Selling a trailer in Michigan — what to know
Michigan made trailer life simple in one way — trailer plates are permanent, bought once and staying with the trailer owner — but that simplicity puts extra weight on the sale paperwork. Many utility trailers in Michigan circulate without a title, so when one is sold, the signed bill of sale is frequently the only document that proves the transfer happened. The Secretary of State (SOS) office will want it when the buyer registers.
Write the trailer’s details carefully: the VIN or serial number from the tongue plate, the empty weight if known, and the real price. Michigan collects 6% use tax on private vehicle sales at transfer, calculated from the price on your paperwork.
Michigan rules at a glance
| Topic | Michigan rule |
|---|---|
| Where to transfer | Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) office. |
| Permanent plates | Michigan trailer plates are permanent and do not transfer with the trailer — the buyer gets their own. |
| Titles | Many lighter utility trailers are not titled in Michigan; the bill of sale is the key transfer document. Confirm your trailer’s status with the SOS. |
| Notarization | Not required in Michigan. |
| Use tax | 6% collected at transfer, based on the purchase price. |
Last reviewed August 2026. Rules change — confirm current requirements with the state agency before your sale.
Michigan Trailer bill of sale — FAQ
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a trailer in Michigan?
Does Michigan require notarization?
Does the plate come with the trailer?
What tax will the buyer pay?
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