vered, before the new license plate or
tab was used on the vehicle. There is no refund of the title fee.
Nondelivery of Vehicle. If the ve hicle was not delivered, the dealer m ay apply
for a refund of the registration fee for the customer, as follows:
Complete and submit form MV-13, Request for License Plate Fee Refund;
NOTE: A sample MV-13 form appears at the end of this chapter. Dealers may
photocopy this form for their use.
Submit a copy of the RD-108;
Submit the unused registration plate and tab;
Mail all documents and plate/tab to the following address:
Michigan Department of State
Lansing,
MI 48918-1422
If approved, the Finance Division will m ail the registration fee refund to the
dealership.
Delivery of Vehicle. If the vehicle was delivered and the new registration was not
used, the custom er m ay apply for a refund of the registration fee. Form A-226,
Michigan Department of State Refund Request Form, is used. The dealer cannot
apply for the refund in this situation.
NOTE: The customer may be eligible for a registration fee refund if the vehicle was delivered
with a 15-day temporary registration and returned within the 15-day period or delivered with a
dealer plate and returned within the 72-hour period, as long as the customer's new license plate
or tab was not placed on the vehicle.
EXPEDITIOUS TITLE SERVICE
Expeditious title se rvice is of fered at all Secr etary of State branch o ffices f or vehicle titles,
watercraft titles, and m obile home titles. A $5 f ee (in addition to all othe r fees) is c harged for
expeditious service. Expeditious title service ensures that if a problem occurs with processing,
the application will receive priority attention from Department of State staff in Lansing.
INSTANT TITLES (WHILE-YOU-WAIT SERVICE)
3-16.1 Locations. Sam e-day (while-you-wait) title servic e is provided at se veral Secretary of
State branch offices throughout Michigan. Deal ers m ay contact their designated Secretary of
State branch office for infor mation about the nearest location that provides this service. There is
an additional $5 fee for each transaction.
3-16.2 Eligible Transactions. In stant title serv ice is availabl e for new vehicles, used vehicles
with a Michigan title, duplicate Michigan titles, and Michigan resale titles. Instant title service is
not ava ilable f or out-of -state title s, orig inal sa lvage title a pplications, scrap title a pplications,
mobile home titles, or replacing lost titles.
NOTE: If the Michigan Department of State's mainframe computer is temporarily out of service,
instant titles cannot be printed. If a lengthy delay is anticipated, Secretary of State branch
offices will accept the instant title application and then mail the new title.
3-16.3 Instant Title Checklist. Before traveling to a Secretary of State branch office for instant
title service, a dealer reviews the following steps for correct and necessary documentation:
Make sure the transaction is eligible for while-you-wait service;
Be sure the dealer's agent has proper iden tification. Identification is required for
every instant title transaction. A Michigan driver license or personal identification
card is acceptable, or the same documents required for an original driver license;
Be sure to take all docum ents needed to complete the transaction. This could
include, but is not lim ited to: proof of ownership; legal papers; form TR-54,
Vehicle Number and On-Road Equipment Inspection; form TR-114, Special
Mailing of Certificate of Title; form TR-34, Certification; etc.
NOTE: Dealers may obtain information about instant title service on the Department's Web site
(www.Michigan.gov/sos). Dealers may also contact the Department of State Information Center
at (517) 322-1460 with any questions about whether instant title service is available for a
particular transaction.
DRIVER EDUCATION VEHICLES
3-17.1 Requirements. Some dealers provide vehicles to secondary schools for driver education
programs. If these veh icles are simply loan ed to the schoo l district, there are no sp ecial titling
requirements. If the veh icles are sold or leased to the school, they must be titled. T here are two
options for titling:
Title the vehicle in the name of the school district; or,
Title the vehicle in the name of the dealership or the dealer's leasing company.
The dealer enters "municipal" in the body style box of the RD-108 and checks the "Governm ent
Vehicle" box.
3-17.2 Sales Tax. Sales tax is not collected. The dealer enters "Tax Exempt – Driver Education
Vehicle" in the Remarks section on the RD-108.
3-17.3 License Plates. Plates m ay be purchased and pr ovided by th e dealer or the schoo l
district may use its own municipal "X" plates.
NOTE: When a driver education vehicle is returned to the dealer after a lease or a loan, the
dealer must disclose in writing to the retail purchaser that the vehicle was used as a driver
education vehicle. See Section 3-7. If the vehicle was sold to the school district, a "municipal"
brand will appear on the title.
SELLING A MOTOR VEHICLE TO A MINOR
3-18.1 Authority. An unem ancipated m inor is a pers on under age 18 whose actions are the
responsibility of the m inor's parents or legal gua rdian. It is unlawful to knowingly sell a m otor
vehicle to an unemancipated minor without written permission from a parent or legal guardian.
3-18.2 Instructions. The dealer obtains perm ission from the parent(s) or legal guardian of the
unemancipated m inor by using form B-32, Parental Consent to Sell a Vehicle to a Minor,
available from Secretary of State b ranch offices or the Secretary of State W eb site located at
www.Michigan.gov/sos (choose the Forms & Resources b utton). Dea lers keep th e com pleted
form with the transaction documents in the dealership records. Form B-32 is not presented to the
Secretary of State office as part of the title transaction. Secretary of State branch office staff will
not check the age of vehicle owners or verify parental permission.
ACQUIRING A VEHICLE – PREVIOUS OWNER DECEASED
If a dealer acquires a vehicle and th e owner na med on the face of the t itle is de ceased, certain
steps are required before purchasing the vehicle:
If the title is in two na mes with "Full Rights to Survivor" showing, the surviving
owner may assign the title to the dealer and submit a copy of the death certificate.
If the title d oes not read "Full Rights to Survivor" or the title is in only one nam e,
one of the following will be necess ary to tr ansfer the interest of the vehicle from
the seller to the dealer:
If the deceased's estate is bei ng probated, the Probate Court appoints a
Personal Representative to handle the es tate. The Person al Representative
assigns the deceased 's title to th e dealership, provides a co py of their Letter
of Authority from the court, and provides a copy of the death certificate.
If the esta te is not prob ated, the surviving spouse m ay assign the title to the
dealership using form TR-29, Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle, and a
copy of the death certificate.
If there is no surviving spouse, the next closest relative may assign the title to
the dealership using form TR-29, Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle,
and a copy of the deceased's death certificate.
In each of these situatio ns, the dealer m ust obtain a resale title before se lling the v ehicle. The
dealer attaches the requ ired documents (death certificate, TR-29 Certification from the Heir to a
Vehicle form, and Letter of Author ity) to the resale RD-108, and submits the docum ents to the
dealer's designated Secretary of State branch office.
WRONG TITLE OR MCO WITH AN RD-108
3-20.1 Instructions. If a dealer submits the wrong MCO or title with an RD-108, the following
The new title showing the incorrect VIN will be mailed to the purchaser named on
the application. The de aler m ust retrieve the incorrect title fr om the purchaser.
The transaction cannot be intercepted in Lansing.
To correct the error, tw o RD-108s must be completed – one for a resale title and
one to correct the purchaser's title.
3-20.2 Used Vehicle Titled in Error. If a used vehicle is titled in error with an incorrect VIN,
the dealer submits the following documents to a Secretary of State branch office:
Part One – Obtaining the Correct Resale Title:
A copy of the validated RD-108 r
incorrect VIN.
eceipt, form RD-108L, showing the
The incorrect title. Do not reassign it. A lien on the title does not have to be
terminated as long as it is carried over to the second corrected application.
3) Form TR-34, Certification, explaining the error. In clude descriptions of both
vehicles in the statement.
An RD-108 resale title application naming the dealer as owner.
The title fee.
Part Two – Applying for a Corrected Title for the Purchaser:
The properly assigned title and a copy of the previous (incorrect) RD-108.
A corrected RD-108 in the purchaser's name. Note in the Remarks section of
the RD-108 that it is a correction transaction to correct the VIN.
The appropriate title fee. The tax is carried over from the pr evious RD-108.
Note this in the Remarks section also.
3-20.3 Ne w Vehicle Titled in Error. If a new vehicle is titled in error with an inco rrect VIN,
the dealer may either apply for a resale title usin g the above instructions or may request that the
incorrect title record be deleted.
3-20.4 Record Deletion.
following steps are used.
By de leting the record, the vehi cle may be sold as new. The
Part One – Requesting a VIN Deletion:
The dealer prepares a request on
d ealership letterhead asking that the
incorrect title be dele ted f rom Michigan Departm ent of State reco rds. The
dealer indicates in the request that the error was due to a wrong VIN on the
RD-108.
The dealer subm its the request letter, the incorrect title, and a photocopy of
the purchaser's corrected RD-108 (show ing the correct V IN) to a branch
office. The branch office will forward the requ est to th e B ureau of Driver
and Vehicle Records in Lansing.
If the dealer's request is approved, th e inco rrect title r ecord will be deleted
within 2-4 days of the Departm ent's receipt of the reques t. Once th e title
record is deleted, the dealer may sell the vehicle as new.
NOTE: If the vehicle manufacturer does not participate in the Department's paperless MCO
program, the dealer will need to obtain a duplicate MCO from the manufacturer.
To obtain a correct vehicle title, the dealer submits the following to a Secretary of
State branch office:
The properly assigned MCO or title,
(incorrect) RD-108.
along w ith a copy of the previous
the RD-108 that it is a correction trans action to correct the VIN. The dealer
carries the sales tax over from th e previous RD-108 by noting it in the
Remarks section of the corrected RD-108.
DEMONSTRATOR VEHICLE – CLASS A DEALERS ONLY
3-21.1 Authority. Michigan law requir es s ales tax to be paid on vehicles th at are titled and
registered for use on the roadways of Mich
igan, unless the vehicle is tax exem
pt. A
demonstrator is a m otor vehicle used for test ing and de monstrating purposes and titled as a
demonstrator for tax exem ption purposes. The Michigan Departm ent of Treasu ry lim its the
number of tax-exempt demonstrators a dealer may title in one year.
NOTE: New vehicles owned by new vehicle dealers are eligible for titling as a tax-exempt
demonstrator. Used, or second-hand, vehicles cannot be titled as a demonstrator.
3-21.2 Titling a Demonstrator Vehicle. The following steps are used:
Submit a completed RD-108 with the "N ew" vehicle box checked (the "De mo"
box is used when the demonstrator vehicle is sold at a later date). Enter "TAX
EXEMPT – DEMONSTRATOR" in the Remarks section;
Complete form 137, Affidavit to License and Title a Demonstrator, available from
printing companies or dealer associations. Dealers may also produce the form.
Since a dealer plate can be used on a demonstrator vehicle, a license plate does not
have to be purchased or transferred when titling a demonstrator vehicle.
COURTESY DELIVERIES
3-22.1 Authority. The Michig an Vehicle Cod e requires that any person or business dealing in
new vehicles be properly licensed as a Class A dealer. W hen a Michigan dealer delivers a new
vehicle to a Michigan resident, but on behalf of another dealer, it is called a "courtesy delivery."
3-22.2 Requirements. The dealer m aking the delivery is no t the seller of the vehicle and does
not enter the vehicle in the deliv ering dealer's records. The de livering dealer does not use their
RD-108 to record the vehicle sale and does not reassign the MCO or title. The delivering dealer
must be properly licensed and franchised to deal in the m ake of vehicle being delivered. See
Chapter 1, Section 1-13 for more information.
3-22.3 Instructions. When making a courtesy delivery, use the following steps:
If the in itial sale was m ade by a M ichigan dealer, the delivering dealer uses the
selling dealer's RD-108, signe d by the purchaser. Applicable sales tax is due or
must be accounted for.
Enter "Courtesy Delivery by (deliveri ng dealer name and dealer num ber)" in
the Remarks section of the RD-108.
The RD-108 is subm itted to the de livering dea ler's design ated Secr etary of
State branch office within 15 days of vehicle delivery.
NOTE: If the purchaser is transferring a plate to the new vehicle, the delivering dealer fills out
an RD-108 with the transfer information. The RD-108 is not submitted to or validated by the
branch office. The delivering dealer gives a copy of the RD-108 to the purchaser to serve as the
temporary registration for the transferred plate.
If the in itial sale was made by an o ut-of-state d ealer, the d elivering d ealer uses
form TR-11L, Application for Michigan Vehicle Title, signed by the purchaser.
Applicable sales tax is due or must be accounted for.
Enter the purchase date in the appropri ate area of the TR-11L. Enter the d ate
of vehicle delivery underneath the purchase date.
Enter th e s elling dea ler's nam e a nd address in the "Seller's Nam e and
Address" box on the TR-11L. Unde
r this, ente r "Cou rtesy Delive ry by
(delivering dealer name and dealer number)." Example:
Opryland Chevrolet
1515 Country-Western Drive
Courtesy Delivery
Michigan Chevy-Pontiac, License No. A000001
The TR-11L is subm itted to the de livering dea ler's design ated Secr etary of
CANADIAN OR OTHER IMPORTED VEHICLES
3.23.1 Authority. Fe deral law re quires a ll v ehicles en tering the United States f rom anothe r
country for resale to be i mported through a regi stered importer. A registered im porter is a
business authorized by the federal Departm ent of Transportation to ha ndle the le galities of
importing vehicles in to the United States. O n behalf of the vehicle owner, the registered
importer ensures the vehicle has proper owne rship docum ents and m eets all E PA and DO T
standards. The im porter also inspects the VIN, converts the odometer from kilometers to miles,
and ensures custom duties are paid, if applicable.
3.23.2 Requirement. When vehicles are im ported into the U.S. from other countries, including
Canada, additional documents must be presented to the Secretary of State branch office with the
application f or title. Failu re to pr ovide prop er docum entation m ay result in the branch office
rejecting the application.
Foreign ownership document.
The foreign ownership docum ent m ust be
properly assigned to the buyer, and must include the following information:
The date of purchase;
The odometer reading in kilometers when sold to the Michigan dealer;
The names and addresses of both the seller and the buyer.
U.S. Customs Form 7501. This form is required by U.S. Customs for all vehicles
entering the United States. The form verifies the vehicle entered the U.S. properly,
identifies the port of entry, and d eclares whether duty is due. It m ust be stam ped
by the U.S. Custom s office at the port of entry, which verifies they processed the
form. Forms submitted to the Secretary of State without this stamp will be denied.
Vehicle Nu mber and On-Road E quipment Inspection Form (TR-54).
Department will only title vehicles that a re imported f or r esale by a Michig an
dealer, or for private use by Michigan c itizens. Customs Form 7501 indicates the
port through which the vehi cle en tered the Un ited S tates. Mich igan port cod es
begin with the number 38 (e.g., 3801 is Detroit and 3802 is Port Huron).
If the port code does not begin with
38, form TR-54 m ust be com pleted by a
Michigan law enforce ment officer to veri fy the vehicle is physically located in
Michigan. It m ust be subm itted to the S ecretary of State branch of fice with the
application for resale title.
U.S. Department of Transportation Forms. To certify compliance with Federal
motor vehic le standards , the f ollowing f orms are subm itted to the Se cretary of
HS Form 7, completed by the registered importer;
A statement of compliance or a waiver from the US DOT.
U.S. Environmental P rotection Agency Forms. To certif y com pliance with
Federal env ironmental standard s, the f ollowing f orms are subm itted to the
Secretary of State branch office:
Form 3520-1, completed by the registered importer;
A statement of compliance or a waiver from the EPA.
NOTE: DOT and EPA forms are required only when importing "grey market"
vehicles that were not manufactured to meet U.S. import standards.
Odometer Conversion Paper work: The registered importer co nverts th e
vehicle's odom eter from kilom eters to m iles, and provides the buyer with an
affidavit to describe the odom eter convers ion. This affidavit will be necessary
when titling the vehicle. See Chapter 4, Section 4-9 for more information.
MV-13 REGISTRATION REFUND REQUEST:
APPLICATION FOR LICENSE PLATE FEE REFUND
Certification to be Executed by Purchaser
I certify that I, (we), _____________________________________________________ ,
___________________________________________________ , did not take delivery of
YEAR __________ MAKE _____________________ BODY STYLE _______________
VEHICLE NO. _______________________________________________ for the reason
and all monies, which include license fee and sales tax, have been refunded to me (us)
by the dealer.
Signature of Purchaser(s)
Certification to be Executed by Dealer
I, ___________________________________________________ , authorized agent for
(name, address, and dealer number of dealership)
certify that YEAR_________ MAKE _________________BODY STYLE _____________
VEHICLE NO. __________________________________________ was not delivered to
________________________________________________ and was never operated on
(purchaser's name)
the highway with 20 _______ license plate number ______________________
A refund of license plate fees under the provision of Section 257.258 (a)(9), P.A. 1949,
and sales tax paid upon registration of this motor vehicle is requested.
Signature ______________________________________________
(authorized agent)
Federal I.D. # ___________________________________________
Mail this refund request along with a copy of the RD-108 and license plate and tab to
the Michigan Department of State, Finance Division, Revenue Accounting Section,
Lansing, MI 48918-1422.
MV-13
ODOMETER REQUIREMENTS
4-1.1 Authorization. Section 233a of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.233a) requires the
seller to give the buyer a written odometer disclosure statement before delivery when vehicle
ownership transfers, unless the vehicle is exempt from odometer requirements (see Section 4-2
for exemption criteria).
4-1.2 Record Retention.
All odometer disclosure records must be kept for five years.
Odometer readings are disclosed on the conforming title. A copy of the title (both front and
back) must be kept in the dealer's records. For non-conforming titles, odometer disclosure is
made on a separate odometer statement. In this situation, copies of both the odometer disclosure
statement and the non-conforming certificate of title must be retained for five years.
4-1.3 Record Accuracy. Odometer disclosure statements must be accurate and reflect all of the
information that is/was available to the dealer. Routinely marking all odometer statements as
"mileage not actual" or "mileage unknown" for all vehicles is a violation of the odometer law.
NOTE: It is unlawful for the same person to sign an odometer disclosure statement on behalf of
both the seller and the purchaser. A dealer is not permitted to sign an odometer disclosure
statement on behalf of the purchaser. Likewise, a dealer cannot appoint a third party (appointed
agent) to sign the odometer statement on behalf of the purchaser. If the purchaser cannot
appear to sign the odometer statement, the purchaser may appoint a third party (not the dealer
or an associate of the dealer) to sign on his/her behalf.
EXEMPT VEHICLES
Odometer disclosure statements are not required for the following vehicles:
A new vehicle being transferred from a manufacturer to a dealer;
A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 16,000
pounds;
A vehicle which is not self-propelled;
A vehicle which is 10 model years old or older. Use the following formula:
current calendar year minus 10 = first model year a vehicle is exempt.
