Michigan Transfer Notification Support Page

The Donor Must Maintain a Proof of Sale After the Pick-up Date of the Vehicle Donation to Release Liability

"Under Michigan law, a seller is not liable for any damages or a violation of law that subsequently results from the use of ownership of the vehicle by the purchaser if the owner maintains proof of sale." CARS has access to sale documents.

HOW TO HANDLE THE LICENSE PLATES WHEN YOU DONATE A CAR, TRUCK, SUV OR OTHER STANDARD VEHICLE IN MICHIGAN

Please remove the license plates of your donated vehicle before the pick-up. The donor should keep the license plate that was on the vehicle donated. The owner may transfer that plate to another vehicle.

Please See the Steps Below for How to Maintain Proof or a Record of Sale That You Are No Longer in Posession of Your Vehicle

There is one way in Michigan to maintain a record with the Michigan Department of State that you have donated your car. You can find more information and forms for each notification method below:

1. TO MAINTAIN A RECORD OR PROOF OF SALE:

To maintain proof or a "record of the sale" as described on Michigan's Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson - Michigan.gov, see the two options below:
Option 1 - Photocopy of the Reassigned Title
Option 2- A form or document that includes the vehicle's year, make, and Vehicle Identification Number, as well as the name, address, driver's license number and signature of the person to whom the vehicle is sold along with its purchase price and date of sale. For donated vehicles, please see the FAQs below for what information to include.
It is advised that you maintain a record of the sale for not less than 18 months.

Haven't donated yet? We can help you find a fantastic Michigan nonprofit to donate to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When do I cancel my insurance? A. Only cancel your vehicle's insurance AFTER your vehicle has been picked up and you have notified the state that you’ve donated your vehicle. If your state requires notification, please be aware that you should never cancel your insurance prior to reporting to the state you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. This is a general rule for States/Motor Vehicle Departments that require Notification be submitted or license plates returned.

Q: Who is considerd the purchaser of my vehicle donation? Is it the nonprofit or charity? A. The purchaser of your donated vehicle is NOT the nonprofit or charity. It will either be the vendor or Charitable Adult Rides & Services, the vehicle donation program provider and partner of your nonprofit of choice.

Q. What is State Notification? A. State notification releases the vehicle donor from liability over the vehicle, including registration fees and from having to keep the vehicle insured, after the vehicle is picked up. State notification is a way for the state to create a record that the owner is no longer in possession of the vehicle. The steps needed to release your liability of a donated vehicle vary by state.

Q. Who is supposed to take care of the state notification process? A. If state notification is required, only the donor and/or owner of the vehicle can complete this process. Please do not rely on the pick-up driver or vendor to report to the State/Motor Vehicle Department that you are no longer in possession of the vehicle. If you need support, please contact the vehicle donation support team at donorsupport@careasy.org or call 855-500-7433. We would be happy to assist you.

If you have additional questions, please visit our vehicle donation FAQS.

If you would like assistance with your vehicle donation, please contact us here.

For more information on vehicle transfers, please contact your local Motor Vehicle Division:

Michigan Department of State
Lansing, MI 48918

Phone: 888.SOS.MICH; 888.767.6424
SOS Website Office Locator