Under certain circumstances, license plates may be transferred to another vehicle.  You may transfer a license plate already in your name at a Secretary of State Branch Office.  You will need:

• your current registration (your license plate number will be sufficient if the Branch Office can verify the information on their computer system),
• your title to the vehicle to which you want to transfer the license plate (your copy of the title application is sufficient if you recently applied for your title), and
• the $8 plate transfer fee.  Additional fees may be due when transferring a plate to a different type of vehicle (such as from a car to a motor home).

If you are purchasing a vehicle from a Michigan licensed dealer, the dealer will handle the plate transfer for you.

If you sell your vehicle to an immediate family member, you may elect to leave the plate on the vehicle and have it transferred, along with the title, to the new owner's name.  If you sell your vehicle to a non-relative, remove the license plate.  It is yours and you may transfer it to another vehicle you own or purchase.  Do not let the new buyer use your plate.

Proof of insurance is not required when transferring a license plate unless you changed insurance companies since your last license plate renewal.

Note:  Your situation may differ from the examples provided.  Please check with our Information Center at 1-888-SOS-MICH  (1-888-767-6424) to make sure you have all the correct paperwork before going to a branch office.