If you’re selling a trailer in Michigan, buying a used utility trailer, or transferring ownership of a snowmobile trailer, having a properly completed trailer bill of sale Michigan is one of the most important steps. In my 15+ years of drafting private-party sale documents for Michigan residents, I’ve seen countless headaches avoided (and created) by using — or skipping — a solid bill of sale.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll give you a completely free, attorney-reviewed Michigan trailer bill of sale template (including snowmobiles), walk you through exactly how to register a trailer in Michigan, answer the common question “do snowmobiles have titles in Michigan?”, and explain every Secretary of State requirement in plain English.
Important Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed Michigan attorney or tax professional for your specific situation.
A bill of sale is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of personal property — in this case, a trailer or snowmobile trailer — from seller to buyer. Even though Michigan does not always require a bill of sale to register a trailer in Michigan, having one protects both parties and is considered best practice.
Click here to download the free Michigan Trailer & Snowmobile Bill of Sale Template (PDF) – updated for 2025 Michigan SOS and IRS requirements.
The template includes dedicated fields for:
No — Michigan is one of the states that does not issue titles for snowmobiles. Instead, ownership is proven through a properly completed bill of sale and the Michigan DNR registration decal and certificate.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
Snowmobiles are registered for a three-year period rather than titled. A bill of sale is the primary document used to transfer ownership when selling a snowmobile privately.
Source: Michigan DNR Snowmobile Registration page (accessed Nov 2025)
Because of this, a detailed snowmobile bill of sale Michigan template is even more critical than for a titled trailer.
All current forms and fee schedules: Michigan Secretary of State – Trailers
| Item | Cost (2025) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Snowmobile Registration | $30 | 3 years (expires Sept 30, 2028) |
| Transfer of Existing Registration | $8 + new decal fee | Remains with original expiration |
| Replacement Decal/Certificate | $10 | N/A |
You can complete Michigan Secretary of State snowmobile registration online, by mail, or at any SOS branch. Required documents for private sale transfer:
Official DNR page: Michigan DNR Snowmobile Registration
Michigan imposes a 6% use tax on the purchase price of any trailer registered in the state (unless purchased from a licensed dealer who already collected tax).
The Michigan Department of Treasury uses the bill of sale amount as the presumptive purchase price. If you sell a trailer for significantly below fair market value to a family member, you may still owe tax on the NADA or similar appraised value.
Source: Michigan Department of Treasury – Use Tax on Vehicles and Trailers
Stop worrying about whether your paperwork will hold up at the Secretary of State. Download the free 2025 Michigan Trailer & Snowmobile Bill of Sale Template here — used by thousands of Michigan sellers and buyers every year.
Need the snowmobile-only version or a bilingual template? Drop your email below and I’ll send it instantly.
Remember: This article is for general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Laws change, and your situation may have unique factors. Always verify current requirements at Michigan.gov/SOS or consult a professional.
Happy (and legally protected) trails!
— Jason R. Stevens, Esq.
Michigan Private-Party Sale Documentation Specialist
2009–2025