Form TR-205 at a glance
What it is: The law provides for a self-certification process when an applicant cannot provide a properly assigned ownership document.[1]
Who signs: The applicant signs on the Signature of applicant line.[1]
Where and when to file: Submit the completed TR-205 form and all supporting documents to a secretary of state office.[1]
Notary: No notary is named anywhere on Form TR-205.
What to bring and attach to Form TR-205
If applying for a vehicle, the applicant must submit an appraisal.[1]
Common mistake: All non-dealer applicants must submit an appraisal showing the value is $2,500 or less.[1]
An acceptable appraisal must be an appraisal completed by a licensed Michigan dealer.[1]
OR a page printed from an on-line appraisal service such as Kelly Blue Book, J.D Power, Edmunds etc.[1]
Submit the completed TR-205 form and all supporting documents to a secretary of state office.[1]
A registration may be purchased as part of your transaction.[1]
For vehicles, proof of Michigan no-fault insurance must be presented.[1]
A filled-in Form TR-205 example: a vehicle bought in Michigan without a signed title
How to fill out Form TR-205, box by box
Tap a group of boxes to open it, and a picture to see it full size.
The introduction, who the procedure is for
Read all instructions carefully.
This procedure is limited as a last resort to assist a person, dealer, or business who acquired a titled motor vehicle, titled trailer, trailer coach, ORV, moped, watercraft, or snowmobile and:
Was not provided with a properly assigned ownership document and is unable to contact the previous owner for a replacement.
OR lost the properly assigned ownership document and is unable to contact the previous owner for a replacement.[1]
Eligibility Requirements
Vehicles, titled trailers, and trailer coaches must be 10 or more calendar years old.
Vehicles, titled trailers, and trailer coaches must have a value of $2,500 or less.
Vehicles, titled trailers, and trailer coaches must have been purchased in Michigan.
ORVs must be six or more calendar years old.
ORVs must have a value of $1,500 or less.
Mopeds must be 10 or more calendar years old.
Mopeds must have a value of $2,500 or less.
Watercraft must have a value of $2,500 or less.
Common mistake: An applicant cannot use this procedure unless all possible options of contacting the owner of record have been exhausted.
If an applicant needs to establish ownership for an item that does not meet the criteria in the Eligibility Requirements on the first page of the form and cannot obtain a properly assigned ownership document, a surety bond or court order is required.[1]
Instruction 1, completing the form
The TR-205 Self-Certification of Vehicle Ownership form must be completed in full.
Common mistake: Incomplete forms will not be accepted. Forms with insufficient information will not be accepted.[1]
Information about the item acquired
Under Information about the item acquired, mark one Type of item acquired: Vehicle, Trailer Coach, Titled Trailer, ORV, Moped, Watercraft, or Snowmobile.
Write on the line: when the item was acquired.
Write on the line: where the item was acquired.
Write on the line: who the item was acquired from.
Write on the line: why there is not a properly assigned ownership document.
Write on the line: when and how you attempted to contact the owner of record (Phone, e-mail, letter, etc.).
Write on the line: additional information about the acquisition of the item.[1]
Information about the vehicle to be transferred
Under Information about the vehicle to be transferred, enter the Vehicle year, Vehicle make, and Body style.
Enter the VIN/HIN.
Enter the Value.
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).[1]
Information about the applicant
Under Information about the applicant, enter the Printed name, Address, Phone number, and E-mail address.[1]
Applicant's certification and signature
The act of signing this form and its submission to the State of Michigan serves as the applicant's certification that the statements on the form are true to the best of the applicant's knowledge.
The applicant further certifies that the applicant is the rightful owner of the item described on the form.
The applicant further certifies that the applicant is entitled to title or register the item described on the form in the State of Michigan.
The applicant further certifies that the applicant has exhausted all possible options to acquire a properly assigned ownership document.
The applicant further certifies that the applicant has inspected the vehicle identification number (VIN) or hull identification number (HIN) on the item and has entered it on the form.
The applicant signs on the Signature of applicant line.
Enter the Date.[1]
Common questions about Form TR-205
Does it need a notary?
No notary is named anywhere on Form TR-205.
Is there a deadline?
The form does not say.
Where do I file it?
Submit the completed TR-205 form and all supporting documents to a secretary of state office.[1]
Are there fees?
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).[1]
Is there a penalty for filing late?
The form does not say.
When is this form not the right one?
If an applicant needs to establish ownership for an item that does not meet the criteria in the Eligibility Requirements on the first page of the form and cannot obtain a properly assigned ownership document, a surety bond or court order is required.[1]
Sources
[1] Form TR-205 (01/2026), Self-Certification of Vehicle Ownership, Michigan Department of State (the Official source link on this page).