CONFORMING VS. NON-CONFORMING TITLES
4-3.1 Conforming Titles. All Michigan titles issued after November 1, 1989, are conforming
titles. Michigan titles issued since November 1998 are 8½ by 11 inches and have one
reassignment space on the front and four reassignment spaces on the back. According the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all states have issued conforming
titles since 1994.
Definition. A "conforming" title is one which conforms to federal and state
odometer laws. It contains an odometer disclosure statement referencing the state
and federal laws and a statement that failing to complete or providing false
information may result in fines and/or imprisonment. Also, the title must contain
space for the odometer reading to be printed on its face and a disclosure statement
in each reassignment which includes space for the following items:
Odometer reading (no tenths);
Date of transfer;
Signatures and hand-printed names of both buyer and seller (or seller's
agent);
Name and current address of both buyer and seller;
Whether the mileage is actual, exceeds mechanical limits (odometer rolled
over) or is not actual with a warning that the mileage is not to be relied upon.
4-3.2 Non-conforming Titles. All Michigan titles issued before November 1, 1989, are nonconforming titles.
Definition. Non-conforming titles do not contain all of the odometer information
required by state and federal law. If a dealer receives a non-conforming title,
either from Michigan or another state, the dealer should complete the following:
A separate odometer disclosure statement that contains the required
language; and
The odometer disclosure on the title, even if the language is non-conforming.
Dealers must not accept any conforming or non-conforming titles with an
incomplete odometer statement. When an odometer statement is required,
the information must be provided by the seller, not the buyer.
4-4.1 Requirements. All odometer disclosure statements must be completed by the seller. The
statement is signed by both buyer and seller, and both parties also print their names. "Print"
means hand-printed in ink by the person whose signature appears – not typed, stamped, or
computer-generated.
NOTE: A dealer may not sign an odometer statement as both the seller and the buyer. A dealer
cannot appoint a third party to sign an odometer statement on behalf of the buyer. If the
purchaser cannot appear to sign the odometer statement, the purchaser may appoint a third
party (not the dealer or an associate of the dealer) to sign on his/her behalf.
4-4.2 Retail Transactions.
For used vehicles, the dealer must always show the title and
reassignments to the buyer before delivery of the vehicle. In a retail transaction, the buyer must
inspect the title, and sign and print his/her name on the title's odometer disclosure statement.
The dealer must provide a copy of the title to the purchaser at the time the purchaser signs the
title. The original documents are returned to the dealer for processing.
4-4.3 Multiple Buyers or Sellers.
If there is more than one buyer or seller, the odometer
disclosure statement may be signed by any of the buyers or sellers. Unless odometer disclosure
is provided on a conforming title, titles must be signed by all buyers and sellers.
4-4.4 Wholesale Transactions. If odometer disclosure is made on a conforming title, the
selling dealer keeps a photocopy of the title for 5 years. If the title is non-conforming, and a
separate odometer disclosure statement is used, both the buying and selling dealers keep a copy
of the odometer disclosure statement for 5 years.
4-4.5 Out-of-state Titles. Out-of-state titles are handled the same as Michigan titles. Odometer
disclosure is made in the appropriate space provided on out-of-state titles. If all reassignment
spaces are used, the Michigan dealer must surrender the out-of-state title and obtain a Michigan
resale title.
NOTE: Michigan's odometer law requires the title to be shown to the purchaser before delivery
of the vehicle. Both Michigan and federal odometer laws require disclosure on the conforming
title. According to Michigan law, improper odometer disclosure constitutes prima facie fraud
and may result in sanctions against a dealer's license. It is the selling dealer's responsibility to
make sure the title is present before offering a vehicle for sale at retail or wholesale.
CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN (MCO/MSO)
4-5.1 Requirement. Odometer disclosure must be made with every transfer of ownership. This
includes "dealer trades" of new vehicles. The purchasing dealer must receive a separate
odometer disclosure statement unless provided on the MCO.
4-5.2 Vehicle Never Titled. If a vehicle has never been titled or if an electronic MCO is used,
odometer disclosure must be made on a separate document or on a conforming MCO. Unless
odometer disclosure is given on the MCO, a certificate of origin does not need to be shown to
the purchaser before delivery, nor is the purchaser required to sign the certificate of origin.
REPLACING OR REPAIRING AN ODOMETER
4-6.1 Actual Odometer Reading Known. If the odometer is being repaired or replaced and the
actual reading is known, the new or repaired odometer may be adjusted to register the actual
mileage. No door frame sticker is required in this instance (see Section 4-7).
4-6.2 Unable to Register Same Mileage. When repairing or replacing an odometer incapable
of registering the same mileage as before the repair or replacement, the odometer must be reset
to zero. A notice is then attached to the left front door frame specifying the odometer reading
before the repair or replacement and the date it was done. Thereafter, the vehicle must be sold
with the mileage brand listed as "not actual."
DOOR FRAME STICKERS
Door frame stickers for odometer repair and replacement are usually provided with the
replacement odometer. The sticker also may be obtained from business forms suppliers or
printing companies specializing in dealer forms and supplies.
VEHICLES WITHOUT ODOMETERS
4-8.1 Requirements. A few vehicles have missing or non-working odometers. Dealers may
sell these vehicles without repairing or installing an odometer.
4-8.2 Completing Odometer Statement. When completing the odometer disclosure statement
for vehicles without odometers or with broken odometers, enter the word "NONE" and check the
box "Not Actual Mileage – Warning – Odometer Discrepancy." Dealers may include a note
after the odometer discrepancy information indicating the odometer is broken or missing. When
the new title is issued to the purchaser, the front of the title will not show a mileage but will
carry the message "No Odometer."
The person who subsequently repairs or replaces the odometer is required to adjust the odometer
to zero, affix a notice to the left front door frame and indicate "None" or "No Odometer" on the
door frame notice.
When completing an odometer disclosure statement for a vehicle with a broken odometer, enter
the broken odometer's mileage reading and check the "Not Actual Mileage" box.
KILOMETERS VS. MILES
4-9.1 Procedure. According to NHTSA, when selling a vehicle with an odometer that registers
in kilometers instead of miles, the seller should strike the word "miles" and insert "kilometers"
in the disclosure statement. Both the buyer and the seller should initial the change.
4-9.2 Applying for Michigan Resale Title.
When performing a conversion on an
odometer/speedometer to change the reading from kilometers to miles, or if the conversion was
previously done in Canada, a Michigan dealer must apply for a Michigan resale title with the
following documents accompanying the application:
The Canadian ownership document showing the information listed below:
The date of purchase.
The odometer reading in kilometers when sold to the Michigan dealer.
Form TR-34, Certification, completed by the purchasing Michigan dealer to
explain how, when, where, and who converted the odometer from kilometers to
miles. This certification must list the following information:
Exact calculations on how the mileage was determined from the reading in
kilometers. The standard Federal conversion rate of 0.62 should be used;
The current odometer reading in miles; and
A statement that this reading represents "actual", "not actual," or "mileage in
excess of mechanical limits," as appropriate.
NOTE: An ownership document (a.k.a. "permit" or "ownership") is the Canadian equivalent of
a Certificate of Title. This is considered to be the same as a conforming title document from
another state. The conversion information must also be recorded in the Remarks section of the
SALVAGE TITLES AND SCRAP TITLES
only those Michigan dealers with C, F, H and R license classifications may deal in salvage- and
scrap-titled vehicles and salvageable parts. Additional record keeping is required. A vehicle
owner may apply for a salvage title or scrap title at any time, but there are certain times when an
owner is required to apply for a salvage or scrap title.
NOTE: A list of non-salvageable parts is printed on the face of salvage and scrap titles.
5-1.2 Distressed Vehicles. Generally, salvage titles are issued when insurance companies
acquire distressed vehicles. However, when a dealer acquires a late model distressed vehicle not
having a salvage or scrap title, the dealer must apply for the appropriate title within five days.
Definition. A distressed vehicle is a late model vehicle with one or more major
component parts missing or damaged. The estimated cost to repair the vehicle,
including parts and labor, is 75% or more of the vehicle's pre-damaged cash value.
For late model vehicles (see Section 5-2 for definition), a salvage title is
required if the cost of repairs is 75% or more of the actual cash value and less
than 91% of the actual cash value.
For late model vehicles, a scrap title is required if the cost of repairs is 91%
or more of the actual cash value.
On-road Use. Scrap-titled vehicles may not be rebuilt for on-road use. They may
only be used for parts or scrap metal.
Actual Cash Value. This means the retail dollar value of the vehicle as
determined by an objective vehicle evaluation, such as from other dealers,
newspaper advertisements, an independent appraisal service, or a current issue of a
nationally recognized used vehicle price guide.
Estimated Cost of Parts. This is determined by using the current published retail
cost of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or the actual cost of parts
needed to repair the vehicle.
Estimated Cost of Labor. This is calculated by using the hourly rate and time
allocations which are reasonable and commonly assessed in the repair industry in
the community where the repairs are performed.
Revised August 2003
A late model vehicle is one that weighs less than 8,000 pounds and was manufactured in the
current model year or in one of the five model years preceding the current model year. If the
vehicle is over 8,000 pounds and manufactured in the current model year or during the 15 model
years preceding the current model year, it is also considered a late model vehicle.
NOTE: For purposes of determining the model year for late model salvage vehicles, the
Department of State assumes that all salvage vehicles have a manufacture date of January 1.
That means, for example, that on January 1, 2003, all vehicles manufactured in 1998 or later
qualify as late model, if the vehicle weighs less than 8,000 lbs.
5-3.1 Definition. A salvage vehicle is a late model vehicle that has one or more major
component parts that have been wrecked, destroyed, damaged, stolen, or missing, to the extent
that the total estimated cost of repairs (parts and labor) is 75% or more, but less than 91%, of the
vehicle's pre-damaged actual cash value.
5-3.2 Requirement. If a dealer acquires a vehicle that meets the definition of a distressed
vehicle and has not yet been titled as salvage or scrap, Michigan law requires that the dealer
apply for a Michigan salvage or scrap title within five days.
5-3.3 Applying for a Salvage Title. The dealer submits form TR-12, Application for Original
Michigan Salvage Title or Scrap Title, along with the vehicle title and an RD-108 to a Secretary
of State branch office.
5-3.4 Major Component Parts. The following is a list of major component parts:
Engine;
Transmission;
Right or left front fender;
Hood;
A door allowing entrance to or exit from the vehicle's passenger compartment;
Front or rear bumper;
Right or left rear quarter panel;
Deck lid, tailgate or hatchback;
Trunk floor pan;
Cargo box of a pickup;
Frame, or if the vehicle has a unitized body, the supporting structures that serve as
the frame;
Cab of a truck;
m) Body of a passenger vehicle.
5-3.5 Selling at Wholesale. New and used vehicle dealers may sell a salvage-titled vehicle at
wholesale to an automotive recycler (Class R), a used or secondhand vehicle parts dealer (Class
C), a foreign salvage vehicle dealer (Class H), or a vehicle scrap metal processor (Class F) by
assigning the salvage title to the buyer. (See Chapter 1 for dealer classifications.)
5-3.6 Selling to Non-dealers. If a salvage-titled vehicle is sold to a retail customer, application
must be made for a salvage title in the name of the buyer.
SALVAGE DISCLOSURE
5-4.1 Requirement. When a late model rebuilt vehicle is sold at retail or wholesale, the selling
dealer must disclose its previous salvage status in writing to the purchaser. If it is a retail sale,
the dealer must mark the appropriate box on the RD-108. Salvage disclosure must be given to
the purchaser before the agreement to purchase is reached.
5-4.2 Disclosure Language. The salvage disclosure must contain a written statement that
"The purchaser of this vehicle has been informed by the seller, before entering into an
agreement of sale, that the vehicle described below was previously wrecked,
destroyed, or damaged to the extent that a previous owner considered the vehicle
uneconomical to repair."
5-4.3 Signatures. The disclosure must contain spaces for the purchaser's and seller's signature
and date. The disclosure must be presented to, and signed by, the seller and purchaser before
entering into a sales agreement.
NOTE: A sample salvage vehicle disclosure statement is shown at the end of this chapter. This
sample may be copied and used by dealers.
5-4.4 Vehicle Description. A detailed description of the vehicle must be written on the
disclosure, including:
Vehicle make and model;
Year of manufacture; and,
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
5-4.5 Distribution of Copies. A copy of the signed salvage disclosure must be given to the
purchaser at the time of purchase. Additionally, a copy of the salvage disclosure must be kept in
the dealer's files for five years.
SALVAGE VEHICLE AGENT
5-5.1 Authorization. Salvage Vehicle Agents licensed by the Michigan Department of State
are the only persons authorized to buy salvage- or scrap-titled vehicles or major component parts
at salvage pools or auctions.
5-5.2 Specific Dealer Classifications. Class C, H, and R dealers are the only dealers permitted
to have Salvage Vehicle Agents. Each Class C, H, and R dealer may have two Salvage Vehicle
Agents (including the dealer). A Salvage Vehicle Agent may represent only his/her dealership
of employment when dealing in salvage- or scrap-titled vehicles or salvageable parts.
5-5.3 License Expiration. The license for the Salvage Vehicle Agent is directly associated
with the employing dealer's license. It expires and is renewed when the dealer's license expires
or is renewed. Both the dealer and the Salvage Vehicle Agent applicant must sign the
application. Contact the Licensing Section at 517/373-9460 for form AR-0188, Original
Salvage Vehicle Agent Application.
5-5.4 Photo Identification. Salvage Vehicle Agents receive a photo identification card. The
card must be prominently displayed while attending salvage auctions. The Salvage Vehicle
Agent license and ID card are not transferable.
OUT-OF-STATE SALVAGE, SCRAP, OR FLOOD VEHICLES
Vehicles brought into Michigan from another state or province which have a salvage, scrap,
rebuilt, flood-damaged, or equivalent title must be issued a comparable Michigan title. The
dealer should enter in the Remarks section of the RD-108 the name of the issuing state and the
title brand from that state.
NOTE: If questions arise as to an out-of-state brand, you may contact the Secretary of State's
Driver and Vehicle Information Center at 517/322-1460 for assistance.
REBUILT SALVAGE
5-7.1 Recertification Inspection. Before a rebuilt salvage-titled vehicle may be registered for
road use, it must be inspected by a certified salvage vehicle inspector, who is a specially trained
police officer. Dealers should check with a Secretary of State branch office for the names,
addresses, and telephone numbers of certified salvage vehicle inspectors in their area. The list
can also be found on the Department of State's Web site (www.Michigan.gov/sos).
Application Process. To apply for an inspection, a dealer must complete form
TR-13A, Application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection. TR-13A forms are available
at Secretary of State offices, or by mailing or faxing a written request to:
Purchasing & Contracts Section
Lansing, Michigan 48918-1444
NOTE: Dealers must include their street address and dealer number when
ordering these forms. Orders are sent by UPS and cannot be delivered to a Post
Office box.
Scheduling Inspection. The completed form TR-13A, Application for Salvage
Vehicle Inspection, the salvage title, and all receipts for major component parts
used to rebuild the vehicle are presented to a certified salvage vehicle inspector.
After reviewing the documents, the inspector will schedule a vehicle inspection.
5-7.2 Re-titling for Road Use. Once the inspector determines the vehicle has passed the
inspection and completes and signs form TR-13B, Salvage Recertification Inspection, the
vehicle is eligible for re-titling and registering for road use.
5-7.3 Selling Rebuilt Salvage Vehicle at Retail. When selling a rebuilt salvage vehicle, the
dealer must apply for title and registration in the purchaser's name. Forms TR-13A and TR-13B
are submitted with the RD-108. Odometer disclosure is required. Written salvage disclosure
must be signed by the purchaser indicating the vehicle was previously a distressed vehicle.
NOTE: All subsequent titles issued for rebuilt and recertified vehicles will contain a legend that
reads, "REBUILT SALVAGE."
SCRAP VEHICLES
5-8.1 Definition. A scrap vehicle is a late model vehicle that has at least one major component
part that has been wrecked, destroyed, damaged, stolen or missing, to the extent that the total
estimated cost of repairs (parts and labor) is 91% or more of its pre-damaged actual cash value.
A scrap vehicle may also come into Michigan with a comparable title from another jurisdiction.
5-8.2 Requirement. If a dealer acquires a late model distressed vehicle that requires a scrap
title, the dealer must apply for the scrap title within five days.
5-8.3 Procedure. Once a scrap title is issued, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the
vehicle is canceled, or "killed". The vehicle may not be repaired or rebuilt for road use.
Vehicles with scrap titles may only be dismantled and sold as parts, or sold to a vehicle scrap
metal processor for metal recycling.
Class C, H, and R dealers may sell major component parts on bills of sale
(invoices) after the parts have been removed from the frame or unitized body
supporting structure of a scrap vehicle.
The dealer must assign and mark a part number on each major component part.
The assigned number may be the original manufacturer's VIN, the manufacturer's
part number, or the dealer's stock number. Each part number and description must
be listed on the bill of sale.
A frame or unitized body supporting structure may be sold on a bill of sale only
after all other major component parts have been removed from it.
Class C, H, and R dealers may sell a scrap-titled vehicle on a bill of sale, provided
that the title is marked "scrapped" or "junked" and mailed to the Michigan
Department of State, Bureau of Driver and Vehicle Records, Conversion Unit,
Lansing, Michigan 48918.
ASSEMBLED VEHICLES
5-9.1 Definition. An assembled vehicle is one of the following vehicles:
One built (assembled) from new or used materials and parts by someone not
recognized as a manufacturer (usually an individual).
Example: a homemade vehicle.
One assembled from a kit (often called "kit cars"), even if an MCO is provided.
One altered or modified to the extent that it no longer reflects its original
manufacturer identification.
Example: a Volkswagen made into a dune buggy.
NOTE: Simply replacing the hood, fenders, trunk lid, engine, etc., does not dictate assembled
status, unless the vehicle is no longer recognizable as its original year, make and model.
5-9.2 Requirements. Scrap-titled vehicles must be completely dismantled, with all major
component parts removed from the frame or unitized body supporting structure, before the frame
or unitized body supporting structure may be used as part of an assembled vehicle.
To qualify for an assembled vehicle title, a vehicle assembled from scrap vehicle
parts must be made up of major component parts from two or more scrap vehicles.
An assembled vehicle may not include both the frame (or unitized body supporting
structure) and any other major component part from the same scrap-titled vehicle.
For assembled vehicles, the "year" is the year the first title application is processed
and the "make" is "Assembled". The VIN is a new state-assigned number.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove an existing VIN plate or to be in possession of VIN plates. State
law deems this a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than four years, a fine of not
more than $10,000, or both, and revocation of the dealer's license. VIN plates may never be
removed or moved from one vehicle to another.
