Michigan Pickup Truck Bill of Sale — Free Template, TR-52-Compatible

Yes, you can sell your pickup truck in Michigan with a free, DMV-accepted bill of sale — created online in 60 seconds, no signup required, no email gate. The state-designated form is TR-52 (Vehicle Bill of Sale) — our template meets all the same requirements. Click below to fill out and download.

Michigan Pickup Truck Quick Facts

Quick answers for Michigan pickup truck sellers

Use this Michigan pickup truck bill of sale for private-party transfers. The document records the transfer of ownership, sale price, signatures, and the information both parties need for title records.

Required information

In Michigan, a bill of sale is a strong seller protection record for private pickup truck transactions. Include accurate party details, VIN, sale terms, and signatures before the vehicle changes hands.

• Buyer legal name
• Seller legal name
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Sale price
• Date of sale

Michigan fees, taxes, and transfer rules

In Michigan, vehicle sales are subject to 6% use tax on purchase price. The title transfer fee is $15. Michigan does not require notarization for most private-party vehicle transfers.

• Secretary of State handles title and registration
• Title transfer must be completed within 15 days
• Plate transfer allowed between vehicles owned by same person

Does Michigan require a bill of sale?

Michigan sellers should keep a signed bill of sale for private transfers and title records.

Keep a signed bill of sale, complete title transfer promptly, and retain seller records in case of post-sale disputes.

Official DMV guidance: Michigan DMV title transfer information

Official Michigan bill of sale form

The official Michigan bill of sale form is TR-52 (Vehicle Bill of Sale). This is the state-designated form used to document private-party vehicle transfers.

BillOfSaleNow generates a document that meets Michigan requirements and can be used in place of TR-52. Our form includes all fields required by Michigan law and produces a printable PDF you can submit to your local DMV or keep for your records.

State requirements for Michigan

In Michigan, a vehicle bill of sale is required for private-party transfers. The state charges 6% sales tax on vehicle sales, calculated on the sale price. Title transfer must be completed within 15 days at your local DMV.

Additional Michigan requirements:

• Secretary of State handles title and registration
• Title transfer must be completed within 15 days
• Plate transfer allowed between vehicles owned by same person

Pickup Truck transfer and title notes

Pickup truck title transfer rules depend on Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Light-duty pickups (½-ton, ¾-ton, most full-size 1-ton models) follow standard passenger vehicle rules. Pickups rated over 16,000 lbs GVWR (some heavy-duty 1-ton dually trucks loaded with campers) are exempt from federal odometer disclosure.

Odometer disclosure

Pickups under 16,000 lbs GVWR and under 20 years old require federal odometer disclosure under 49 CFR 580. Heavier pickups are exempt under 49 CFR 580.17(a). Most ½-ton through 1-ton pickups fall under the disclosure rule.

Applicable federal law: 49 CFR 580.17(a) — Odometer exemption for vehicles over 16,000 lbs GVWR

Title and registration

Pickup truck titles list GVWR and body style (regular cab, extended cab, crew cab). Verify the title body style matches the truck — incorrect body style on the title can delay registration in the buyer's state.

Special disclosures for pickup truck sales

• Towing capacity, payload rating, and 5th-wheel/gooseneck hitch installation should be documented — these affect both insurance and intended-use compliance.
• Diesel emission system (DEF/DPF/EGR) integrity must be disclosed — delete kits are illegal under the Clean Air Act and can result in EPA penalties for both seller and buyer.
• Lift kits, leveling kits, and oversize tires can void factory warranty and may disqualify the truck from emission compliance in inspection states.

Common mistakes to avoid

Private-party pickup truck sales in Michigan go wrong when paperwork is rushed or incomplete. Avoid these costly errors:

• Incorrect or missing VIN. A VIN is exactly 17 characters with no letters I, O, or Q. Transcribing it wrong is the most common reason Michigan DMV offices reject title paperwork.
• Forgetting the odometer disclosure. Federal law requires an odometer disclosure on the title for vehicles under 20 years old. Leaving it blank — or writing "exempt" when the vehicle qualifies — can void the sale or trigger fines in Michigan.
• Missing or incomplete signatures. Both the buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale. In Michigan, an unsigned document has no legal weight. If there are co-owners, every owner listed on the title must sign.
• Not obtaining a lien release. If there is an outstanding loan on the pickup truck, the seller must obtain a lien release from the lender before the title can transfer. Buyers should verify the title is clear before handing over payment.
• Not notifying the Michigan DMV of the sale. Sellers who skip the DMV sale notification remain liable for parking tickets, tolls, and even accidents involving the pickup truck after it changes hands. File a release-of-liability form with Michigan as soon as the sale closes.
• Accepting personal checks or informal payment. Personal checks can bounce days after the sale. Use a cashier's check, money order, or verified electronic transfer for the full amount. Document the payment method on the bill of sale.

What happens after the sale

After the sale is complete, the seller should notify the Michigan DMV of the transfer to release liability for the pickup truck. The buyer must register the pickup truck and transfer the title within the deadline set by Michigan — failure to do so can result in late fees or penalties. Both parties should keep signed copies of the bill of sale and any supporting documents (odometer disclosure, lien release, etc.) for at least five years. The seller should cancel or transfer their insurance policy on the sold pickup truck, and the buyer must obtain valid insurance before driving or operating the pickup truck.