Michigan § 257.257 - Altering, forging, or falsifying documents; violation; penalty.
Full text of Michigan Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.257 — Altering, forging, or falsifying documents; violation; penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 257.257. Altering, forging, or falsifying documents; violation; penalty.
(1) A person who commits any of the following acts is guilty of a felony:
(a) Alters with fraudulent intent a certificate of title, registration certificate, or registration plate issued by the department.
(b) Forges or counterfeits a certificate of title, registration certificate, or registration plate purporting to have been issued by the department.
(c) Alters or falsifies with fraudulent intent or forges an assignment upon a certificate of title.
(d) Holds or uses a certificate of title, registration certificate, or registration plate knowing that it has been altered, forged, or falsified.
(e) Knowingly possesses, sells, or offers for sale a stolen, false, or counterfeit certificate of title, registration certificate, registration plate, registration decal, or registration tab.
(f) Fraudulently indicates on a certificate of title that there is no security interest on record for the vehicle.
(g) Forges or counterfeits a letter from the holder of a security interest in a vehicle stating that the security interest has been released.
(2) A person who is convicted of a second violation of this section shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 2 years or more than 7 years, or by a fine of not less than $1,500.00 or more than $7,000.00, or both.
(3) A person who is convicted of a third or subsequent violation of this section shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than 5 years or more than 15 years, or by a fine of not less than $5,000.00 or more than $15,000.00, or both.
(4) A person who is convicted of a violation of subsection (1)(f) or (g), in addition to any other penalty, shall pay restitution to the holder of a security interest in the vehicle in the amount of the outstanding lien on the vehicle.
Source: official Michigan text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan § 257.257
What does Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.257 cover?
Section 257.257 ("Altering, forging, or falsifying documents; violation; penalty.") 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 § 257.257?
A common citation format is "Michigan Compiled Laws § 257.257" (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 § 257.257 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.