5-9.3 Applying for an Assembled Title. To apply for an assembled title and the state-assigned
VIN, obtain form BFS-72, Instructions for Titling an Assembled Vehicle, from a Secretary of
State branch office. Dealers need the following to apply for the title:
Any titles or properly-assigned ownership documents (TR-42, TR-52, or TR-182)
from vehicles used in the assembly process;
Form TR-54, Vehicle Number and On-Road Equipment Inspection, with Parts 1
and 2 completed by a police officer;
Original bills of sale, or if the parts were already owned and no bill of sale exists,
form TR-34, Certification, documenting how the parts were obtained. Form TR34 must include the serial number on the part and a statement that the applicant is
the rightful owner;
Form TR-34, Certification, is also used for summarizing the building process of
the vehicle. It should include a description of the vehicle and its parts, who
assembled the vehicle, when and where it was assembled, and any special
information about the vehicle.
REPLACEMENT VIN
5-10.1 Requirement. If the manufacturer's VIN plate is missing from a vehicle, or if the part
containing the VIN plate must be replaced, the dealer must apply for a replacement VIN at a
Secretary of State branch office.
5-10.2 VIN Sticker. Once the application is approved, Michigan Department of State
enforcement personnel will apply a replacement VIN sticker containing the original VIN to the
driver's door post of the vehicle.
FLOOD-DAMAGED VEHICLES
5-11.1 Requirement. According to the Michigan Vehicle Code, all vehicles and trailer coaches
meeting the definition of a flood-damaged vehicle (see Section 5-11.2 for definition) must be
issued a specially-branded title that indicates to future purchasers the flood-damaged status of
the vehicle. Michigan vehicle titles with flood branding are orange (like salvage titles) to alert
purchasers.
NOTE: Any flood-damaged brands shown on out-of-state titles will be carried forward to the
Michigan title.
5-11.2 Definition. A flood-damaged vehicle is defined as a vehicle submerged in water to the
point water entered the passenger compartment or trunk over the sill of the trunk floor pan or
door sill, or a vehicle acquired by an insurance company as part of the settlement of a water
damage claim.
5-11.3 Selling at Retail. When selling a flood-damaged vehicle to a retail purchaser, the dealer
must check the box marked "Vehicle Has Been Flood-Damaged."
5-12.1 Proof of Ownership. Dealers must have either a properly assigned title, a salvage title,
a scrap title, or a form TR-52, Notice of Abandoned Vehicle, for every vehicle in inventory. If a
dealer acquires a late model distressed vehicle which has a clean or unbranded title, the dealer
must apply for the salvage or scrap title within five days.
5-12.2 Scrap Processor Exception. A Vehicle Scrap Metal Processor (Class F) is not required
to obtain a title for each vehicle purchased from another licensed dealer. Here, proof of
ownership is the Scrap Vehicle Inventory, form TR-9.
5-12.3 Police Book Requirements. When dealers acquire vehicles to be dismantled, the
vehicles are logged into the Police Book and – as the individual major component parts are sold
– they are logged into the Major Component Parts Record. The Major Component Parts Record
must be maintained in or attached to the Police Book. Class F Vehicle Scrap Metal Processors
are required to make Police Book entries only for vehicles purchased from non-dealers.
5-12.4 Major Component Parts Record. Class C, H, and R dealers must keep a record of
major component parts bought and sold. Parts acquired are assigned a stock number and logged
into the record. The stock number must be permanently marked on the part. Disposed parts are
also logged in the Major Component Parts Record.
Required Information. A sample of the Major Component Parts Record appears
at the end of this chapter. It may be photocopied for use. A Major Component
Parts Record must contain the following information:
A description of the part purchased or sold;
Name and address of the seller or purchaser;
Date of the purchase or sale;
Stock number assigned by the dealer; and
Incoming and outgoing invoice numbers.
Computerized Records. The Major Component Parts Record may be kept on
computer. However, a paper copy of the data entries and reference codes must be
accessible to investigators. See Chapter 2, Section 2 for additional information.
NOTE: Other portions of the Michigan Compiled Laws may require additional records to be
kept if the dealership also repairs or replaces certain parts, or purchases used vehicle parts
other than from a licensed dealer. Questions regarding the repair or replacement of parts may
be directed to the Repair Program Section at (517) 241-4134, and questions about buying parts
from non-dealers may be answered by local law enforcement officials.
5-12.5 Scrap Vehicle Inventory, Form TR-9. A dealer selling or assigning a vehicle or its
remaining parts to a Class F Vehicle Scrap Metal Processor must complete form TR-9, Scrap
Vehicle Inventory. TR-9 forms are available by mailing or faxing a written request to the
Michigan Department of State, Purchasing & Contracts Section, Lansing, Michigan 48918-1444
(Fax: 517/335-7338).
Completing the Form. Each form TR-9, Scrap Vehicle Inventory, must contain
the following information:
Dealer name and address;
Dealer number;
Name, address, and dealer license number of the Vehicle Scrap Metal
Processor;
Date the vehicles were sent to the processor;
Year, make, VIN, stock number, and color for each vehicle being delivered.
NOTE: Form TR-9, Scrap Vehicle Inventory, is not used to assign ownership of
vehicles to dealers other than a Class F Vehicle Scrap Metal Processor. Used
vehicle parts dealers who crush and transport vehicles to the processor must
acquire ownership by means of a title or other ownership document.
Form Distribution. Distribute copies of form TR-9, Scrap Vehicle Inventory, as
The first copy is given to the Class F Vehicle Scrap Metal Processor;
2) The second copy is sent to the Michigan Department of State within 30 days
with the title (or form TR-52, Notice of Abandoned Vehicle). It is mailed to the
Michigan Department of State, Bureau of Driver and Vehicle Records, Conversion
Unit, Lansing, Michigan 48918;
The third copy is retained by the selling dealer for five years.
MAJOR COMPONENT PARTS RECORD
Date of
SOS-426 (06/07)
By authority of PA 300 of 1949, as amended.
VIN or Assigned
Name & Address
Sold to
Back of Major Component Parts Record
SALVAGE VEHICLE DISCLOSURE
R 257.253 - Salvage vehicle disclosure information
Rule 3.
Before entering into an agreement of sales, a dealer who sells a late
model salvage vehicle which has been repaired shall certify to the buyer
in writing that the vehicle was previously distressed.
The certification may be written or printed directly on a document which
evidences the agreement or on a separate document attached to the
The certification shall read substantially as follows:
The purchaser of this vehicle has been informed by
the seller, before entering into an agreement of sale,
that the vehicle described below was previously
wrecked, destroyed, or damaged to the extent that a
previous owner considered the vehicle uneconomical
to repair.
(Signature of Purchaser)
(Signature of Seller)
(Make)
(Year)
(VIN)
Back of Salvage Vehicle Disclosure Form
Broker Requirements
6-1.1 Definition. Broker Rule 1 defines "Broker" as a person who does not acquire
ownership of a vehicle and who, for a consideration, does or offers to do at least 1 of the
following with respect to the sale, lease, purchase, or exchange of a vehicle and has no
title or other legal interest:
a) Brings together a buyer and seller or a lessee and lessor of a vehicle.
b) Negotiates the terms of a transaction.
c) Shows or displays a vehicle.
"Broker" does not include a person employed by a licensed dealer, while acting within
the scope of their employment.
6-2.1 Application. Section 248 of the Michigan Vehicle Code, requires a person acting
as a broker to file an application for a dealer license with the Michigan Department of
State. The following requirements must be satisfied as part of that application:
a) Established place of business where books and records will be maintained and
a large share of the business transacted;
b) Proof of filing a $10,000 surety bond filed;
c) Regular business hours maintained;
d) Payment of the $75 annual license fee.
Revised November 2007
6-2.2 License Expiration. All dealer licenses, including broker licenses, expire at
midnight of December 31 each year.
6-2.3 Additional Locations in Same County. A supplemental license, at no fee, is
required for any additional locations in the same county.
6-2.4 Additional Locations in another County. A new, separate license is required for
any additional business locations in another county.
6-2.5 Established Place of Business. Broker rule 11 requires a broker to maintain an
established place of business, approved by the administrator, at which place the broker
must keep all required books and records, maintain posted business hours, and
conduct a large share of his or her business. A broker's established place of business
cannot be occupied as the established place of business of another licensed vehicle dealer.
6-2.6 Businesses in close Proximity. There may be situations where licensed brokers
and dealers are located in close proximity. In these cases, each business must specifically
comply with all the requirements in the Broker Rules and the Michigan Vehicle Code:
a) A broker and a dealer cannot be licensed under the same legal entity.
b) The businesses must separately meet established place of business
c) A dealership cannot occupy the broker's established place of business.
License applications for dealers and brokers are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
6-3.1 Prohibition. Brokers do not qualify to purchase dealer plates. Dealer plates may
only be purchased by Class A, B and W dealers for use on their vehicles.
6-3.2 Auctions. Michigan law authorizes auctions to purchase special registration
plates to pick up and deliver customer vehicles. Contact a Secretary of State office for
the special auction plate application form.
6-4.1 Name on Title. A broker cannot be named as an owner in a title assignment or
reassignment, unless the broker applies for title in the broker's own name and pays sales
or use tax (in which case, the vehicle cannot be brokered or sold under the broker's
license). Titles may not be reassigned by brokers. Resale titles may not be issued to
brokers. A broker deals in vehicles which the broker does not own or for which the
broker does not have title. Consequently, a broker's name cannot appear as an owner on
a vehicle title reassignment on a vehicle, which is being held for sale.
Title and Application Registration - Responsibility
6-5.1 Selling Dealer Requirements. In many brokered retail transactions, the seller
will be a licensed Class A or B dealer. In these instances, the selling Class A or B dealer
is responsible for applying for title and registration for the retail buyer
6-5.2 Application Service. Auctions and brokers frequently complete the title and
registration application as a service to the selling dealer. In these instances, the selling
dealer's RD-108 form is used.
6-5.3 Dealer to Dealer (Wholesale) Transactions. In brokered wholesale transactions,
the purchaser will be a Class A, B, C, or W dealer. In these instances, it is not necessary
to apply for a new title, since the selling dealer simply assigns the title to the purchasing
6-5.4 Other Brokered Transactions. When neither the buyer nor the seller is a new or
used vehicle dealer, the broker is responsible for applying for the purchaser's title and
registration and for collecting sales tax. The broker uses their RD-108 to apply for the
purchaser's title and registration and to submit sales tax.
6-5.5 New Vehicles. Broker Rule 5 requires a broker in the sale or lease of new
vehicles, to deal through a licensed class A new vehicle dealer in this state. When
brokering a new vehicle for a new vehicle dealer, the broker does not complete their own
RD-108 or apply for the purchaser's title and registration. It is the selling Class A new
vehicle dealer's responsibility to apply for the purchaser's title and registration, using the
Class A dealer's RD-108.
6-5.6 Used Vehicles. Broker Rule 6 permits brokers in the sale or lease of a used
vehicle to forego dealing through a licensed vehicle dealer. In a used vehicle transaction
where the buyer, seller, lessee, nor lessor is not a licensed vehicle dealer, the broker
applies for title and registration for the vehicle as provided in section 217 of the Michigan
Vehicle Code and must submit tax due with the transaction.
Submitting Title and Registration Applications
6-6.1 Secretary of State Offices. Brokers may use any Secretary of State branch office
for processing retail vehicle sales transactions. The following instructions are provided:
a) The RD-108 is completed as described in Chapter 7, showing the broker's
name, address, dealer license number, sales tax number, and telephone
number in the upper left portion;
b) The broker types in the name of the vehicle seller and the title number shown
on the title in the Remarks section of the RD-108;
c) The broker submits the completed RD-108, properly-assigned title, title and
registration fees, sales tax, proof of insurance, and discharge of lien (if
applicable) to a Secretary of State branch office.
6-7.1 Temporary Registrations. The owners of brokered vehicles may obtain
temporary registrations issued by any Secretary of State branch office in order to drive
vehicles. Temporary registrations are available from any branch office and can be
purchased by the owner of the vehicle – not the broker. The temporary registrations are
valid for 30 or 60 days. The purchaser must provide proof of Michigan no-fault
insurance at time of purchase.
6-7.2 Issued by Broker. When a broker is responsible for applying for title and
registration, the broker may issue a 15-day temporary registration to the purchaser. The
broker is responsible for ensuring that insurance coverage is in effect and for showing the
15-day temporary registration number on the RD-108.
6-7.3 Issued by Other Licensed Dealer. When the RD-108 application is the
responsibility of another licensed dealer (the seller), 15-day temporary registrations are
issued by the selling dealer – not the broker.
6-8.1 Police Book. As with other licensed dealers, brokers must keep records in a
Police Book. The Police Book entry is made at the time of vehicle consignment. A
washout system cannot be used by a broker. See Chapter 2, Section 2-2 for more
6-8.2 Required Information. The Broker Rules require certain information when a
vehicle owned by a licensed dealer is sold or leased through a licensed broker to someone
who is not a licensed dealer. In addition to information required in Chapter 2, Section 22, the broker's Police Book must include the following information:
a) The selling dealer's business name and Michigan dealer license number; and,
b) The amount of all fees, commissions, compensation, and other valuable
consideration received by the broker either from the selling dealer, lessor,
purchaser or lessee.
The selling Class A or B dealer's Police Book must include:
a) The broker's business name and Michigan broker license number; and,
b) The amount of all fees, commissions, compensation, or other valuable
consideration paid by the dealer to the broker.
The selling Class A or B dealer must enter the broker's business name and license
number in the Remarks section of the RD-108.
6-8.3 Other Records. In addition to the Police Book, a broker is required to maintain
the following records:
a) RD-108s when the broker applies for title and registration;
b) 15-day temporary registrations, when issued;
c) Purchase agreements; and
d) Broker fee agreements, when the broker charges a fee or accepts a deposit and
is required to prepare such a document before accepting the fee. See Section
6-10 for additional information regarding broker fee agreements.
6-8.4 Length of Retention. Broker Rule 10 requires brokers to retain copies of all
purchase or lease agreements, bills of sale and other documents related to negotiated
transactions for five years. Copies of RD-108s, front and back of reassigned titles,
purchase agreements and fee agreements are examples of other documents required to be
retained for five years.
Upon request, a broker must submit to the administrator copies of all records required by
the act or rules. The administrator must specify the format in which the records must be
submitted, which may be electronic. This sub-rule only applies to records of vehicles
sold at retail by a licensed dealer when a broker is involved in the transaction.
Broker Fee Agreement
6-9.1 Requirements. Before a broker charges or receives a fee, Broker Rule 9 requires
the broker and the person paying the fee to draw up and sign a written document. A copy
of the document must be provided at the time of signing to the person paying the fee, and
a copy must be retained by the broker.
A broker must ensure that the document clearly sets forth all of the following
a) The amount of the fee;
b) When, in what manner, and under what circumstances the fee is payable;
c) The amount of any deposit required in advance and under what circumstances
the deposit or any portion of it must be refunded;
d) The length of time for which the broker's services are contracted; and
e) Any other terms agreed upon by the signers.
6-10.1 Requirements. Before consummation of a sale or lease, Broker Rule 8
requires a broker who negotiates the sale or lease of a vehicle to draw up a separate
agreement. The agreement must not differ in its terms from any other papers, forms, or
documents required by the act or otherwise executed between the buyer and the seller or
the lessee and lessor of the vehicle.
The broker must retain a copy of the agreement and must provide copies to each party to
the agreement at the time the agreement is signed.
6-10.2 Dates on Purchase Agreement. The agreement must be on a form prescribed
by the administrator and dated no later than the actual delivery date of the vehicle to the
buyer or lessee.
6-10.3 Forms. The purchase agreement does not replace other required forms and
documents (RD-108, broker's fee agreement, Police Book, etc.). Broker Rule 8 requires
broker Purchase agreement forms to contain all of the following information:
a) The name and address of the buyer or lessee.
b) A description of the vehicle including all of the following information:
(i) Make;
(ii) Model year;
(iii) Vehicle identification number;
(iv) Body style; and
(v) Dealer and factory-installed accessories (new vehicles only).
c) The name, address, and Michigan dealer license number of the dealer who is
purchasing, selling, or leasing the vehicle.
d) The name, address, and Michigan dealer license number of the broker.
e) Date of vehicle delivery.
f) Odometer reading and 1 of the following:
(i) A statement by the transferor certifying that, to the best of his or her
knowledge, the odometer reading reflects the actual mileage of the
(ii) If the transferor knows that the odometer reading reflects the amount of
mileage in excess of the designed mechanical odometer limit, a statement
to that effect.
(iii) If the transferor knows that the odometer reading differs from the actual
mileage and the difference is greater than that caused by odometer
calibration error, a statement that the odometer reading does not reflect the
actual mileage and should not be relied upon. The notice must include a
warning notice to alert the transferee that a discrepancy exists between the
odometer and the actual mileage.
g) Total price or, in the case of a lease, the gross capitalized cost.
h) Down payment or, in the case of a lease, the capitalized cost reduction, if any.
i) A statement signed by the broker certifying that the terms of all warranties
applicable to the vehicle have been fully disclosed to the buyer or lessee in
j) A statement signed by the broker disclosing the names of all parties to the
transaction whom the broker represents.
k) If a fee, compensation, commission, or other valuable consideration will be
paid by any party to the transaction, the amount of the fee, compensation, or
other valuable consideration and a detailed description of what each individual
charge includes.
l) Signatures of the buyer, seller, broker, or lessee, or their respective
representatives;
m) For the purpose of Broker Rule 8, it is presumed that the broker is the agent of
the unlicensed party to the transaction.
6-11.1 Disclosure of Identity. Broker Rule 7 requires a broker advertisement to
include a disclosure of the advertiser's identity as a broker and his or her dealer license
Electronic Record Requirements
6-12.1 Requirements. The Secretary of State may require licensed Michigan brokers to
submit their records in an electronic format under the authority of Broker Rule 10. This
applies only to records of vehicles sold at retail by a licensed dealer when a broker is
involved in the transaction.
Chapter 7: RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration
RD-108 – APPLICATION FOR
TITLE AND REGISTRATION
REPORTING RETAIL SALES
7-1.1 Authorization. Section 206 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.206) authorizes the
Michigan D epartment o f State to establish rep orting requ irements f or m otor vehicle title and
registration applications. The RD-108 is the approved form a nd is available from several
7-1.2 Applying for Title and Registration. T he RD-108 for m is a combined tax collection,
vehicle title and registra tion application, and statem ent of ve hicle sale. Each RD-108 m ust be
typed and completed in full. The department will not accept hand written RD-108 documents.
SUBMITTING THE RD-108
7-2.1 Payment Options. Only business checks written by the dealer will be accepted. Class A,
B, and D dealers may choose to pay for their transactions by means of Electronic Funds Transfer
(EFT) instead of writing checks for each transaction.
