Michigan § 257.234 - Presentation of certificate of title and registration certificate to secretary of state; fees; issuance of new certificate of title and registration certificate; mail or delivery; repossession of license plates; payment of transfer fee; compliance with MCL 257.238.

Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.234 — Presentation of certificate of title and registration certificate to secretary of state; fees; issuance of new certificate of title and registration certificate; mail or delivery; repossession of license plates; payment of transfer fee; compliance with MCL 257.238., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 257.234. Presentation of certificate of title and registration certificate to secretary of state; fees; issuance of new certificate of title and registration certificate; mail or delivery; repossession of license plates; payment of transfer fee; compliance with MCL 257.238.

Sec. 234.(1)

The purchaser or transferee, unless the person is a licensed dealer, shall present or cause to be presented the certificate of title and registration certificate if plates are being transferred to another vehicle, assigned as provided in this act, to the secretary of state accompanied by the fees as provided by law, whereupon a new certificate of title and registration certificate shall be issued to the assignee. The certificate of title shall be mailed or delivered to the owner or another person the owner may direct in a separate instrument in a form the secretary of state shall prescribe.

(2)

If the secretary of state mails or delivers a purchaser's or transferee's certificate of title to a dealer, the dealer shall mail or deliver that certificate of title to the purchaser or transferee not more than 5 days after receiving the certificate of title from the secretary of state.

(3)

Unless the transfer is made and the fee paid within 15 days, the vehicle is considered to be without registration, the secretary of state may repossess the license plates, and transfer of the vehicle ownership may be effected and a valid registration acquired thereafter only upon payment of a transfer fee of $15.00 in addition to the fee provided for in section 806.

(4)

If a security interest is reserved or created at the time of the transfer, the parties shall comply with the requirements of section 238.

Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 257.234

What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.234 cover?

Section 257.234 ("Presentation of certificate of title and registration certificate to secretary of state; fees; issuance of new certificate of title and registration certificate; mail or delivery; repossession of license plates; payment of transfer fee; compliance with MCL 257.238.") is part of the Michigan Compiled Laws, the codified statutory law of Michigan. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Michigan § 257.234?

A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.234" (Michigan). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Michigan law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Michigan official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Michigan attorney.

How does Michigan § 257.234 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Michigan can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Michigan.