Michigan Bill of Sale Forms (5)
A Michigan bill of sale form assigns an individual as the new owner of a manufactured or homemade item. The document, which can be for motor vehicles, firearms, boats, or other items, provides pertinent information about the item being sold or gifted. It also includes the buyer and seller’s phone number, address, and email to contact or locate them following the sale.
Summary
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Types (5)
Boat Bill of Sale – A buyer’s proof of purchase for a vessel from a seller.
Firearm Bill of Sale – Used to document the transfer of ownership for guns, ammunition, or other related items.
General Bill of Sale – Documents a sale of an item from one person to another.
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Trailer/Watercraft/Snowmobile Bill of Sale – Completed to outline a deal between two parties involving a trailer, a snowmobile, or watercraft.
Download: PDF
Signing Requirements
Bill of Sale Type | Buyer Signature | Seller Signature | Notarization |
Boat | Required | Required | Not required |
Firearm | Required | Required | Not required |
General (others) | Required | Required | Not required |
Motor Vehicle | Required | Required | Not required |
Trailer/Watercraft/Snowmobile | Not required | Required | Not required |
What is a Michigan Bill of Sale Form?
A Michigan bill of sale explains the intricacies of an item sold by a seller to a purchaser. Cars, boats, and other personal property require a bill of sale for titling and registration. When handling these matters, the document has a legal purpose because it includes details about the item, such as the year, make, model, identification number, and mileage. The Michigan Secretary of State’s Office (SOS) can officially identify the property and its owner using this information.
A bill of sale also provides evidence the seller transferred ownership of other valuable items, like family heirlooms, season tickets for professional sports teams, or expensive works of art. In some cases, a person gifts property to someone else; therefore, the seller would list the price as $0 on the bill of sale.
Michigan mandates that the buyer and seller meet specific requirements. For instance, state law requires both parties to sign in the presence of a Notary Public and witnesses when completing a firearm bill of sale. SOS offices, local courts, and other state entities do not accept unfinished or incorrect bill of sale forms.
Registration Forms: Boats
Create a registration appointment with a Secretary of State Branch Office.
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Registration Forms: Firearms
Gun owners residing in Maryland do not need to register their firearms, but they must report sales to law enforcement (even if acquired through a private sale). Although individuals do not need a license to purchase a gun through a dealer, they need one to buy from a private seller. Merchants must perform a background check on all buyers and ensure they have a permit. Firearm holders must have a concealed pistol license, as well, if they wish to have a gun on them in public. They can apply for the permit through a county clerk location.
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Registration Forms: Vehicles
Use the office locator to find a Secretary of State Branch Office for vehicle registration.
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Additional (Optional) Documents
- Certification from the Heir to a Vehicle (Form TR-29) – Gives the heir permission to sell or obtain ownership of a vehicle following the owner’s death.
- Michigan Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney – Signed by the vehicle owner to allow an agent to make decisions regarding the vehicle.
- Vehicle Number and Equipment Inspection (Form TR-54) – Confirms that a police officer has inspected the vehicle.
Registration Forms: Trailers
Michigan trailer registration happens at an SOS office. All trailers require registration in the state; however, only tow-behind platforms 2,500 pounds or more need a title.
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Additional (Optional) Documents
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) – This form must accompany the registration documents if the owner purchased the trailer new from a dealership.
- Certified Weight – If the trailer’s gross weight does not exist on the MCO or previous registration, the owner must have it weighed at an official station.
- Vehicle Number and Equipment Inspection (Form TR-54) – Owners of homemade trailers must have them inspected so the state can assign them a vehicle identification number (VIN).