Dealers m ay sign up for EFT by requesting an
application from t he Finance Division,
at (517) 322-1728. Dealers m ay also print the application form f rom the Secr etary of State
Web site at www.Michigan.gov/sos (click o n Publications and Forms under Services to
Businesses). Applications are also available at Secretary of State offices.
7-2.2 Requirements. W hen selling a vehicle, the dea ler is r equired to apply f or title and
registration for the purchaser by subm itting the RD-108 to the Secretary of State within 15 days
of the vehicle delivery date.
Late Fee. A $15 late fee is due when the dealer does not subm
it the RD-108
within 15 days of delivery. To determ ine if the late fee is due, add 15 days to the
date of delivery in the upper-left corner of the RD-108. If the 15th day is a
Saturday, Sunday, or h oliday, the d eadline for s ubmitting the RD-108 without th e
late fee is the next State of Michigan business day.
Processing Time. Secretary of State offices attempt to process RD-108s within 48
hours after receipt. Dealers drop off RD -108s and pick them up as a dvised by
Secretary of State office staff. Up to three RD-108s can be processed per business
day if the dealer's representative waits in line.
NOTE: The RD-108 form contains a purchase date and a delivery date in the upper left corner.
The dealer verifies the delivery date is the actual date the vehicle was delivered.
When com pleting an RD-108, double-checking the following inform ation can m inimize errors
and returns for correction (see sample RD-108 at the end of this chapter).
Left Column:
Purchase Date – Enter the date the vehicle is purchased;
Delivery Da te – Enter the date the cu stomer actually takes delivery of the
vehicle;
Dealer Inform ation – This m ust be com plete, including dealer num ber and
Michigan sales tax number;
NOTE: If the dealership operates under a d/b/a, use the d/b/a in this section.
Vehicle Sold – Check New, Used, or Demo;
Trade-in – Complete all boxes if there is a trade-in vehicle;
Temporary Vehicle Regist ration – Com plete the te mporary registration box
when transferring a license plate to a newly acquired vehicle;
Vehicle Use and History Disclosure – Check one of the boxes, if applicable;
Odometer Mileage Statement – Enter the vehicle m ileage at the tim e of sale.
Check one box: Actual Mileage, Not Actual Mileage, or Exceeds
Mechanical Limits of Odometer;
mation is required, such as na
Remarks – Use when additional infor
changes, relationship on family license plate transfers, tax computation on intransit sales, f ederal excise tax on la rge trucks, use tax registration number,
sales tax exemption claim statements, resale title, etc.;
Contractual Disclosu re Statem ent for Used Vehicles Only – This b
ox is
optional. Dealers m ust disclose this language to their custom ers to comply
with the federal window sticker or buyer's guide requirements, but may use a
separate form to provide disclosure;
Dealer's Signature – Sign and print job title (requires a signature and job title
of the person signing on be half of the dealership, e.g., owner, em ployee,
agent, salesperson);
12) Purchaser's/Lessor's
Signature(s) – All persons shown as purchasers or
lessors must date and sign the RD-108.
Right Column:
Plate Number – For a p late transfer, enter customer's current plate nu mber,
just to the left of the Expires On box;
Expires On – For a plate transfer, ente r the current plate's expiration date; for
a new plate, enter the computed expiration date, including the four digit year.
See the registration expiration chart at the end of this chapter;
Months – If buying a new plate, enter the number of months the plate is valid.
If transferring a plate, leave blank;
New Plate, Renewal, or Transfer – Check as appropriate;
Year, Make, Body Style, and Vehicle Nu mber – Enter from MCO, electronic
inventory record, or previous title. Accuracy is essential;
Fee Category/Weight – The proper fee category or weight for vehicles can be
determined as follows:
For new vehicles, determ ine the fe e category or em pty weight by using
booklet MV-118, Michigan License Plate Fees and Base Prices, or by
using the new vehicle base price;
For used vehicles, determ ine the fee category or em pty weight by using
using the previous title;
Owner's Driver License or Personal ID Number(s) – Dealers must identify all
owners or lessees and subm it this inform ation with the R D-108. Always
required. For a busines s, enter "C". For an out -of-state driver license, enter
"OOS";
County of Residence – Must be correct for the purchaser's address;
Owner's or Lessor's C omplete Nam e(s) and Address – Enter nam e fro m
driver license and current address as provided by the purchaser or lessor;
Lessee's C omplete Nam e(s) and Address – W
complete names and addresses of all lessees;
Insurance Company – Enter the company name (not agency name) and policy
number. Verify proof of Michigan
no-fault insurance for new plates,
renewals, and plate transfers. Fax or photocopies of certificates of insurance
coverage are acceptable. It may be necessary to contact the insurance agency
to verify the insurance;
First Secured Interest – Show nam
"NONE");
ith lease vehicles, enter
e and com plete address (or enter
Second Secured Interest – Use only if applicable;
Bill of Sale – The RD-108 satisfies the requirement that dealers m ust execute
a written s tatement setting forth the term s of the sale to the buyer. Each
purchaser must be given a copy of the RD-108 at the tim
e of si gning.
General instructions for the Bill of Sale follow:
Furnish all information requested on the RD-108. The information must
verify the purchase price of the vehicle shown on line number 1 (right
If the sale is tax exempt, state th e reason for exemption in th e Remarks
section on the left. If purchased f or resale o r lease, also include the
buyer's sales tax license (for resale) or use tax registration num ber (for
lease).
iii) Authorized discounts are exem pt from sales tax only when the discount
is given to the purchaser at the tim e of sale and when s hown on the
invoice, the sales order, the dealer records, and the RD-108. If a bona
fide discount is given, the word "d iscount" and its dollar amount m ust
be stated in the Remarks section of the RD-108.
iv) Line 1. The purchase price of a ve hicle inclu des the factory-ins talled
accessories, freight d estination ch arge, an d the dealer-ins talled
charges for dealer-installed optional accessories are n ot required
to be includ ed in the purchase pr ice, provided a work order becom es
part of the s eller's records and the labor charges are listed on line 5 of
the RD-108. Required accessories are not tax exempt.
Line 2. An entry m ust be m ade on line 2 when taxable charges (e.g.,
document fee, serv ice fee, tem porary registration fee, etc. ) are a part of
the gross sale. "Other taxable charges" m
ay include waxing or
undercoating a m otor vehicle, fabric protection, service vehicles or
certificates, and other s ervices when these serv ices o r certificates are
non-optional. The $1.00 BFS-4, 15-day tem porary registration fee is
entered on this line, if charged. See Section 7-4.3 for infor mation on
document fees.
vi) Line 5. "Non-Taxable Charges"
includes all ex empt charges on
optional purchases or services, federal excise tax, etc. Labor and service
charged on optional purchases must be supported by work orders.
vii) No deduction from the selling pri ce can be taken from a trade-in
viii) RD-108: dealers m ay have pre- printed, personalized RD-108 for ms
showing the dealer's nam e, address, and city. The title of the RD-108
must not be eliminated or obscured.
Temporary Registration Num ber – Ente r the control num ber from the BSF-4
(15 day Temporary Registration) if one is issued;
Salesperson – Optional;
Temporary Permit Fee Charged – If th e dealer charges the $1.00 fee for the
BFS-4 15 day tem porary registration, check box "Yes", ot herwise check box
"No";
Code – Enter the appropriate license plate code:
County – Enter the 2-digit county code (listed at the end of booklet MV-118,
Michigan License Plate Fees and Base Prices);
License Fee – For a new plate, enter the computed fee;
Title – Enter the title fee;
Title Late Fee – Enter the $15.00 title la te fee, if applicable. The 15-day
period is calculated from the delivery date;
Tax – Enter the 6% sales tax (line 3 x .06)
Remarks section;
Transfer Fee – Enter the $8.00 fee if license plate is tr ansferred. The transfer
fee is not charged if the plate is also being renewed;
Total – This figure matches the amount of the check subm itted with the RD108;
Full Rights to Survivo r – W hen there are individual joint owners, check the
appropriate box as decided by the purchasers.
. If exe mpt, explain in the
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR RD-108s
7-4.1 Body Style. Body styles used by the Michigan De partment of State are listed in th is
chapter. Add the following descriptions in the body style box of the RD-108 for certain vehicles,
and check the appropriate special use box, as listed below:
Vehicle used or will be used by law enforcement: "Police."
Vehicle used or will be used as a taxicab: "Taxi."
Vehicle used or will b e used by a p olitical subdivision of Michigan (state, county,
city, public school district, etc.): "Municipal."
All rebuilt salvage vehicles: "R".
All flood-damaged vehicles: "F".
7-4.2 Fee Category or Weight. Except for a few types of vehicles, such as incomplete vehicles
and motorcycles, either the fee category or weight must be shown on all RD-108s.
NOTE: Refer to booklet MV-118, Michigan License Plate Fees and Base Prices , available from
Secretary of State offices and online at the Secretary of State Web site.
1984 or New er. The ad valorem fee category (base price) is used for 1984 and
later m odel passenger vehicles, and for 1984 and later m odel pickup trucks and
vans that weigh 8,000 pounds or less. Ot her vehicles use e mpty weight, while
larger trucks usually use elected gross vehicle weight (GVW). See Table 1 below.
Vehicle Fees Based on Value and Weight
Pickups & Vans
Trucks Other than
Base Price (weight
if over 8,000 lbs.)
Fee Category. Base p rices are rep resented by fee categories. Fee categories are
in $1,000 increm ents. If the base price of the vehicle is between $1 and $9,999,
the fee category is a single-d igit n umber (1-9). If the base price is between
$10,000 and $99,999, the fee category is a two-di git number (10-99). If the base
price is $100,000 or more, the fee category is a three-digit number. For example:
Fee Category:
$9,971…………………………………… 9
$22,550……………………………….…..22
$116,230………………………………….116
No Base Price. If no b ase price is estab lished for the vehicle (m otor homes and
buses, either new or used), use the f ull purchase price of the vehicle (line 1 on the
RD-108), converting it to a fee category.
Ownership Change. If a dealer sells a 1984 or la ter pickup or van with a weight
showing on the title, the wei ght is no longer used. The weight is changed to a fee
category. Find the vehicle's base price in the booklet MV-118, Michigan License
Plate Fees and Base Prices, and enter it in the Fee Category/W eight box on the
7-4.3 Document ary Preparation Fees. The documentary preparation fee cannot exceed 5%
of the cash price of the motor vehicle or $180.00 whichever is less. The documentary preparation
fee is taxable and is entered on line two of the RD-108. The Office of Financial and Insurance
Regulation regulates the documentary preparation fees and additional information can be obtained by
contacting OFIR @ (877) 999-6442.
Revised February 2007
7-4.4 Commercial Plate on Passenger Vehicle. On occasion, the pu rchaser of a new or used
passenger vehicle, pickup truck, or van may wish to obtain a commercial plate for the vehicle. In
this case, calculate the plate fee based both by value and em pty weight. The higher of the two
fees is due. Enter th e fee catego ry or weight, w hichever yields the higher plate fee, on the RD108.
7-4.5 Van Conversions. For van conversions, since the van was a completed vehicle before it
was m odified (custom ized), use the base price established by the m anufacturer. This applies
even though the retail price of the customized van is much greater.
7-4.6 Motor Homes. For new motor homes, the base price is determined from the price of the
completed vehicle. Since there is usually n
o ba se price, the ad v alorem fee catego ry is
determined from the purchase price shown on line 1 of the RD-108. For used m otor homes from
another state, use the current purchase price shown on line 1 of the RD-108.
7-4.7 Name Information on the RD-108. Enter the f ull nam e of the vehicle owner(s) as it
appears on their dr iver license. Do not include professional titles. Do not use "In Care of " or
"c/o." A business m ay show a file or claim number after its nam e. Us e "and" to connect two
owners' names, not "or." See also Section 7-4.10, "Leased Vehicles."
7-4.8 "Doing Business As" for a Solely Owned Business.
A pe rson who solely owns a
business may show both his/her name and the business name on the title. This does not apply to
a partnership, corporation or association. On the RD-108 show (Owner's Name) d/b/a (Business
Name). The "d/b/a" refers to "doing business as."
Vehicles titled in a business nam e do not sh ow an individual name unless there is dua
ownership, in which case the two nam es are conn ected by "and." In this case, two owner
signatures are required. If a business wants the title mailed to the attention of an individual, form
TR-114, Special Mailing of Certificate of Title, is used rather than showing the individual's name
on the title.
7-4.9 Address. The RD-108 must show the location of the applicant's residence or the business
address. In dividuals may use a post office box num ber in addition to the street address, but no t
by itself. A business m ay use a post office box num ber by itself. If used, an apartm ent number,
lot number, or post office box num ber follows the st reet address. Use the zip code associated
with the post office box number.
7-4.10 Leased Vehicles. The name and address of both the lessor and the lessee are required .
Separate boxes are provided in the right colum n of the RD-108. The driver license or personal
ID card nu mber for all lessees is also requ ired. The lesso r (veh icle o wner) m ust also have a
Michigan tax registration num ber. If not, 6% sales tax is due. Either the les sor or lessee may
transfer a license plate to or from the vehicle.
NOTE: Even though the RD-108 provides separate boxes for lessor and lessee, the lessor
completes form TR-114, Special Mailing of Certificate of Title, to ensure the title is mailed to the
lessor's address.
7-4.11 Secured Party. The dealer is responsible for reco rding a lien on the RD-108. If a lien
was intended to be shown and was not, the dealer – not the Secretary of State office – must make
all n ecessary correction s by retriev ing the RD- 108. If it is not retrieved by th
e day it is
processed, it is too late. The dealer must then retrieve the new title from the customer and apply
for a corrected title with a new RD-108 indicating the corrections.
7-4.12 Lien Terminations. Class A and B vehicle dealer
s are required to obtain lien
terminations. They are not required to submit lien termination statements with RD-108s.
7-4.13 Errors. If an error is made on an MCO or title, the person who made the error completes
and signs a Certification, for m TR-34, to explain the erro r. Draw a single line through the
incorrect information. Do not use "white-out" or correction tape. Do not erase any information.
7-4.14 Odometer Disclosure w ith RD-108s. Vehicle dealers m ust com plete the odom eter
disclosure statement on all titles and MCOs transferred to a purchaser or to another dealer unless
the vehicle is exempt. The odometer mileage must also be typed on the RD-108.
Exempt Vehicles. An odom eter statem ent is not required for the following
Vehicles with a GVWR rating of 16,000 pounds or more;
Vehicles that are not self-propelled (trailers, etc.);
Vehicles 10 m odel years old or olde r. Thes e are determ ined using the
following form ula: current calendar year m inus 10 = first m odel year a
vehicle is exempt;
Transfer of a new vehicle from the manufacturer to a dealer.
Odometer Reading. Do not use tenths of a m ile. Provide the vehicle's odom eter
reading and declare which of the following statements describes the mileage:
1) Actual
Not Actual Mileage; or
Mileage Exceeds Mechanical Limits (5-digit odometer has rolled over).
Michigan Conforming Titles. All 7" x 8" and 8½" x 11" Michigan titles contain
conforming odometer statements. A separate odometer statement is not used.
Mileage;
Separate Odometer Statements. W hen a separate o
required, submit the original copy with the RD-108.
dometer s tatement is
Dealer's Responsibility. It is a dea ler's responsibility to determine if MCOs and
out-of-state titles have confor ming odom eter statements. If more inf ormation is
needed, contact the Training and Resource Section at (517) 241-6850.
7-4.15 Special Mailer (Form TR-114). Mic higan titles are m ailed to the owner unless the
owner directs otherwise. Complete for m TR-114, Special Mailing of Certificate of Title, when
the owner requests the title be sent to another party.
7-4.16 Ma nufacturer's Certifica te of Orig in (MCO). An MCO is required w
automobile, motor home, truck, or motorcycle is titled.
hen a new
Instructions. The MCO is assign ed on the back. Each reass ignment m ust be
completed in f ull. If all re assignments are used, the dealer m
ay request a
reassignment form from the m anufacturer. The odom eter statement on the MCO
must be completed with each reassignment.
Paperless MCO. An RD-108 is accepted without an MCO for certain m akes of
new vehicles. The following points may be helpful to remember:
Since there is no paper MCO, a dealer m
statement with the RD-108;
If the vehicle is an incomplete vehi cle, m anufacturers m ust supply a paper
MCO. These m ust be subm itted with the com pleted RD-108 to the de aler's
Secretary of State office;
For in-transit sales, the dealer m ust request an MCO from the m anufacturer
and give it directly to the purchaser. The purchaser will need the MCO in
their home state.
ust subm it a separate odom eter
7-4.17 Cab and Chassis MCO – Vehicle Incomplete. Dealersh ips may sometimes sell a cab
and chassis unit without a body. T he MCO for th ese vehicles shows "Incom plete", "Cab and
Chassis," or "Cutaway Van." The vehicle may be titled but not registered.
When sellin g an incom plete v ehicle, enter "In complete" on the RD-108 for the
body style. No weight or fee category is shown. S ubmit the cab and chassis
MCO. No plate o r permit can be issued. A dealer plate can be used to deliver the
vehicle. The vehicle can also be towed or trailered.
The purchas er's n ew title will read "Not Eligible f or Pla te – Saf ety I nspection
Required." To register the vehicle, the owner must com plete the v ehicle, have it
inspected using form TR-54, Vehicle Number and On-Road Equipment Inspection,
and apply for a corrected title.
7-4.18 Cab and Chassi s MCO – Vehicle Complete. Some dealers will add a body unit to an
incomplete vehicle to m ake it a van, stake tru ck, tank tru ck, or utility vehicle. T his completes
the vehicle. W hen selling a com pleted vehicle, the dealer must subm it with the RD-108 either
the invoice (a copy is acceptab le) for the body unit or form TR-54, Vehicle Number and OnRoad Equipment Inspection (both parts must be com pleted by a law en forcement officer). For
tractors, a certification stating a fifth wheel was added m ay be used in p lace of an in voice. The
cab and chassis MCO must also be submitted.
7-4.19 Two-stage Vehicles. Two-stage vehicles involve two manufacturers and two MCOs.
The first-stage manufacturer provides the cab and chassis unit with an MCO (Ford,
Dodge, GMC, etc.). That MCO shows "
Incomplete," "Cab and Chassis,"
"Cutaway," etc. The VIN from the frame of the first-stage manufacturer is used.
The second-stage m anufacturer completes the vehicle by adding a body or other
components (e.g., m otor hom e, a mbulance, or school bus). The second-stage
manufacturer provides an MCO for the completed vehicle. Subm it both MCOs
when a two -stage veh icle is so ld. The year, make, and body style are from the
second-stage manufacturer.
For motor homes, the RD-108 must contain a description of any m ajor component
that has its own MCO. For exa mple, a 2006 Cham pion motor hom e on a 2005
Dodge chassis; submit the MCO for the 2005 Dodge chassis.
