Once you have found the vehicle you want to buy, you will need to properly title, register and plate it. It is best if you and the seller can go to a Secretary of State office to complete the title transfer. If not, then before leaving with the vehicle make sure:

• The seller gives you the title. Making changes on a title, such as crossing out a name, invalidates it. Copies are also not acceptable. The seller must complete the seller's portion of the title, including the odometer disclosure statement, and sign it.
• There is no outstanding loan against the vehicle. A title cannot be transferred until the vehicle loan is fully paid. A representative from the bank or financial institution that administered the loan must either have signed the title or provided the owner with a lien termination statement.
• The odometer reading entered by the seller and vehicle identification number (VIN) on the title match the vehicle's odometer reading and VIN.

You do not need a license plate to drive a newly purchased vehicle directly home. Never use a plate from another vehicle as a substitute.

If you do not complete the title transfer with the seller at a Secretary of State office, you have 15 days from the date of sale to transfer the title into your name. A use tax and title transfer fee will be due. For the registration, you will need:

• Your identification
• The vehicle title
• Proof of Michigan no-fault insurance. You must have Michigan no-fault insurance to register a vehicle in Michigan. Out-of-state policies will not be accepted. (Motorcycles must also be insured, but do not require no-fault insurance.)

You may transfer a license plate from a vehicle you already own to your new one. If you need to buy a plate, several attractive options are offered. Disability and personalized plates are also available.

The Secretary of State's office will issue your registration, license plate and tab. Place your tab on your plate as shown on the form that comes with it. Put your plate immediately on your vehicle.