The Michigan Secretary of State (SOS) is responsible for titling
and registering all types of motor vehicles within Michigan. The SOS
also responsible for enforcing that vehicles are in compliance with mandatory
insurance coverage Local Secretary of State offices also provide vehicle
identification documents for trailers, boats, snowmobiles,, and
ATV's.
Active duty military personnel are exempt from the requirement to
have Michigan license plates within 30 days of arrival if they have valid plates
from their home of record state. To obtain Michigan plates, you must
have verification of your vehicle's identification number (VIN), the title or
current registration. Take these items and the vehicle to the Motor
Vehicle Department
See the Michigan Motor Vehicle listing in the
Contacts/Link.
NONRESIDENT AFFIDAVIT
If you are not a
resident of Michigan you may register your vehicle as a non-resident and avoid
the specific ownership tax. The form is available at the Legal
Assistance Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, In order to qualify, the vehicle
must be registered in the soldier's name or the soldier's and the spouse's
names, and you must have all the documents required to register the car and a
military ID.
SALES TAX ON VEHICLES
If you buy a
vehicle while living in Michigan, you must pay a state sales tax. The
tax varies from 3% to 6.5%, depending on the location of your Michigan
address. When you register your vehicle in Michigan, you must have
the current registration, proof that you have already paid a state tax or an
affidavit that the vehicle was a gift or you will pay the Michigan sales
tax.
MICHIGAN DRIVER'S LICENSE
You may use either a
Michigan driver's license or a license from you home state. If you
wish to obtain a Michigan license, bring your valid out-of-state driver's
license and take and eye test. If you have lost your driver's
license, the Military Police station can provide you with proof of
license. You will need your name, date of birth, state where the
license was issued, and license number (if possible). The military
police will give you a waiver to take to the Department of Motor Vehicles in
lieu of a license. For contact information, see the Driver's License
listing in the Contacts/Link.