7-4.20 Standard Body Styles for Michigan Title and Registration.
Standard Body Styles for Michigan Title and Registration
2-Door
Vehicles specially designed to transport medical patients
Motor vehicle designed for transporting more than 15 passengers.
Includes vehicles with retractable hard tops
Dumpster-Hoist
Vehicles used to transport the deceased to a church or cemetery
Cab and Chassis (title only, no plate allowed)
Low-Speed Vehicle
Electric-powered vehicle with a top speed not exceeding 25 mph.
Cement Truck
Vehicle constructed or altered to provide living quarters including
permanently installed cooking and sleeping facilities and used for
recreation, camping, or other non-commercial use.
Motor vehicle with not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground,
which is not a moped.
Sedan Delivery
A light duty truck with a low-sided open body (e.g., Ford Sport-Trac).
Cattle Rack
Log Bunk
Tilt Bed
Dump Box
Feed Grinder
Hardtop Sedan
Gravel Truck
Vehicle that has one or more seats behind the driver and 2 or more
windows on each side (e.g., mini-vans, SUVs, etc.).
Water Spreader
Asphalt Spreader
Bulk Pumper
Sludge Truck
Tank Fire Truck
Road Tractor
All trailers except Trailer Coach
Trailer Coach
Pop-Up Camper
Camping Trailer
Tent Camper
Cable Reel
Tire Body
Gas Service
Tree Mover
Hi-Ranger
Tree Trimmer
Armored Vehicle
Trouble Rig
Tower Truck
Well Driller
Ladder Truck
Step Van
Flatbed Wrecker
Platform Wrecker
NOTE: Refer to the license plate fee charts in booklet MV-118, Michigan License Plate Fees and
Base Prices. This booklet is generally available from Secretary of State offices or the Secretary
of State Web site.
7-5.1 Dealer Responsibility. When a dealer sells a vehicle, Michigan law requires the dealer to
apply for title and registration on behalf of the purchaser within 15 days of delivery. It is the
dealer's responsibility to purchase or transfer a plate for the custom er within this tim e using the
RD-108 title application.
7-5.2 Exceptions – Title Only Sa les. Dealers m ay sell a vehicle at retail and process the
transaction as "title only" (no registration) if the sale is:
Title Only – No Registration – Vehicle Inop erable. This m eans the vehicle
cannot be driven. The vehicle is deliv
ered by towing or tr ailering from the
dealership. The dealer enters "Vehicle Inoperable" in the Rem arks section of the
RD-108 and indicates how the vehicle was delivered to the purchaser;
Title Only – No Registration – Customer's Request. This m eans the custom er
requests no registration. The dealer enters the method of delivery in the Re marks
section: "Vehicle Towed," "Vehicle Tra ilered," or "Vehicle Delivered on Dealer
Plate;"
Title Only – No Registration – Registration Denial. See Section 7-7.3 for m ore
information on registration denial; or,
Salvage. S alvage v ehicles are no t elig ible for reg istration. Enter "Salvage
Vehicle" in the Remarks section of the RD-108 and indicate how the vehicle was
delivered to the purchaser (towed or trailered).
NOTE: In all other cases, dealers must apply for title and registration. Proof of Michigan nofault insurance is required. Out-of-state automobile insurance coverage is acceptable with intransit transactions.
7-5.3 New License Plate. If the custom er does not own a current plate for trans fer to the
vehicle being purchased, a new plate must be purchased. To accomplish this, the dealer does the
following using the MV-118, Michigan License Plate Fees and Base Prices booklet:
Determine the expiration date for the new plate.
Determine the plate fee.
7-5.4 New License Plates – Expiration Date. License p lates h ave different expiration dates
depending on ownership and body style:
For privately owned and leased passenge r vehicles, m otorcycles, m otor hom es,
pickups, and vans, the license plate expires on the owner's birthday. F or all other
types of trucks owned by an individual (s take, utility, etc.), the plate expiration
date is the last day of February.
For company-owned passenger vehicles, the plate expiration date is the first day of
any month or, if used commercially (such as a taxi), the last day of February.
For company-owned trucks, the expiration da te is the las t day of February f or the
12-month fee unless the vehicle qualifies for a partial year plate.
7-5.5 New License Plates – Prorating Months. The fees for new plates that expire on the
owner's birthday, and f or company-owned passenger vehicles, are pror ated for the number
of months until expiration. Use the vehicle delivery date as th e plate sold date. The vehicle
delivery date is the date in the upper left corner of the RD-108.
When calculating m onths, count both th e m onth of purchase and the m onth the
plate will expire. The minim um number of m onths a plate is sold for is 6. If the
expiration month is 5 months away or less, 12 months are added. Thus, plates are
valid between 6 and 17 months.
A prorating chart is provided in booklet MV-118, Michigan License Plate Fees
and Base Prices. Under the heading "Plate Sold During Month Of," find the
vehicle delivery m onth. Across from this and under the colum n showing the
owner's birth-month is the number of prorated months.
Fees for company-owned trucks are not prorated. The plates expire on the last day
of February. They are always sold fo r the full 12-m onth fee unless the vehicle
qualifies for a partial year plate.
7-5.6 New License Plates – Determining Fees. To determine a new license plate fee:
First determine the plate's expiration date and the number of months a fee will be
charged. See the information above for prorating number of months.
Then use th e Table 3 (Vehicle Reg istration Fees and Expiration Dates) at the end
of this chap ter to deter mine whether the plate fee is based on vehicle weight or
vehicle value (base price).
Finally, find the plate fee from the appropriate plate fee charts, as outlined below:
Ad valorem (value) fees;
Weight fees for 1983 and earlier models;
Empty Weight Commercial Fees; or
GVW fees.
NOTE: For a vehicle registered by value, use the vehicle's base price. These are listed in the
Secretary of State's booklet MV-118, Michigan License Plate Fees and Base Prices . The base
price is the MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price) shown at the top of the vehicle's
window sticker before any options, taxes, delivery charges, or destination charges are added.
7-5.7 Usin g the Ad Valorem or Valu e (Base Price) P late Fee C harts. The ad valorem
registration system registers vehicles by value (base pr ice). The ad valore m fee charts, found in
the booklet MV-118, Michigan License Plate Fees and Base Prices, summarize which vehicles
use base price for their plate fee.
Value Categories. On the left s ide of the chart are the value categories. The first
category is $0 to $5,999. The re maining categories are in $1,000 increments from
$6,000 to $99,999.
On the right side is the number of months a plate is prorated (from 6 to 17).
Determining Plate Level. The form ula to determ ine plate leve l is : Current
calendar year m inus vehicle m odel year = pl ate level. "Level" refers to the level
of depreciation of the plate fee. The plate fee is reduced as the vehicle gets older.
The "0" lev el is us ed for all n ew (untitled) vehicles and cu rrent model year
used vehicles.
The "1" level is used for 1-year-old used vehicles.
The "3" level is used for 3-year-old and older used vehicles.
During 2006, a 2005 used vehicle receives a p late at the "1" level (20 06 m inus
2005 = 1).
During 2006, a new (untitled) 2005 vehicle receives a plate at the "0" level. All
previously untitled new vehicles, regardless of age, use the "0" level.
Determining Plate Fee w ith Base Price. To find the p late fee for a vehicle
registered by base price:
Determine the plate's expiration date (see Section 7-5.4).
If prorated, prorate the number of months (see Section 7-5.5).
Determine the fee category (see Section 7-5.6).
Determine the plate fee level (see Section 7-5.7).
Locate the plate fee from the ad valorem fee chart.
Prorated GVW Plate Option – 3 to 11 Months. Most GVW plates are issued for
3, 6, or 12 months. These are shown in the fee chart for GVW plates in booklet
MV-118, Michigan License Plate Fees and Base Prices. However, an owner m ay
request a G VW plate for 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 months. The expiration date will
be 3 to 11 months from the date of issue by the Secretary of State offi ce. There is
a $10 service fee added to the plate fee. To calculate a prorated GVW fee for 4, 5,
7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 months:
Find the 12-month GVW fee.
Subtract $8 from the 12-m onth fee a nd divide by 12. This is the fee per
Multiply the fee per m onth by the num ber of months reques ted. Round this
amount to the nearest dollar. Add $8, and then add the $10 service fee.
7-5.8 Farm Plates. All far m vehicles used on-road, other than im plements of husbandry, m ust
be titled an d registered. A customer m ay select one of three types of far m plates . These are
described below as Options 1, 2 and 3.
Option 1: $20 Special Farm P late. To qualify for this pl ate, th e farm vehicle
must be a truck (including pickup or van)
or road tractor. It must be used
exclusively for one or more of the following:
Transporting farm crops or livest ock bedding between the field w
produced and the place of storage. A grai n elevator is considered a place of
storage. "Livestock bedding" means straw, sawdust, or sand.
Transporting fertilizer, seed, or spray material from the farm to the field.
Transporting feed from on-farm storage to an o n-farm feeding site. "Feed"
means hay or silage.
The truck cannot be used for any other pu rpose, including transportation of crops
for com pensation (com monly called "custom work"). This plate is ordered
through the Secretary of State office. The owner will rece ive the plate in the m ail
within 10 days.
Option 2: Farm Plate Ra te of 74¢ per 100 Pounds, Plus $8. Any farm truck or
truck tractor can qualify for this reduced rate license plate. The truck must be used
exclusively in connection w ith the farm ing operation and can also be used for the
transportation of the farmer and the farmer's family. The truck cannot be used for
hire. An individual, company, or c orporation can operate the far m. The fee is
based on the em pty we ight of the truck. Use the fee ch art for farm trucks in
booklet MV-118, Michigan License Plate Fees and Base Prices.
A tree nursery, landscaping service, or greenhouse m ay choose this special farm
rate for a truck used exclusively in its farming operations. Th e farm truck can be
used to transport farm products from th e far m, field, or greenhouse (the harvest
location) to a wholesale or retail outlet. The truck cannot be used for delivery
from the sales lot or store.
Fees and expiration dates are determined as follows:
1) Pickups and Vans Owned by an
Plate expires on the farmer's birthday
(prorated fee)
To prorate this fee, find the 12-month weight fee for th e pickup truck or van using
the fee chart for farm trucks found in booklet MV-118, Michigan License Plate
Fees and Base Prices. Subtract $8 from the fee shown and then divide it by 12 (do
not round). Multiply this am ount by the number of months to th
e far mer's
birthday. Round this amount to the nearest whole dollar. As a final step, add $8.
There is no service fee.
2) Pickups and Vans Owned by
Business and All Other Farm
Plate expires on February 28 (if over
6,050 lbs., the truck is eligible for a
partial year plate – see below); use the
farm plate fee chart.
Farm Trucks over 6,050 lbs. The farmer may choose:
a) A full-year plate expiring February 28. Use the farm plate fee chart.
There is no service fee;
b) A plate expiring six months from the date issued. Use the farm plate fee
chart and add the $10 service fee; or,
A special prorated farm plate sold for 3 to 12 months. See Option 3.
Option 3: Prorated Farm Plate. A far mer (individual or business) m ay buy a
prorated farm plate under Option 3 for any number of m onths from 3 to 12. The
empty weight of the truck m ust be ove r 6,050 pounds to qualify. There is a $10
service fee.
NOTE: When prorating this fee, the law requires the farmer to pay 1/10 the fullyear farm fee for each month desired (divide the full-year fee by 10 instead of 12).
To calculate this fee for 3 to 12 months:
Find the 12-month weight fee for the truck using the fee chart for farm trucks.
Subtract $8 from the 12-month fee and then divide by 10. This is the fee per
month (do not round).
Multiply the fee per month by the number of months requested. Round to the
nearest dollar. Add $8 and then add the $10 service fee.
7-5.9 License Plate Transfers. When a dealer sells a v ehicle, the purchase r may elect to
transfer a license plate to the newly acquired vehicle. Instructions for plate transfers follow.
Plate transfers are permitted in the following situations:
When the plate owner acquires another vehicle.
When a vehicle is being titled in two names, and one of the new owners has a
plate in their name to transfer.
When a vehicle is bein g titled in one nam e, and the purch aser has a p late
showing dual ownership.
When there is a trade-in vehicle fro m a fam ily member. The purchas er may
use the p late from the trade -in vehicle. Exp lain the relationsh ip in th e
Remarks section of the RD-108.
NOTE: For plate transfers, family is defined as the owner's spouse, father,
mother, brother, sister, child, stepparent, stepchild, stepbrother, stepsister, fatherin-law, mother-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law,
grandparent, grandchild, or a legally appointed guardian. It does not include
aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
solely owned company to its owner, or vice-versa.
A lessee may transfer their own plate to a vehicle being leased.
When plate ownership rem ains the sa me but the owner's nam e is legally
changed. Explain the name change in the Remarks section of the RD-108.
Plate transfers are not permitted in the following situations:
Between family members without a trade-in.
On 3-month to 6-month, 6-month to full-year, and vice versa.
On fam ily-owned company vehicles wh en th ere is m ore than one o wner,
unless the registration shows joint ownership.
When a corporation, company, associat ion, or partnership is being form ed,
reorganized, or dissolved.
Between a corporation and its subsidiaries.
NOTE: Some license plate transfers must be evaluated by the Secretary of State on a case-bycase basis to determine whether the plate can be transferred.
7-5.10 Plate Transfers on RD-108s. After determining that a plate m ay be transferred, use the
following steps:
Submit the previous registration. If it is
not available, veri fy the registration
information with your Secretary of State office.
On the RD-108 form, do the following:
Enter the p late number and its exp iration date. The expi ration date (month
and day) is changed when a plate w
ith a birthday or first of the m
onth
expiration date is transf erred to a v ehicle requiring an expiration date on the
last day of February.
Determine whether an added fee is due. Use the charts on the following
pages. The added fee is entered in the "License Fee" box.
Enter the $ 8 tran sfer fee (un less th e plate is being bot
renewed – then only the renewal fee is due).
The num ber of months box is left bl
renewed, then enter "12").
h transferred and
ank (unless the plate is also being
7-5.11 Added Fees. For most plate transfers, an added fee will not be due. An added fee is due
in the following situations:
When a license plate for a vehicle registered in one classification is transferred to a
vehicle in a different classification (e.g., passenger to full-year commercial).
When a commercial plate is transferred from a vehicle regist ered by weight to
another commercial vehicle that weighs more.
When a plate from a passenger vehicle, pi ckup, or van is transferred to a m otor
NOTE: There is no added fee when a license plate is transferred from a passenger vehicle,
pickup, or van owned by an individual to another passenger vehicle, pickup, or van owned by the
same individual. The pickup or van must weigh 8,000 pounds or less.
7-5.12 Change of Plate Classification. An owner m ay transfer their licen se plate to another
vehicle with a different body styl e classification. Credit is gi ven for the tim e remaining on the
previous registration, and a ne w plate corresponding to the body style of the new vehicle is
issued. The old plate does not have to be turned in, either to the dealer or to the Secretary of
State. If the plate is turned in to the dealership, destroy it immediately.
In som e cases, an added weight fee is due with
a change of classifi cation. In addition, the
expiration date will change with certain changes of body style. Added fees are determined using
either Method 1, when the license plate expiration date remains the same, or Method 2, when the
expiration date is changed to February 28 (the expiration date for full-year commercial plates.)
a) Method
1 – The license plate expiration date remains the same;
b) Method
2 – Change the license plate expi
commercial vehicles.
ration date to February 28 for
7-5.13 Transfer of Individual's Passenger Plate:
$8 Transfer Fee Only – No Added Fee:
Passenger Vehicle to Passenger Vehicle.
Passenger Vehicle to Pickup or Van weighing 8,000 lbs. or less.
Motor Home to Motor Home.
Motor Home to Passenger vehicle.
Motor Home to Pickup or Van weighing 8,000 lbs. or less.
$8 Transfer Fee Plus Any Added Fee:
Passenger Vehicle to Motor Home – Method 1.
Passenger Vehicle to Pickup or Van weighing over 8,000 lbs. – Method 1.
Passenger Vehicle to any other Full-year Commercial Vehicle – Method 2.
Passenger Vehicle to any vehicle with d/b/a (doing business as) – Method 2.
Passenger Vehicle to Motorcycle – Method 1.
7-5.14 Transfer of Passenger Plate Owned by a Company or Corporation:
Passenger Vehicle to Full-year Commercial Vehicle – Method 2.
7-5.15 Transfer of Pickup or Van Plate Owned by an Individual:
Pickup or Van weighing 8,000 lbs. or less to Pickup or Van weighing 8,000
lbs. or less.
Pickup or Van weighing 8,000 lbs. or less to Passenger Vehicle.
Pickup or Van weighing over 8,000 lbs. to Pickup or Van weighing 8,000 lbs.
or less.
Pickup or Van weighing 8,000 lbs. or
8,000 lbs. – Method 1.
Pickup or Van weighing 8,000 lbs. or less to any other Full-year Commercial
Vehicle – Method 2.
Pickup or Van weighing 8,000 lbs. or less to Motor Home – Method 1.
Pickup or Van weighing 8,000 lbs. or less to Motorcycle – Method 1.
Pickup or Van weighing over 8,000 lb
Pickup or Van weighing over 8,000 lbs. to Passenger Vehicle – Method 1.
Pickup or Van weighing over 8,000 lbs. to Motor Home – Method 1.
Pickup or Van weighing over 8,000 lbs. to Motorcycle – Method 1.
Pickup or Van over weighing 8,000 lbs. to any other Full-year Commercial
less to P ickup or Van weighing over
s. to P ickup or Van weighing over
7-5.16 Transfer of Full-year Commercial Plate:
Commercial Vehicle to any Passenger Vehicle – Method 1.
Commercial Vehicle to any Pickup or Van – Method 1.
3) Comm
ercial Vehicle to Motorcycle – Method 2.
ercial Vehicle to any other Full-year Commercial Vehicle – Method 1.
7-5.17 Transfer of Three-month or Six-month GVW Plate:
$8 Transfer Fee Plus Added Fee if Weight Increased:
Three-month GVW to Three-m onth GV W – Method 1 (no other transfers
permitted).
Six-month Comm ercial to Six-m onth Comm ercial – Method 1 (no other
transfers permitted).
7-5.18 Transfer with a Replacement Plate:
License Plate Transf er w ith Replacement Plate. If an owner has a valid
registration to transfer but has lost the plate, the registration can still be transferred.
An additional $5 is due f or a replac ement plate. Enter $5 in the Licens e Fee box
and note "Replacement Plate Needed" in the Remarks section of the RD-108.
Computing Added Fee s – Method 1 – No Change of Expiration Date.
method of computing added fees is used for:
Birthday to Birthday (no change of expiration date is allowed).
First of Month to the same First of Month.
Fixed Date to the same Fixed Date.
