Michigan · Secretary of State

Michigan Vehicle Registration & Title Fees 2026 (Calculator)

Michigan charges 6% sales tax, a $15 title fee, and a registration tax based on the car's original list price — $186 a year for a $30,000 MSRP in its first year.

Checked against official sources on September 24, 2026 · Sources

Due at the DMV

$2,018

Then about $179 a year to renew

Sales tax (6%)Source: Michigan Treasury$1,800
Title feeSource: Michigan SOS$15
License plateOr $10 to transfer your current plateSource: Michigan SOS$5
Registration tax (1st registration, list price $32,000)Includes $8 in state administration feesSource: Michigan Vehicle Code, MCL 257.801 (registration taxes)$198

Registration expires on your birthday, so the first fee may be prorated for a partial year.
Some areas add regional transit authority fees to registration. Not included.

Estimate only. Fees from Michigan's official fee schedules; confirm the final amount with the agency before you pay.

Michigan vehicle fees at a glance

Sales / use tax Dealer trade-in credit capped at $12,000 in 2026	6%
Title fee $16 with a loan	$15
New license plate $10 to transfer a plate	$5
Registration — $20,000 list price First registration; 90% of the previous year for the next three	$126/yr
Registration — $30,000 list price	$186/yr
Registration — $50,000 list price	$306/yr
Electric vehicle fee $367 for trucks and buses	$267/yr
Plug-in hybrid fee	$113/yr

How Michigan calculates it

Registration follows the sticker price, not what you paid. Michigan's registration tax is set by law from the vehicle's original list price (MSRP): $36 up to $6,000, rising $6 per $1,000 to $178 at $30,000, and $6 per $1,000 after that. The state adds $8 in administration fees.

It drops for three years. Each of the next three registrations is 90% of the one before, then it stays flat. Used cars start at the level for their age: calendar year minus model year.

Tax: 6% sales tax on dealer purchases, with trade-in credit up to $12,000 in 2026 (the cap rises until 2029). Private purchases pay 6% use tax at the Secretary of State, except transfers between close relatives.

Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles pay $267 and $113 a year on top of registration, adjusted with the state gas tax.

What to bring

The title assigned to you, with the odometer reading and seller’s signature
Application for Michigan Vehicle Title (for private sales)
Proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance
The vehicle’s MSRP, if you want to check the registration amount in advance

Michigan registration questions

How much does it cost to register a car in Michigan?

It depends on the original list price. A new car with a $32,000 MSRP pays $198 the first year. Buying it for $30,000 from a dealer adds $1,800 sales tax, a $15 title and a $5 plate — about $2,018.

How does Michigan calculate registration fees?

By law (MCL 257.801), from the manufacturer’s list price when new: $36 up to $6,000, then $6 more per $1,000, reaching $178 at $30,000. The fee is 90% of the prior year for the second, third and fourth registrations, plus $8 in fees.

How much is a title transfer in Michigan?

$15 ($16 with a loan), plus 6% tax on the purchase price unless you bought from an eligible relative.

What do electric cars pay in Michigan?

$267 a year on top of the regular registration ($367 for trucks and buses), and $113 for plug-in hybrids.

Is there a trade-in tax credit in Michigan?

Yes, up to $12,000 of trade-in value in 2026 when you buy from a licensed dealer. The cap goes up each year until trade-ins are fully credited in 2029.

Sources

All figures on this page were checked against these sources on September 24, 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.