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The Michigan TR-205 form serves as an essential tool for individuals looking to certify ownership of a vehicle or watercraft in the state. This form is primarily used when a title has been lost, destroyed, or stolen, and the owner cannot reach the previous owner for a duplicate title. It is important to note that this form is a last resort; applicants must first exhaust all avenues to contact the titled or registered owner. The TR-205 is applicable to vehicles that are at least ten years old, or six years old for off-road vehicles (ORVs), and the vehicle's value must not exceed $2,500, or $1,500 for ORVs. When completing the form, owners must provide the vehicle or watercraft’s details, including the make, model, and identification numbers. Additionally, an appraisal is required for vehicles to confirm their value, while no appraisal is necessary for watercraft, snowmobiles, or ORVs. A 6% use tax is also applicable based on the higher value between the appraisal or purchase price. Once the form is filled out and the necessary documentation is gathered, it must be submitted at a Secretary of State office, where staff will verify that the vehicle is not reported stolen or titled in another state. Understanding the requirements and process of the TR-205 form can help streamline the ownership certification process, ensuring a smoother experience for vehicle and watercraft owners in Michigan.
Form Example
OWNERSHIP CERTIFICATION
I (we),
certify I (we) am the rightful owner of this vehicle or watercraft and am entitled to title or register it in the State of Michigan.
I (we) also certify I (we) have inspected the vehicle identification number (VIN) or hull identification number (HIN) on the unit as entered below.
Year
Make
Model
Body Style
VIN or HIN
This is a: □ Vehicle |
□ Snowmobile □ Watercraft □ ORV |
(check one) |
|
Complete all boxes: |
|
Vehicle or Watercraft Value:
Date Acquired:
A6% use tax is due on the appraisal value or the purchase price, whichever is higher, as required by the Sales and Use Tax Act (MCL 205.179).
Where Acquired:
Name of Person Acquired From:
How Acquired:
X
SignatureDate
X
|
|
Authority granted by P. A. 300 of 1949, as amended. |
Ownership Certification Instructions
Use of this form is limited as a last resort when a:
(a)Vehicle title, watercraft title or ORV title has been lost, destroyed, or stolen and the purchaser is unable to contact the previous owner for a duplicate title, or
(b)Snowmobile,
1.Eligibility for using this procedure:
●The vehicle must be 10 or more years old (6 or more years old for ORVs).
●The value of the vehicle can’t exceed $2,500 ($1,500 for ORVs).
●Can’t be used with mobile homes.
●Can’t be used for vehicles acquired out of state. The
●Can’t be used unless the applicant has exhausted all possibilities of contacting the titled or registered owner on record.
If the vehicle doesn’t meet the above criteria and you can’t obtain an assigned ownership document from the previous owner, a surety bond must be purchased.
2.For vehicles, applicants must submit a vehicle appraisal showing the value is $2,500 or less. This appraisal may be:
a)An appraisal completed by a licensed Michigan dealer, or
b)A page printed from an online appraisal service such as Kelly Blue Book, N.A.D.A. Guides, Edmunds etc. (kbb.com, nadaguides.com, edmunds.com)
An appraisal is not required for watercraft, snowmobiles, ORVs, and mopeds.
3.Complete the Ownership Certification (form
4.Submit the Ownership Certification and appraisal (for vehicles) at a Secretary of State office. Office staff will check national databases to ensure the vehicle is not reported stolen or titled in another state.
5.A 6% use tax is due on the appraisal value or the purchase price, whichever is higher, as required by the Sales and Use Tax Act (MCL 205.179).
6.A registration may be purchased as part of your transaction. For vehicles, proof of Michigan
Document Specs
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Ownership Certification Purpose | This form certifies that the signer is the rightful owner of a vehicle or watercraft and is entitled to register it in Michigan. |
| Eligibility Criteria | To use this form, the vehicle must be at least 10 years old (6 years for ORVs) and valued at $2,500 or less. |
| Governing Law | The use tax of 6% on the appraisal value or purchase price is mandated by the Sales and Use Tax Act (MCL 205.179). |
| Restrictions on Use | This form cannot be used for mobile homes, vehicles acquired out of state, or if the applicant has not exhausted all options to contact the previous owner. |
Fill out Common Templates
Michigan Sales Tax Exemptions - Purchasers must clearly state the items covered by the exemption, either selecting "All items purchased" or listing specific items for limited exemptions.
In order to effectively protect your sensitive information, it's essential to utilize resources such as the Illinois PDF Forms, which offer guidance and templates for creating a robust Non-disclosure Agreement that meets your needs.
Michigan Form 163 - Sellers grant their Attorney-in-Fact the right to receive any funds from the sale, exercising wide discretion in the handling of proceeds.
Michigan Probate Checklist - Facilitates the end of unsupervised probate by confirming the estate’s debts and expenses are fully paid in Michigan.