Step 1 – Locate the 12-month fee for the "old " vehicle using the value or weight
fee chart;
Step 2 – Locate the 12-month fee for the "new" vehicle using the plate fee chart;
Step 3 – Subtract "1" from "2" to find the difference. Do not round off;
Step 4 – Divide the difference in fees as determined in Step 3 by 12. Do not round
off to the nearest cent (save this total for Step 6);
Step 5 – Determine the number of months remaining to the expiration date. Count
both the current month and the month of expiration;
Step 6 – Multiply the f ee per month (Step 4) by the num ber of months remaining
(Step 5). This is the added fee due. Round off to the nearest cent.
NOTE: There is no refund of fees if the old vehicle credit is greater than the new vehicle fee.
Method 1 Example: Today's Date: May 29
Old Vehicle:………
Stake Truck
Expiration:………..
Expiration:……… February 28
Weight:…………………..
32,000 GVW
12-Month Fee:…………...
12-Month Fee:………….
Step 1 – Old vehicle 12-month fee = $111;
Step 2 – New vehicle 12-month fee = $649;
Step 3 – Difference: $649 - $111 = $538;
Step 4 – Divide difference: $538 ÷ 12 = $44.833;
Step 5 – Months remaining: 10 (May through February);
Step 6 – 10 x $44.833 = $448.33 (added fee due).
Computing Added Fees – Method 2 – Change of Expiration D ate. This
method of com puting added fees is used when the license plate expiration date
must be changed. This method is required for:
Birthday transferred to Fixed Date (February 28);
First of Month transferred to Fixed Date (February 28).
2 – Determining the Old Vehicle Credit:
Step 2 – Divide this "old" vehicle fee by 12. It is not necessary to round off to the
nearest cent;
Step 3 – Determ ine the num ber of m onths rem aining to the "old" vehicle
expiration date. Count both the current month and the month of expiration. When
the present month and the m onth of e xpiration are the sam e, allow only a onemonth credit;
Step 4 – Multip ly th e f ee-per-month (Step 2) tim es the num ber of m onths
remaining (Step 3). This is the c redit f or the " old" vehic le and is used again in
Step 9. Round off to the nearest cent.
2 – Determining the New Vehicle Credit:
Step 5 – Locate the 12-month fee for the "new " vehicle using the value or weight
Step 6 – Divide this "new" vehicle fee by 12. It is not necessary to round off to the
Step 7 – Determ ine the num ber of m onths rem aining to the "ne w" vehic le
the present month and the m onth of expi ration are the same, count them as one
month, not two;
remaining (Step 7). Round off to the neares t cent. This "new" vehicle fee is used
in Step 9;
Step 9 – Subtrac t the " old" vehic le credit es tablished in Step 4 f rom the "new"
vehicle fee established in Step 8. This is the added fee due.
Method 2 Example: Today's Date: August 8
Expiration:……...
New Vehicle:…… Stake Truck
Weight:….……. 28,000 GVW
12-Month Fee:…………. $558
Step 2 – $122 ÷ 12 (months) = $10.16 (fee-per-month);
Step 3 – Months remaining: 4 (August through November);
Step 4 – $10.16 x 4 = $40.64 (credit).
Step 6 – $558 ÷ 12 (months) = $46.50;
Step 7 – Months remaining: 7 (August through February);
Step 8 – $46.50 x 7 = $325.50 (new vehicle plate fee).
Added Fee:
Step 9 – $325.50 (Step 8) - $40.64 (Step 4) = $284.86 (added fee due).
International Registration Plan. Mich igan is a m ember of the Inte rnational
Registration Plan (IRP) and issues "apportioned" plates. T hese are plates where
the registration fee is collected by one state and then distributed, on an apportioned
basis, to all other states where a commercial vehicle will be traveling. Special IRP
plates are required for certain tru cks that en gage in intersta te operations (se e
below). A regular commercial plate or GVW plate cannot be used. If a dealer sells
one of these trucks to a purchase r who will be driving inters tate ( outside of
Michigan), the purchaser must contact the IRP Unit in Lans ing to acquire the IRP
plate. A dealer's local S ecretary of State office is not invo lved. The IRP Unit's
address is:
IRP Unit
Secretary of State Office Building
State Secondary Complex
7064 Crowner Drive
Vehicles requiring IRP plates are those used to transport passengers for hire, or
designed and used for the transportation of property, and m eet one or m ore of the
A gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or more.
Three or more axles, regardless of weight.
Used in combination and the total weight exceeds 26,000 pounds.
Any questions regarding IRP plates can be directed to the IRP Unit.
NOTE: Dealers may deliver a vehicle requiring an IRP plate on a dealer plate. The company
purchasing the vehicle must return the dealer plate to the dealer. A commercial load may not be
hauled on a dealer plate.
7-6.1 Taxable Dealer Services an d Other Charges Appearing on RD-108.
services may be taxable. See Chapter 8, Sales Tax, for more information.
The following vehicle-related sale charge s or deductions are taxable. Enter the
total on line 2 of the RD-108.
1) Manufacturer's
Some dealer
rebate.
Document preparation fee. Maximum fee is $180 (see Section 7-4.3).
Vehicle preparation charges.
The f ollowing item s are taxable if they are not optional and m ust be purchased
with the vehicle. If purchased as an a dd-on option (separate charge), no tax is due
(list on line 5 of the RD-108):
Manufacturer's extended warranty (purchased by customer).
Rust proofing, fabric protection, and paint protection.
7-6.2 Dealer Rebates and Discounts. Rebates and discounts offered by the dealership (not the
manufacturer) are not included in the purchase price and tax is not due.
7-6.3 Dealer Titles. If a vehicle is titled in the name of the dealership, the transaction is always
taxable unless a resale or lease title is obtained.
7-6.4 Farm Trucks. Farm trucks used exclusively on the farm may be tax exempt. No plate is
issued. See Chapter 8 for more information.
7-6.5 Federal Excise Tax on RD-108 for New Truck Purchases. If a dealer sells a new truck
with a gross vehicle weight rating over 33,000 pounds, the RD-108 includes the 12% federal
excise tax.
On line 5 of the RD-108 (Labor or Other Non-Ta x Charges), enter the 12% federal excise tax.
The Secretary of State office does not co llect the excise tax. The dealer pa ys t he e xcise t ax
directly to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
NOTE: This 12% excise tax is not included in the total price upon which Michigan sales tax is
paid, provided the excise tax is separately stated. (The truck owner does not pay Michigan sales
tax on federal excise tax.)
7-6.6 Gifts and Prizes. A vehicle awarded as a gift or prize is taxable.
7-6.7 Government Vehicles.
trucks, are tax exempt.
Governm ent-owned vehicles, including a mbulances and fire
7-6.8 Native American Indian Tribes and Members. See Section 8-5.12 in Chapter 8, Sales
Tax, for information.
7-6.9 In-transit Permits. When a dealer sells a vehicle to a nonresident who will be taking it to
his or her hom e state for titling and registration, sales tax is due along with the 14 -day in-transit
permit fee of $10. Calculate the sales tax for both Michigan and the purchaser's home state. The
Michigan dealer collects the lower of the two sales tax calculations and indicates the same in the
Remarks section of the RD-108. Se e Chapter 8, S ection 8-4, for m ore information on in-transit
permits and tax reciprocity.
7-6.10 Leased Vehicles. Any down paym ent (capitalized cost reductio n) received on a leased
vehicle is considered th e first l ease payment and is subject to use tax, not sales tax. Use tax is
not remitted on the RD-108. See Chapter 8 for more information.
A dealer acting on behalf of a leasing com pany m ay collect the us e tax and rem it it on the
dealer's monthly sales, use, and withholding tax return. Indicate the lessor's use tax registration
number and a statem ent "for lease" in the Re marks section of the RD-108. The RD-108 m ay
then be processed without a tax payment.
Questions about leasing vehicles or sales tax refunds can be directed to the Michigan Department
of Treasury's Customer Contact Division at (517) 636-4730.
7-6.11 Leased Vehicles – Tax Status and 14-Day In-transit Permits. When a dealer delivers
a vehicle to a leasing company, the transaction is tax exempt if the leas ing company's Michigan
tax registration num ber is shown on the RD-108. These leasing com panies can apply for a 14day in-transit permit. If the leasing company does not have a Michigan tax registration num ber,
the vehicle is subject to Michigan sales tax when delivery is taken in Michigan.
7-6.12 Manufacturer Rebates. Tax is due on m anufacturer rebates. The a mount of the rebate
cannot be deducted from the vehicle purchase price before computing sales tax. This rule applies
even when credit is given at the time of sale and the owner w ill not receive a rebate check in the
7-6.13 Nonprofit Organi zations. Vehicles acquired by certain nonprofit organizations,
institutions, or agencies m ay be tax exem pt. This includes nonprofit schools, hospitals, and
homes for children or the elderly. Organizations such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and social
and fraternal organizations such as Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Rotary International, etc., may be
tax exempt.
To qualify for the tax exemption, the following conditions must be met:
A valid sales and use tax certificate of exe mption from the Departm ent of
Treasury, or the organization's letter of exemption from the IRS indicating it
is exem pt, must be su bmitted. Keep th is f orm in the de aler's f ile o f the
vehicle sale.
The vehicle must be titled in the name of the nonprofit agency.
The vehicle must be used exclusively for public service (no personal use).
Vehicles Used for Religious Purposes: Churches and houses of worship are taxed
on vehicle purchases, except for vans a
nd buses with a m anufacturer's rated
seating capacity of 10 or m ore passengers. Som e religious organizations qualify
for a tax exem ption on the purcha se of a school bus title d in the nam e of the
school. Contact the Michigan Departm
ent of Treasury's Customer Contact
Division at (517) 636-4730 to verify exemptions.
NOTE: Federal law prohibits a dealer from selling or leasing to public, private, or parochial
schools a new vehicle that transports 11 or more persons and is likely to be significantly used to
transport students to or from school and school-related events unless the vehicle meets the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards applicable to school buses.
7-6.14 Out-of-state D elivery. T he Mich igan Departm ent of Treasury and the Michigan
Automobile Dealers As sociation have developed instructions fo r dealers to m ake tax exem pt
"export sales." See Chapter 8, Section 8-5.11, for more information.
REPEAT OFFENDER (REGISTRATION DENIAL)
7-7.1 Repeat Offender. The Repeat Offender laws provide increased penalties for the
following offenses: alcohol-relate d, failure to appear in court, failure to com ply with court
judgments, and driving while a driver license is suspended. The laws not only increase sanctions
against these drivers, but also impose penalties against the offender's vehicle in the form of plate
confiscation, vehicle immobilization, registration denial, or installation of ignition interloc k
7-7.2 Selling Vehicles to Repeat Offenders. Dealers may sell vehicles to repeat offenders as a
"title only" transaction. Howeve r, a person who purchases or leas es a vehicle during a period of
registration denial is guilty of a misdemeanor [MCL 257.233(6)].
7-7.3 Registration Denial. Persons subject to registration denial cannot purchase, transfer,
renew, or replace a license pl
ate for any vehicle owned, co-owned, leased, o
r co-leased.
Registration denial applies to repe at offenders with three o r more alcohol-related convictions or
four or m ore violations of driving while th eir license is under a m andatory suspension or
revocation. The Secretary of Stat e office can only process RD-108 tr ansactions as "title-only."
Dealers must return registration fees to the customer. A new RD-108 is required.
7-7.4 Registration Status Web Site. The Departm ent of State m aintains a Web site for use by
dealers in d etermining regis tration status of potential vehicle pu rchasers. This site m ay be
accessed at www.Michigan.gov/sos by clicking on "Services to
Businesses." It p rovides
information using the f ull nam e, Michig an d river license num ber or Michigan personal ID
number, and birth date of the purchaser. Depart ment of State staff c annot check registration
status over the telephone.
7-7.5 Plate Transfers. Repeat offenders may not transfer temporary paper plates issued by law
enforcement (commonly referred to as a 904C permit) to other vehicles.
7-7.6 Ignition Interlock. The ignition interlock device is rented. It is the driver's responsibility
(not the dealer's) to have the ignition interlock provider remove the device from the vehicle.
After the device has been removed, the dealer may purchase the vehicle or accept it as a trade-in.
7-7.7 Dealer Plates. Metal dealer plates ar e not subject to plate c onfiscation under the Repeat
Offender law. However, BFS-4 15-day tem porary perm its issued by dealers are subject to
confiscation under the Repeat Offender law.
7-7.8 Dealership Employees as Repeat Offenders.
The Departm ent of St ate offers a
subscription service that provides employers with employee driving records. After the dealer has
established an account, the department prov ides a copy of each em ployee's drivin g record at
least once every 12 months. The employer is also automatically notified any time the department
receives information indicating a driver has rece ived a moving violation, suspension, restriction,
or revocation. You m ay contact the Secretary of State Record Look-Up Unit at (517) 322-1624
for forms and information.
7-7.9 Paper Plates. If police arrest a driver for the th ird (or m ore) alcohol-related offense, or
the fourth (or m ore) driving while license suspe nded offense, the law enforcem ent officer will
confiscate the vehicle's m etal plate and issue a paper plate (comm only referred to as a Section
904C perm it). The p aper plate s tays with th e vehicle u ntil a court adjudicates the cas e, th e
vehicle is sold to a non-f amily member, or is traded in to a dealer. The pa per plate has the same
expiration date as the confiscated metal plate.
7-7.10 Acquiring and Selling a Vehicle with a Paper Pla te. Dealers acquiring a vehicle with
a paper plate may remove the paper plate and operate the vehicle with dealer plates. If the dealer
sells the vehicle, a new registration (new metal plate) is applied for on behalf of the purchaser, or
the purchaser may transfer their existing plate to the vehicle.
SAMPLE RD-108
VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES AND EXPIRATION DATES
Vehicle Type and Owned by:
Plate Series Used:
Plate Expires on:
How and When Original Plate is Sold:
Plate Can be Renewed:
Passenger vehicle owned by an
individual (not used commercially)
Owner's birthday
1984 or later model - prorated by ad valorem.
1983 or earlier model - prorated by weight.
45 days ahead or with TR-3.
6 months ahead with reason.
individual (used commercially)
Regular commercial
1984 or later model - ad valorem or commercial weight,
which ever is higher.
Passenger vehicle owned by a
business including rental cars (not used
commercially)
April 1 or the first of any
120 days ahead or with TR-3.
business (used commercially)
February 28 (or could go six
months, see below)
Sold on 10/1 for 12-month fee. Half-fee on Sept. 1. 1984 or October 1.
later model - ad valorem or commercial weight, which ever
is higher.
1983 or earlier model - 12-month weight fee.
Pickup truck or van 8,000 lbs. or less
owned by an individual
Passenger (or commercial
if used for a commercial
use)
Sold anytime. $23 fee is prorated for original.
1983 or earlier model - prorated by empty weight.
Pickup truck or van over 8,000 lbs.
if used commercially; may
go GVW)
Prorated by empty weight (no ad valorem fees).
owned by a business
Sold on 10/1 for 12-month fee. Half-fee on Sept. 1.
1984 or later model - ad valorem.
1983 or earlier model - empty weight.
October 1.
(could go GVW)
All other commercial vehicles
including GVW
12-month fee
Regular commercial or
GVW plate
Weight fees only.
6-month fee
6 months from date of issue
Sold anytime. To qualify, 12-month fee must be $50 or
more. Collect 6-month fee plus $10 service fee.
45 days ahead (reuse plate).
3-month GVW fee
GVW plate only
Sold anytime. Must be a GVW fee. Collect 3-month GVW 45 days ahead (reuse plate).
fee plus $10 service fee.
Trailer or trailer coach owned by an
individual or a business
Non-expiring
Sold anytime. Fee based on empty weight.
Use empty weight fee for trucks over 8,000 lbs.
No (non-expiring permanent
plate)
LEASED VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES AND EXPIRATION DATES
Type of Vehicle:
Lessee:
Type of Fee:
Passenger vehicle or motor
Lessee is an individual
Lessee's birthday
Prorated ad valorem
Lessee is a business
(or the first of any month).
Lessee is an individual using
the vehicle commercially
Compute both fees (prorated ad
valorem and weight).
Use which ever is greater
Lessee is a business using the
vehicle commercially
Pickup truck or van
Prorated ad valorem.
If over 8,000 lbs., use weight.
Ad valorem (no proration).
or a business
Weight (no proration).
Note: Leased vehicles with birthday expiration are eligible for special plates (personalized, ARO, veteran, special organization, etc.).
COUNTY CODES FOR THE STATE OF MICHIGAN
COUNTY NO.
Alcona 01
Gratiot 29
Missaukee 57
Alger 02
Hillsdale 30
Allegan 03
Houghton 31
Montcalm 59
Alpena 04
Huron 32
Montmorency 60
Antrim 05
Ingham 33
Muskegon 61
Arenac 06
Ionia 34
Newaygo 62
Baraga 07
Iosco 35
Oakland 63
Barry 08
Oceana 64
Bay 09
Ogemaw 65
Benzie 10
Jackson 38
Ontonagon 66
Berrien 11
Kalamazoo 39
Osceola 67
Branch 12
Kalkaska 40
Oscoda 68
Calhoun 13
Otsego 69
Cass 14
Keweenaw 42
Ottawa 70
Charlevoix 15
Lake 43
Cheboygan 16
Lapeer 44
Roscommon 72
Chippewa 17
Leelanau 45
Saginaw 73
Clare 18
Lenawee 46
Clinton 19
Crawford 20
Luce 48
Sanilac 76
Mackinac 49
Schoolcraft 77
Dickinson 22
Macomb 50
Shiawassee 78
Eaton 23
Manistee 51
Tuscola 79
Marquette 52
Genesee 25
Mason 53
Washtenaw 81
Gladwin 26
Mecosta 54
Wayne 82
Gogebic 27
Menominee 55
Wexford 83
Midland 56
Emmet 2
8-1.1 Authorization. Section 205.52 of the General Sales Tax Act (MCL 205.52) authorizes the
collection of sales tax on the purchase of vehicles.
8-1.2 Collection of Sales Tax. Licensed dealers collect Michigan sales tax on the retail sale of
new and used vehicles at the tim e of sale. Deal ers must have a sales tax license issued by the
Michigan Departm ent of Treasury. Dealers m ust subm it the collected tax to the Secretary of
State with their RD-108 Michigan Application f or Title and Registration and statem ent of
8-1.3 Tax Rate. When sales tax is due, the amount levied is 6% of the full purchase price of the
vehicle. To com pute the tax, m ultiply the full purchase price tim es .06. Round off to the third
decimal place and round up to a whole cent when th e third decimal place is 5 or greater or round
down to a whole cent when the third decimal place is less than 5.
