A Michigan Trailer Bill of Sale is a document facilitating the transfer of ownership and liability for trailers from the seller to the buyer.
New and used trailers in Michigan purchased from a dealership will be titled and registered by the salesperson, while vehicles purchased in a private sale will need to be titled and registered by the new owner. Trailers weighing 2500 pounds or less don’t need a title.
REQUIREMENTS
Bill of Sale: Required
Registration: Required
Title: Not Required
Insurance: Not Required
Signing: Buyer and seller
LAWS
Statutes: § 257.216, § 257.801
Registering a Trailer in Michigan
You must transfer the title within 15 days of purchasing a new trailer or vehicle. New residents in Michigan must register and title their vehicles, including trailers, within 30 days of establishing residency.
For first-time registration, you must visit the Secretary of State’s office. You can schedule an appointment at your nearest local office here.
Everyone listed as an owner on the paperwork should appear at the office or complete a limited power of attorney form to include with the registration paperwork.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Michigan?
Be sure you have all the necessary paperwork before making your appointment. You may need an inspection prior to obtaining a title for an assembled trailer. You should have:
- Valid Michigan driver’s license or ID
- Weight or scale receipt
- Signed title or Certificate of Origin or Michigantrailerbill of sale
- VIN/Inspection Form for assembled trailers
- Lien termination document (such as release of lien)
A Michigan trailer bill of sale should include the year, make, and model of the trailer, the VIN or serial number, and the buyer’s and seller’s addresses and signatures.
Dealerships will handle registration fees and title transfer fees. For private sales, you must pay the registration and title fees when you register your trailer. Trailers in Michigan are issued permanent registrations and plates.
The title must be original and cannot have any corrections, modifications, or cross-outs.
Michigan recommends that the original owner accompany the buyer to the office to conduct the title transfer if possible. Other owners may provide an Appointment of Agent form if they cannot visit the buyer’s office.
Trailer Registration Fees
Fees are based on the empty weight of the trailer. Registration and title fees must be paid at the time of titling.
Title for Trailer
All trailers over 2500 pounds must be titled. Assembled trailers must have a special assembled vehicle title.
An application for an assembled trailer title must include a bill of sale for all parts or components. The owner/builder must pay a 6% tax on all components unless the bills of sale or invoices show that taxes were paid on all parts.
Insurance
Michigan does not require separate trailer insurance to register the vehicle.
However, some interpretations of Michigan’s no-fault law may require that any travel trailer “with more than two wheels” may be a motor vehicle requiring insurance in case of an accident. Owners are strongly advised to consult their insurance agent when purchasing and insuring their trailers.
Exemptions
Trailers under 2500 pounds do not require a title, but all trailers traveling on public roads must be licensed and registered.
Michigan Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Michigan trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
