Michigan license plate transfers allow you to move your existing plates from one vehicle to another when you sell your current vehicle and acquire a new one. Michigan plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle. Plate renewals are tied to the owner’s birthday month. Transfers are processed through the Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) at a branch office or online at michigan.gov/sos. Michigan’s registration fees are based on the vehicle’s original MSRP – not what you paid for a used vehicle.
Does Michigan allow you to transfer a license plate to a new vehicle?
Yes. Michigan allows plate transfers between vehicles owned by the same person. When you sell your vehicle, remove your plates immediately. Michigan law allows the buyer only 3 days to drive the vehicle home by the most direct route without a plate. Do not let the buyer borrow your plates. You can transfer your existing plates to your new vehicle at an SOS branch or online at michigan.gov/sos.
How do you transfer a license plate in Michigan?
Michigan plate transfers can be completed online at michigan.gov/sos, at any Secretary of State branch office, or at a self-service SOS kiosk.
- Remove your plates immediately when selling your vehicle. Michigan law gives the buyer only 3 days to drive directly home without a plate.
- Obtain the title for your newly acquired vehicle. For private-party purchases, both buyer and seller can complete the title transfer online at michigan.gov/sos if certain conditions are met, or in person at an SOS branch with both parties present (recommended).
- Visit michigan.gov/sos, an SOS branch, or a self-service kiosk to transfer your plates to the new vehicle.
- Pay the plate transfer fee plus any registration fees based on the new vehicle’s original MSRP.
- Receive updated registration tabs (stickers) for the new vehicle with your transferred plates.
What documents do you need to transfer a plate in Michigan?
Have these ready for a Michigan plate transfer.
- Valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID (both buyer and seller if completing title transfer in person at SOS)
- Michigan title for the new vehicle, properly signed and completed
- Bill of sale for the new vehicle
- Current registration card for the plates you are transferring
- The physical license plates (both front and rear)
- Payment for plate transfer fee and new vehicle registration fees (based on original MSRP)
How much does it cost to transfer a license plate in Michigan?
Michigan’s registration fees are MSRP-based and are among the most complex to calculate. Transferring existing eligible plates to a new vehicle is typically cheaper than purchasing new plates.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plate transfer fee | Contact Michigan SOS at (888) 767-6424 or use the plate transfer fee calculator at michigan.gov/sos |
| Registration fee (1984 or newer passenger vehicle) | 0.60% of original MSRP in year 1, stepping down over years 2-4, then locked at approximately 0.44% of MSRP from year 4 onward |
| Registration fee (1983 or older vehicle) | Weight-based schedule – contact Michigan SOS |
| EV registration surcharge (effective Jan 1, 2026) | $267.00 per year (increased from $160 due to gas-tax formula) |
| PHEV registration surcharge (effective Jan 1, 2026) | $113.00 per year (increased from $60) |
| Recreation Passport (optional, default opt-in) | Approximately $15.00 per year – provides state park access – must actively opt out |
| Sales or use tax on vehicle purchase | 6% of purchase price |
Can you transfer a personalized or specialty plate in Michigan?
Michigan specialty and personalized plates can be transferred to a new vehicle. Personalized plates carry an approximately $30 annual renewal surcharge in addition to standard registration. Contact Michigan SOS at (888) 767-6424 or visit michigan.gov/sos for specialty plate transfer procedures.
What happens to the old registration when you transfer a plate in Michigan?
When you sell your vehicle in Michigan, remove your plates immediately. The buyer has only 3 days to drive home by the most direct route without a plate – they cannot borrow your plates. If you let a buyer use your plates, you remain responsible for any violations that occur. Complete the title transfer at an SOS branch (both parties present is recommended) or online at michigan.gov/sos if both have SOS online accounts.
Can you transfer a license plate to someone else in Michigan?
No. Michigan plates are not transferable between different owners, with one exception: plates can be transferred to an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, sibling, or legally appointed guardian) when selling a vehicle to that family member. For all other sales, remove your plates and do not let the buyer use them.
Do Michigan plates stay with the vehicle or the owner when you sell a car?
Michigan plates stay with the owner. Remove both plates immediately when selling your vehicle. The buyer has 3 days to drive directly home without plates. Complete the title transfer at an SOS branch or online. Transfer your plates to your new vehicle at an SOS branch or online at michigan.gov/sos.
Is there a deadline to complete a plate transfer in Michigan?
Michigan requires title transfer within 15 days of purchase. Registration for a new vehicle should be completed at the same time as the title transfer. Late registration incurs a $10 flat late fee.
What should you do if you do not want to transfer the plate?
If you sell your vehicle and do not purchase a replacement, you may keep your plates for use on a future vehicle or return them to an SOS branch. Plates returned to SOS may qualify for a registration fee refund for unused months. Contact Michigan SOS at (888) 767-6424 for current refund procedures.