DETERMINING SALES TAX
8-2.1 Definition of Purchase Price. Purchase price includes the full amount paid to the dealer
without any deduction for a trade-in. Tax is due on the full purchase price. If there is a lease
penalty f or early term ination rolled into the purch ase price of the vehicle that charge is also
subject to tax.
8-2.2 Farmers. Most farm vehicles are subject to sales tax. If a f arm truck or trailer is ever
used on-road, even for traveling from farm to farm, a license plate is required, and tax is due.
Exclusive Farm Operation. If the f arm truck is used exclusively on the farm (it
is never operated off the im mediate location of the farm ), a tax exem ption may be
claimed. The transaction is considered a title-only transaction. This farm truck is
not eligible for any type of plate (even a farm plate) or permit until tax is paid.
In addition to completing the RD-108 title application, have the farm er complete a
certification (TR-34 f orm) stating this f arm truck will not be operated of f their
farm until tax is paid and the vehicle is properly licensed. Enter the statem ent
"FARM TRUCK – NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PLATE UNTIL TAX IS PAID" in the
8-2.3 Leasing Companies – Titling Vehicles. A vehicle leasing com pany with a Michigan tax
registration number has a choice of how tax is paid when titling vehicles in its nam e. They may
Pay the 6% tax at time of title application, or
Pay tax on the m onthly lease receipts dir ectly to the Michigan Departm ent of
Treasury.
To be eligible to pay tax on the lease receipt s, the leasing com pany must note "For Lease" on
their RD-108 and also provide their Michigan use tax registration number.
NOTE: When titling a vehicle, some leasing companies allow the lessee to make a down
payment (capitalized cost reduction) in order to lower the monthly lease payment. The Michigan
Department of Treasury considers the down payment to be the first payment received on a leased
vehicle. Since this is use tax and not sales tax, the tax on the down payment is not submitted with
the RD-108. The lessor is responsible for remitting tax on the down payment. However, dealers
may remit the down payment tax on behalf of the lessor using their (the dealer's) monthly sales
and use tax return sheet.
8-2.4 Leasing Companies – Selling Vehicles. If the lessee elects to purchase the vehicle at the
end of the lease contract (or if the leasing com pany sells the vehicle to a third party), the leasing
company, if not a licensed dealer, collects sales ta x on the sale price and issues the purchaser a
tax receipt. (This also applies to rent-a-car com panies and other businesses, which sell m ore
than five vehicles a year.)
8-2.5 Leased Vehicles – Tax Status. Instructions vary for leasing com panies depending on
possession of a Michigan tax registration num ber. These differences are specified in Michigan
tax law, which allows a tax exemption only if the leasing company is paying Michigan tax based
on its lease receipts.
With Michigan Tax Registration Number. W hen a leasing com pany takes
delivery of a vehicle in Michigan, the trans action is not subject to sales tax if the
leasing company has a Michigan use tax registration num ber and claims tax paid
on lease receipts. The claim must contain their use tax registration number and the
notation "For Lease" in the Remarks section of the RD-108.
Without Michigan Tax Registration Number. If the leasing com pany is not
registered with the Michigan Departm ent of Treasury as a leasing com pany (no
use tax registration number), sales tax is due.
Out-of-state Leasing Company. W hen an out-of-state leasing com pany takes
delivery of a vehicle in Michigan, tax is not due if the leasing com pany has a tax
registration f rom its hom e state and the vehicle will not be leased in Michigan.
The com pany m ust purchase a 14-day in-tra nsit perm it to be tax-exem pt. If the
vehicle will be leased in Michigan, the co mpany must be registered in Michigan
and follow the sam e requirem ents for a Michigan leasing com pany. Otherwise,
tax is due on the full purchase price.
8-2.6 Military Personnel.
Requirement. Vehicles purchased by Michigan residents who are m
personnel are subject to sales tax.
Nonresident Personnel. Nonresident m ilitary personnel obtaining an in-transit
permit are tax-exem pt if, at the tim e of purchase, they subm it a letter f rom their
commanding officer providing the purchase r's home address and certifying active
duty in arm ed forces status. This is not required with m
anufacturer in-transit
permits for Military Sales, Inc.
ilitary
8-2.7 Michigan Rehabilitation Services Clients. Occasionally, the Michigan Rehabilitation
Services (MRS) will pay for a vehicle to be titled in their client's nam
e. Because the state
purchased the vehicle, tax is not due.
Instructions. The client m ust subm it an Authorization and Billing, RA-Z40,
issued by Michigan Rehabilitation Serv ices. The Authorization and Billing, RAZ40 will show the client's nam
e and the m aximum am ount approved for
expenditure.
Purchase Price Exceeds Approved Amount.
If the vehicle purchase price
exceeds the am ount approved by MRS, the client is responsible for paying tax on
the dif ference. The Authorization and Billing RA-Z40, m ust subm itted with the
RD-108. Any plate fee m ust be collected, either from the client or using a
Michigan Rehabilitation Services warrants.
8-2.8 Ministers. Ministers are subject to sales tax when acquiring a vehicle, m
watercraft.
obile home, or
8-2.9 Native American Indian Tribes. For m ore inform ation regarding taxation of Native
American Indian Tribes and m embers, please c ontact the Michigan Departm ent of Treasury ,
Tribal Affairs Office at 517/241-2185.
8-2.10 Nonprofit Organiz ations. Certain nonprofit groups qualify for tax-exem pt status when
acquiring a vehicle. They must also meet the following qualifications to claim tax exemption.
Qualifying Instructions. The following are needed by nonprofit groups to
qualify for Michigan sales tax exemption:
(1) Organizations other than a nonprofit school, nonprofit hospital, church,
government agency, or parent cooperativ e preschool, m ust subm it either of
(a) Form C-3136, Letter of Exempt Determination, issued by the Michigan
Department of Treasury, or
(b) Federal exem ption letter showing that they are exem
pt from tax under
501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
NOTE: Photocopies are acceptable. Nonprofit schools, nonprofit hospitals, churches, and
government agencies do not have to submit one of the documents listed above.
(2) The vehicle m ust be titled in the na me of the nonprofit entity (organization,
institution or agency) and used to ca rry out the activities of the entity as
described in its bylaws or articles of incorporation;
(3) The vehicle must be used exclusively by the entity which is serving the public
at large; and,
(4) Individuals and private shareholders in the entity cannot benefit, in whole or in
part, from the use of the vehicle.
Qualified Organizations. Organizations such as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts,
social and fraternal organizations such as the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Rotary
International, etc., are subject to sales tax in Michigan, unless exem
pt under
Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the Inte rnal Revenue Code and the vehicle is
used to carry out the activities of the entity as described in its bylaws or articles of
incorporation.
Form 3372 Exemptions. Dealers can accept these form s presented by custom ers
certifying they are exem pt from sales tax. The Michigan Departm ent of Treasury
indicates there is no need to verify this type of exem
ption with the Departm ent.
Simply keep a copy of the form in your deal jacket for audit purposes.
8-2.11 Payment. Com pensation for the full purchase pr ice m ay be in any of the following
a) Money
b) Credit
c) Services
d) Trades
Anything of value
8-2.12 Rebates. A purchaser may be exempt from sales tax on rebates depending on the type of
Manufacturer Rebates. Tax is due on rebates from manufacturers. The rebate
cannot be subtracted from the vehicle pur chase price when com puting sales tax.
(It is not a discount offered by the seller.) This rule applies even when credit is
given at the time of sale and the owner will not receive a rebate check in the mail.
Dealer Rebates. These are discounts offered by th e dealer and are not subject to
tax. The amount of the dealer rebate or discount is deducted before calculating tax
due. This type of rebate or discount may be documented in the Remarks section.
8-2.13 Relatives. Sales tax is due when a retailer sells anything to an im mediate family member
(a dealer sells a car to his/her son, etc.).
8-2.14 Religious Groups – Church Vans, Buses and Other Vehicles. Vehicles purchased by
religious groups are not always tax-exem pt. Som e religious organizations qualify for a tax
exemption on their school bus if their school is an educational institution (Michigan Departm ent
of Education-accredited, Monday to Friday). Sc hool buses m ust be titled in the nam e of the
Vans and Buses. Certain vans and buses purch ased by a church m ay be taxexempt. To be tax exempt, the vehicle must be titled and registered in the name of
the church. The church m
ust claim the tax exem ption using form TR-34,
Certification, or church letterhead stationery certif ying the qualif ied vehicle will
be used for church functions. Sales tax is not due in the following instances:
(1) The vehicle has a m anufacturer's rate d seating capacity of 10 or m
passengers (a large van or bus).
(2) The vehicle is purchased to transport passengers for church functions
(Sunday or bible school, transporting senior citizens to church, etc.).
Other Vehicles. All other vehicles sold to churches or houses of worship are
taxable. Ministers are not exem pt from tax when acquiring any vehicle, m obile
home, or watercraft. Some religious groups' administrative council may be part of
the church, in which case the exem
ption for buses and vans above applies.
Questions regarding their tax status can be referred to the Michigan Department of
Treasury at 517/636-4230.
8-2.15 Repossession by Secured Party. W hen an owner defaults on the financing agreem ent
for a vehicle, the vehicle can be taken (repossessed) by the lender (secured party).
Secured Party Exempt Status. The secured party is tax-exem pt when applying
for a resale title (see Chapter 3 f or resale titles). If the secured party applies f or a
regular title (not resale), tax is due.
Repossessor or Purchaser Status. Tax is paid by the purchaser when the
repossessor sells the vehicle at a later date. This tax is collected by the repossessor
if the repossessor sells more than five vehicles a year. The repossessor issues a tax
receipt, which Secretary of State branch offices accept in lieu of collecting tax.
8-2.16 Resale Titles. Resale titles show the legend "Not Eligible for Plates – No Tax Paid."
8-2.17 School Buses. W hen a school bus is acquired by an accredited educational institution
(Monday to Friday, Michigan Departm ent of E ducation-approved curriculum ), no tax is due.
The bus must be titled in the name of the school or school district.
8-2.18 Trade-in Credit. There is no trade-in credit or allowance of any kind when a Michigan
resident buys a vehicle in Michigan or in anot her state. Tax is assessed on the full purchase
price of the vehicle before subtracting any value of a trade-in vehicle. The exception is vehicles
purchased by non-residents on an in-transit RD-108, to be titled and registered in their hom e
state, if their home state allows a trade-in credit, as previously explained.
8-2.19 Vehicle Warranties. A m anufacturer's extended warranty (purchased by custom er) or
service contract is taxable if it is not optional and m ust be purchased with the vehicle. If
purchased as an add-on option (separate charge), no tax is due.
8-3.1 Ambulances, Community-Based. Refer to "Fire Trucks" (Section 8-3.10).
8-3.2 Brokers. In the sale of a vehicle, brokers bring together a buyer and seller. Vehicle
brokers can never take ownership of a vehicle, nor can they title a vehicle in their nam e or the
name of their business unless state sales tax is paid.
8-3.3 Charitable Organizations. The following nonprofit organizations, institutions, and
agencies do not pay Michigan sales tax:
Nonprofit school
Nonprofit hospital
Home for the care of children or aged persons
Parent cooperative preschool (see Section 205.54a of the Michigan Vehicle Code
for special stipulations
Health, welfare, educational, charitable, or benevolent institution or agency.
8-3.4 Churches. See "Religious Groups" (Section 8-2.12).
8-3.5 Credit Unions – Federal. Vehicles titled in the nam e of a federal credit union are taxexempt. To qualify, the federal credit union's na me m ust end with the uninterrupted words
"Federal Credit Union." If any other words appear between the words "Federal Credit Union,"
the credit union is not a federal credit union, and its vehicles are taxable.
8-3.6 Dealers – Out-of-state Dealer Buys a Vehicle from Michigan Dealer. Tax is not due
when an out-of-state dealer acqui res a vehicle from a Michigan dealer for resale outside of
Michigan. In its Police Book, the Michigan deal er enters the out-of-state dealer's sales tax
number and dealer number issued by the dealer's hom e state. This transaction is not eligible f or
a 14-day in-transit permit.
8-3.7 Dealers – Resale Titles, Lease Vehicles, Demos. Dealers always use their RD-108 when
titling a vehicle in the nam e of the dealership. Sales tax is always due except in the f ollowing
instances:
When the dealer applies for a resale title
When a dealer will be leasing a vehicle. There is no such thing as a "tax-exem pt
number" for sales tax or use tax purposes. In a lease situation where the dealer
titles a vehicle in the nam e of their leas ing company, the dealer has an option of
how to remit the tax. They are not exempt from tax. They m ay remit tax up front
for the total purchase price shown on the RD-108 or on the monthly lease receipts.
The dealer enters their use tax regist ration number and the statem ent "For Lease"
in the Remarks section of the RD-108.
When the dealer is titling a vehicle to
be used f or rental purposes (usually by
customers having their cars serviced), the d ealer must enter the dealer's sales tax
license num ber and the statem ent "For Rent" in the Rem arks section of the RD108.
When the dealer titles a demonstrator vehicle.
Dealers m ay hold vehicles they have for resale or transfer them to another dealership without
collecting tax. Rem oving a vehicle from invent ory for use other than dem onstration requires
titling and payment of sales tax. If needed, the dealer may apply for a resale title in the nam e of
the dealership. Tax is not due until the vehicle is sold at retail.
8-3.8 Demonstrator Vehicles. A dem onstrator is a new m otor vehicle used for dem onstration.
New vehicles titled as a dem onstrator are tax-exem pt until sold at retail. A dealer is lim ited in
the number of vehicles, which m ay be titled or us ed as tax-exem pt demonstrators. The num ber
is based on the dealer's volume of new vehicle sales in a calendar year, as in the following table:
Demonstrators Based on Volume
New Units Sold per
Tax-exempt Demos Allowed
per Calendar Year
25 Vehicles (maximum)
Important Note: A demo vehicle that is carried over from one year to a new year does not count as a tax-free
demo in the next calendar year.
8-3.9 Foreign Diplomats. A diplom at is a person who is
appointed to represent their
government in relations with another country. Foreign diplomats assigned to the United States
and their fam ily m embers are exem pt from sa les tax on the purchase of large item s including
vehicles and watercraft.
Tax Exemption Card. The U.S. Departm ent of State, Office of Foreign
Missions, issues tax exem ption cards to foreign diplomats and consular personnel
in the U.S. To qualify for tax exem ption, a diplomat must present this card upon
titling a vehicle. Record the card's ta x num ber and expiration date along with
"Tax-exempt – Diplomat" in the Remarks section of the RD-108.
License Plates. The Michigan Department of State does not issue license plates to
diplomats. Refer all inquiries to the diplomat's em bassy. The foreign em bassy
will contact the U.S. Departm ent of State, Office of Foreign Missions, Diplom atic
Motor Vehicle Office, 3507 Internati onal Place, NW , W ashington, D.C. 205222303. Telephone: 202/895-3521.
8-3.10 Fire Trucks and Ambulances. Local government units are exempt from sales tax on the
purchase of an ambulance or fire-fighting equipment. A community-based nonprofit corporation
is also exempt. The ambulance or fire truck m ust be titled in the nonprofit entity's nam e. Write
"Tax-exempt – Community Service" in the Remarks section of the RD-108.
8-3.11 Houses of Worship. Sales and use tax is due on vehicles acquired by churches and
houses of worship except for vans and buses with a m anufacturer's rated seating capacity of 10
or more passengers and used to transport passengers for church functions. See Section 8-2.12.
8-3.12 Rolling Stock. W hen your dealership sells a truck or trailer to an entity that engages in
interstate com mercial transport, sales tax is due with the transaction unless your purchaser
qualifies as an "interstate m otor carrier" and the vehicle is a "qualified truck or trailer." The
Michigan Sales Tax Act provides that trucks a nd trailers purchased, rented, or leased by an
interstate motor carrier are eligible for a 100% exemption from sales tax only if they m eet both
of the following:
a) The qualified truck is a commercial motor vehicle power unit or bus with 2 axles and a
gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 lbs., or a commercial truck or bus with
3 or more axles. A qualifying trailer is one designed to be drawn behind a qualified
truck, and
b) The interstate motor carrier is in the business of carrying persons or property, other than
themselves, their employees, or their own property, for hire across state (Michigan) lines
and whose fleet mileage was driven 10% outside of Michigan in the immediately
preceding tax year. In computing fleet mileage, trucks used solely in Michigan cannot be
counted.
If your purchaser does not qualify as an interstate m otor carrier, or the unit purchased is not a
qualified truck or trailer, sales tax is due on the
sale price. A person in their first year of
business cannot be exem pt as an interstate m otor carrier. "Preceding tax year" is the period
beginning October 1st and ending the following September 30th.
If a purchaser qualifies as an "interstate motor carrier", dealers must note "interstate motor
carrier" in the Remarks section of the RD-108.
IN-TRANSIT PERMITS (BFS-50) AND "EXPORT SALES"
8-4.1 Authoriz ation. The 14-day in-transit perm it allows a nonresident to drive a newly
purchased vehicle to their hom e state where it w ill be titled and registered. Only one in-transit
permit may be issued for any vehicle. Lease co mpanies with a Michigan tax registration number
are eligible to receive 14-day in-transit permits.
NOTE: Dealers process a 14-day in-transit permit for all out-of-state transactions (except for
salvage-titled, scrap-titled or wholesale dealer transaction vehicles) regardless of the
customer's method of transporting the vehicle to the other state. States having sales tax
reciprocity agreements with the State of Michigan have agreed to give tax credits on in-transit
deliveries. Without the in-transit permit, the customer's home state could require tax to be paid
Additionally, the in-transit permit provides a record with the State of Michigan that the vehicle
will be titled in the purchaser's home state. This record can be used to issue a replacement intransit permit if the in-transit permit is lost before titling in the purchaser's home state.
8-4.2 Exporting Vehicles. Record keeping requirements are somewhat different when selling a
vehicle, which will be exported to another country or state, com pared to when selling a vehicle
for registration within Michigan.
Tax Due. Tax is due on all vehicles unless th e purchaser is a licensed dealer or
the vehicle is to be delivered by the Mich igan dealer outside the boundaries of the
state of Michigan. For export purposes, if a dealer contracts with a shipper and
delivers the vehicle to a foreign destination, tax is not due. However, if a dealer
delivers a vehicle to the purchaser's representative who will arrange shipm ent to a
foreign destination, tax is due as the transf er of ownership of the vehicle has taken
place within the boundaries of Michigan.
Instructions. The selling dealer assigns th e title or MCO, including odom eter
statement, and com pletes an RD-108, and if appropriate, a salvage disclosure
statement. In the Rem arks section of the RD-108, enter "TAX-EXEMPT – FOR
EXPORT" and give the address of the port of exit where the vehicle will be
Processing. The RD-108 is not processed at a branch office. The dealer keeps a
copy of all docum ents, including bills of lading or other docum entation and gives
the title, a copy of the RD-108, odometer disclosure, and salvage disclosure to the
purchaser. The dealer retains copies of this information for five years.
Records. Documentary evidence proving the d ealer delivered the vehicle outside
of Michigan must be kept in the dealer's records. Evidence includes a copy of the
completed RD-108; a waybill or bill of
lading f rom a shipping or trucking
company; trip sheet; driver's logs; and other docum
entary evidence to verify
delivery to a destination outside the state of Michigan. The dealer retains these
documents for five years.
Tax Liability. W hen the Michigan Departm ent of Treasury conducts a tax audit
of a licensed Michigan vehicle dealer as
a retailer, the dealership will be held
liable for the sales tax, unless the appropriate documentation can be presented.
In-transit Permits. A 14-day in-transit perm it cannot be obtained for an export
sale. (See Chapter 3, Section 3-9.)
Other Delivery Arrangements. If the nonresident purchaser arranges for
someone to take delivery of the vehicle w ithin Michigan on his or her behalf, the
sale is subject to Michigan tax.
8-4.3 Instructions. Use the following steps to obtain an in-transit permit:
(1) In the space provided for the pl
TRANSIT";
(2) Enter the complete out-of-state address;
(3) In the Rem arks section, enter the title num ber and issuing state of the title
being transferred and "To be Titled
and Registered in _____
(state)____________"
(4) In the Rem arks section, enter the Michigan tax com putation and out-of-state
tax computation. Collect the lower of the two am ounts for reciprocal states.
Check Treasury's Form
485 to veri
fy all out-of-state tax rates.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/485_72279_7.pdf
Tax computations for Michigan and Texas, with the lower of the two
amounts circled and circled amount of tax being collected entered on the
RD-108 in the tax box.
(5) Enter the $10 in-transit permit fee on the RD-108 in the license fee box.
b) Subm it the RD-108 and properly assigned title or MC O. The title or MCO will be
returned with the in-transit perm it f rom th e branch for delivery to the custom er.
The dealer maintains a copy in the dealership records.
Instruct the owner to display the in-transit pe rmit in the rear window of the vehicle. If
there is no rear window, the permit must be displayed in a location where it can be seen
by law enforcement.
8-4.4 In-transit Permits – States with No Tax Reciprocity. If a dealer sells a vehicle that
will be titled and registered in a state, which has no tax reciprocity with Michigan (listed below),
no tax is due. However, the law requires the customer to purchase the 14-day in-transit permit
regardless of the method of transporting the vehicle, or else sales tax is due. The current list of
these states is available on Treasury's Web site at:
8-4.5 In-transit Permits – "No Tax Due" States. Some states do not charge sales tax on the
purchase of vehicles or do not give the customer credit if they pay tax in Michigan. The current
list of these states is available on Treasury's Web site at:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Sales tax rates and reciprocal agreements between states are subject to
change without notice. It is the dealer's responsibility to confirm all sales tax information. Upto-date information concerning sales tax reciprocity or rates can be obtained by contacting the
Michigan Department of Treasury at 517/636-4230, or by visiting the Michigan Department of
Treasury's Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/485_72279_7.pdf.
8-4.6 In-transit Permits – States w ith Tax Reciprocity. If the purchaser is taking the vehicle
to a state, which is reciprocal with Michigan, two tax computations are required.
Determine the amount of state sales tax due in the purchaser's hom e state. If that
state allows a trade-in credit, the trad
e-in allowance is used in the f
irst
computation.
Determine the am ount of 6% sales tax in
Michigan resident.
Michigan, as if the purchaser is a
c) After making the two computations, collect the lower amount. If the out-of-state tax
amount is the lower amount, show in the Remarks section of the RD-108 the method
used to determ ine the sales tax, such as 4.25% New York tax with $5,040 trade-in
d) Circle the lower of two amounts.
e) Enter the lower amount in upper right "tax" portion of the RD-108.
f) Collect the lower amount of the two computations.
Example: The purchaser will be taking her new car to New York. The purchase price is
$10,760. She received $5,040 for her trade-in.
First Computation: New York State's tax (4.25% tax rate, full trade-in credit):
$10,760-$5,040 = $5,720 x .0425 = $243.10 (New York total)
Second Computation: Michigan tax (6% tax rate, no trade-in credit):
$10,760 x .06 = $645.60 (Michigan total)
In this exam ple, the New York com putation provides the lesser am ount and is the am ount
collected.
CAUTION: Do not send this tax to the other state. The tax is paid to the state of Michigan and
the customer will receive credit in the other state.
8-4.7 Out-of-state Address. An out-of-state address is required on the RD-108 showing where
the vehicle will be titled and registered. No Michigan title will be issued. The RD-108 indicates
lien holder information in the "First Secured Inte rest" section, if applicable. Although Michigan
will not record the lien holder in our reco rds, adding lien holder inf ormation on the RD-108
helps to ensure the lien is recorded on the purchaser's home state's title.
8-4.8 Proof of Insurance. Proof of Michigan no-fault or out-of-state insurance is required. This
can be insurance for any vehicle in the purchas er's nam e. The insurance certificate does not
have to name the in-transit vehicle.
8-4.9 State Sales Tax Used for In-transits. Use the Michigan Departm ent of Treasury's Form
485 available at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/485_72279_7.pdf or contact the Michigan
Department of Treasury @ 517-636-4230 to verify reci procal states and sales tax rates in other
states for each in-transit transaction you process.
8-4.10 When Going to Canada or Another Country. If the purchaser is taking delivery of the
vehicle in Michigan and transporting it to Canada or another country (including U.S. territories),
6% Michigan sales tax is due. If the dealer is delivering the vehicle or dealer's representative
outside the state of Michigan, sales tax is not due.
FOREIGN SALVAGE VEHICLE
9-1.1 Authoriz ation. Section 248 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.248) requires that
foreign salvage vehicle dealers be licensed by the Michigan Department of State. Any person
coming into Michigan to buy or sell late model distressed vehicles or major component parts
must have a current Michigan license as a Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealer (Class H). To qualify
for this license, Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealers must also be licensed as a salvage dealer in
vehicles or parts in their home state or jurisdiction. The Class H license authorizes the Foreign
Salvage Dealer to engage – in the state of Michigan – in wholesale activities only.
NOTE: Michigan Foreign Salvage dealers may not operate a business in Michigan. Vehicles or
vehicle parts purchased in Michigan must be taken to the dealer's home state for dismantling,
assigning part numbers, and entry into their dealer records.
9-1.2 Violations. A Michigan foreign salvage vehicle dealer license or salvage vehicle agent
license may be suspended or revoked if a dealer is cited for violating the Michigan Vehicle
Code. Infractions cited in Michigan may be reported to the agent's home state licensing agency.
9-1.3 Dealer Classification. A Class H dealer license authorizes a dealer to buy or sell late
model distressed vehicles or major component parts only at wholesale in Michigan. However, a
Class H dealer must have a salvage vehicle agent license to buy or sell late model distressed
vehicles or late model major component parts at Michigan auctions, brokers, or salvage pools. A
salvage vehicle agent license is not necessary when dealing at other dealerships in Michigan,
9-2.1 Requirements. A foreign salvage vehicle dealer must keep and maintain business records
daily. These records include the following:
Police Book (refer to Chapter 2, Section 2);
Major Component Parts Record;
Odometer Disclosure Statements (copy of conforming title or other odometer
disclosure statement);
Salvage Disclosure Statements.
9-2.2 Records Inspection.
Michigan dealer records may be inspected by the Michigan
Department of State or law enforcement officials.
As a licensed Michigan Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealer, requested records must
be produced within 48 hours at a time and place designated by the Michigan
Department of State.
Inspections are required by law. A dealer who fails to maintain records, fails to
produce records, or hinders or obstructs an inspection or investigation may have
their Michigan Class H Foreign Salvage Dealer license summarily suspended.
SALVAGE AND SCRAP TITLES
9-3.1 Salvage Titles.
salvage title:
The following factors determine if a vehicle needs or qualifies for a
A vehicle must be titled as salvage if it is a late model distressed vehicle with an
estimated repair cost from 75% to 91% of its pre-damaged value:
Before any owner transfers ownership, transports, or sells it;
Within five days of acquiring the vehicle if the buyer is a dealer and the
vehicle does not already have a salvage title; or,
After payment of a total loss claim if the insurance company permits the
owner to retain ownership.
A vehicle must have a Michigan salvage title if brought into Michigan from
another state or jurisdiction with a comparable title.
A vehicle must have a salvage title if it is a late model, stolen, recovered vehicle
owned by an insurance company licensed to conduct business in Michigan and it
has one or more major component parts wrecked, destroyed, damaged and not
salvageable, missing, or stolen. This is necessary regardless of the amount of
damage or estimated cost of repairs, except a vehicle with damage repairs
estimated at or above 91% of its pre-damaged value requires a scrap title.
A vehicle may have a salvage title if any owner decides a salvage title is
appropriate. This is regardless of the age of the vehicle and even if repair costs are
less than 75% of the pre-damaged value. A late model distressed vehicle with an
estimated damage of 91% or more must have a scrap title.
9-3.2 Scrap Titles. The following factors determine if a vehicle needs or qualifies for a
scrap title.
A vehicle must be titled as scrap if it is a late model distressed vehicle with an
estimated repair cost of 91% or more of its pre-damaged value:
Before any owner transfers ownership or transports the vehicle; or,
vehicle does not already have a scrap title.
A vehicle must have a Michigan scrap title if brought into Michigan from another
state or jurisdiction with a comparable title (e.g., junk, non-repairable, etc.).
A vehicle may have a scrap title if any owner decides a scrap title is appropriate.
This is regardless of the age of the vehicle or the estimated cost to repair. Any
vehicle that has previously been issued a Michigan scrap title cannot be retitled.
BUYING AND SELLING VEHICLES
9-4.1 Buying Vehicles in Michigan. Vehicles or vehicle parts purchased in Michigan by Class
H dealers must be taken to their home state for dismantling, assigning parts numbers, and entry
into their dealer records. Immediately after acquiring a salvage or scrap vehicle, a dealer must
record certain information in the dealer's Police Book. This includes the following:
Purchase Number. This is the stock number or inventory control number which a
dealer assigns to a vehicle. Purchase numbers must be assigned in sequential
order corresponding to the chronological order in which the dealer acquires
ownership of vehicles.
Vehicle Identification. Enter the year, make, vehicle identification number, and
vehicle color.
Title Information. Enter the title number in the space provided and show in the
Remarks section which kind of title has been received, i.e., whether it is a regular,
salvage, or scrap title.
If the title is not a Michigan title, the dealer must identify the state which
issued the title and list the title number in the dealer's Police Book.
Scrap-titled vehicles must eventually be destroyed or dismantled. Parts must
be logged into the dealer's Major Component Parts Record.
Seller Information. Enter the name and address of the person from whom the
dealer purchased the vehicle and the date it was acquired. If the vehicle was
purchased through a broker, auction, or salvage pool, the dealer may show the
name and address of the broker, auction or pool in the Remarks section. The
owner of the vehicle shown on the title is the seller for this purpose.
Purchaser Information. When the Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealer sells the
vehicle under a home state license, the name and address of the purchaser of the
vehicle and the sale date must be entered in the dealer's Police Book.
NOTE: Vehicles purchased in Michigan by Class H dealers may not be resold in Michigan
unless the vehicle has been taken to the dealer's home state and retitled there.
9-4.2 Selling Vehicles in Michigan. Any vehicle brought into Michigan for sale must be sold
at wholesale only. Class H dealers are not authorized to sell vehicles at retail in Michigan.
Every salvage vehicle brought into Michigan to be sold at wholesale must be entered in the
Police Book at or before the time the vehicle is offered for sale. This entry must be made
whether or not the sale is completed. (Scrap vehicles may not be sold by a foreign salvage
vehicle dealer in Michigan. They must be dismantled or destroyed.)
Basic Information. The information that is required in Chapter 2, Section 2-2
must be recorded in the Police Book.
Purchaser Information. When the vehicle is sold in Michigan to another dealer,
record the name and address of the purchaser, the date of sale, and the Michigan
dealer's license number.
Major Component Parts Record. Late model major component parts purchased
in Michigan, brought to Michigan for resale, or removed from vehicles acquired in
Michigan must be entered in a Major Component Parts Record. Every late model
major component part purchased in Michigan or removed from a vehicle
purchased in Michigan must be assigned a stock or identification number. This
information must be entered in the parts record. The number must be permanently
affixed to the part. The parts record entry must contain the following information:
Color of the vehicle;
Stock or identification number assigned to the part;
Police Book entry number (if different from the stock number) and the VIN;
Name and address of the person from whom the part was acquired and the
date of acquisition, if purchased outright.
Odometer Statements. Salvage-titled vehicles less than 10 years old are subject
to both Michigan and federal odometer laws. Copies of conforming titles showing
both incoming and outgoing records of odometer disclosure must be maintained at
least five years and be available for Michigan Department of State inspection.
Disclosure Statements. The dealer has a legal obligation to disclose to a
purchaser that the salvage vehicle was previously a distressed vehicle. This
applies to both wholesale and retail sales.
If the dealer is transferring a vehicle with a Michigan salvage title to a buyer
before any repairs have been made, the dealer is not required to give any
other notice or disclosure statement. The salvage title serves this purpose.
If a Michigan salvage title has been changed to another kind of title, such as a
Michigan "rebuilt" title or "previously issued salvage" title, the dealer must
give the buyer a written Salvage Vehicle Disclosure statement (see Appendix
A). This statement must be signed by both the dealer and buyer. A copy
must be given to the buyer before the sale is completed.
NOTE: Class H Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealers may have other requirements placed upon
them by their home state. It is the dealer's responsibility to know and observe these
REBUILDING A MICHIGAN SALVAGE VEHICLE
9-5.1 Requirements. Once issued a salvage title, a vehicle cannot be retitled in Michigan until
it has been inspected and recertified by a specially trained Michigan police officer. A fee must
be paid to the law enforcement agency upon completion of the inspection. The dealer may apply
for a Michigan "rebuilt" title from the Michigan Department of State following the inspection
and recertification. See Chapter 5 for more information.
9-5.2 Vehicles Returning to Michigan. Any vehicle which leaves Michigan with a salvage
title and later returns to Michigan for title or registration may require a Michigan recertification
inspection and a rebuilt title application. This applies even if it was repaired in another state and
retitled there. The vehicle cannot be titled and registered in Michigan until it is inspected and
recertified by the appropriate Michigan procedure.
DISMANTLING A VEHICLE
9-6.1 Surrendering the Title Document. When a vehicle is completely dismantled for parts
only, the dealer surrenders the vehicle's title to the Michigan Department of State for
cancellation.
9-6.2 Procedures. Here are the steps for surrendering a title:
Write "JUNK" or "SCRAP" across the face of the title, date and sign the notation,
and mail the title to the following address:
Bureau of Driver and Vehicle Records
Conversion Unit
Lansing, Michigan 48918
Complete the entry in the Police Book by indicating that the title was surrendered
as "JUNK" or "SCRAP" and the date.
NOTE: Some Class H Foreign Salvage Vehicle Dealers may be required to surrender the title to
the dealer's home state. Simply indicate this in the Police Book along with the date of title
Appendix A: Forms and Publications
Forms referenced in the Dealer Manual are listed here by order of form number, form description,
and source. Please refer to this key to determine where to obtain the form(s):
SOURCE KEY
Web Site: www.Michigan.gov/SOS ~~ Choose
"Services to Businesses" then "Publications & Forms"
or "Owning a Vehicle" then "Publications & Forms"
Inventory Control Unit
Printer or Business Form Company
Local Law Enforcement Authorities
Business Licensing & Regulation Division
Local Secretary of State Office
Form No.
Michigan Vehicle Code
Michigan Vehicle Dealer Close-Out Statement
Michigan Vehicle Dealer Close-Out Statement (Temp. Location)
Registration Eligibility Declaration Form (Repeat Offender)
Michigan Department of State Refund Request Form
AR-0012
Motor Vehicle Repair Facility Registration Application
Uniform Vehicle Dealer Surety Bond
Original Vehicle Dealer License Application
Vehicle Dealer License Renewal Application
Add/Replace Dealer Plates Application
Vehicle Dealer Supplemental Location License Application
c,g
Vehicle Dealer License Application Change of Name &/or Address
Dealer Corporate Officer Change Application
Original Salvage Vehicle Agent License Application
Salvage Vehicle Agent Application for Corrected or Duplicate
Parental Consent to Sell a Vehicle to a Minor
BDVR-108
Odometer Mileage Statement
15-Day Temporary Registration for a Motor Vehicle, Trailer, or
Trailer Coach--New Plate
BFS-50
Intransit Permit
Instructions for Titling an Assembled Vehicle
Watercraft Dealer Manual
Application for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Affidavit to License and Title a Demonstrator
MV-118
Michigan License Plate Fees and Base Prices booklet
MV-118A
Base Price Supplement with current model year prices
Application for Michigan Title--Statement of Vehicle Sales
SOS-426
Scrap Vehicle Inventory
Certification of Repossession
TR-11L
Application for Certificate of Title and Registration
Application for Original Michigan Salvage Title or Scrap Title
TR-13A
Application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection
TR-13B
Salvage Recertification Inspection
Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle
Notice of Abandoned Vehicle
Vehicle Number and On-Road Equipment Inspection
Special Mailing of Certificate of Title
Vehicle Uniform Surety Bond
c,d,h
c,h
c,e, 6
c,d,f,h
Application for Special VIN Plate
Ownership Certification
Notice of Rejection of Vehicle Financing
Notice of Assignment of Secured Interest in a Vehicle
TREAS-248
Use Tax Exemptions on Vehicle Title Transfers
Instructions for Collecting Vehicle Sales Tax from Buyers ( who will
register & title their vehicle in another state)
TREAS-3372
Michigan Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption
WR-11L
Application for Certificate of Watercraft Title and/or Registration
CRT-61 Certificate of Resale Step 1: Identify the seller
Uniform Sales & Use Certificate
90 ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES WARRANTY Procedure 438 (38
Utah Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale
Use this form if all of your purchases from RAECO are to be exempt from sales tax.
CRT-61 Certificate of Resale
Streamlined Sales and Use Tax
Glossary of Automotive Terms
Application For Utah Duplicate Title, TC-123
Motor Vehicle Sales, Lease and Rentals, and Repairs
Title Application
Sales Tax Exemption Administration
Illinois Tax Form
Exempt Organization or Manufacturing
T I P Tax Information Publication
NE - Resale or Exempt Sale Certificate (Form 13)
Section A Instructions For Completing Form BT-1
CONSENT FOR USE OF ELECTRONIC DOCUMENTS
Buying a Used Car - United Way of Frederick County

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl