New to Michigan roads

Your car in Detroit registration, insurance and repairs

New to Michigan or buying a car? Here is how to register it with the Secretary of State, what Michigan no-fault insurance must include and what the law says a repair shop owes you.

1Get Michigan no-fault insurance
2Schedule an office visit
3Bring your documents
4Leave with plates

New to Michigan

How to register a car in Michigan as a new resident

Registering a vehicle in Michigan for the first time must be done in person at a Secretary of State office.

1

Get Michigan no-fault insurance

All vehicles must carry Michigan no-fault insurance to be registered. Out-of-state insurance is not accepted.
2

Schedule an office visit

Book a Secretary of State appointment online. If you also need a Michigan driver's license, pre-apply online first.
3

Bring your documents

Your original title (no photocopies), your previous state registration if you have it (expired less than 90 days), proof of Michigan no-fault insurance, your driver's license, ID or passport, a lienholder statement if applicable, and payment for registration fees.
4

Leave with plates

In most cases you leave with your license plate, a tab and two copies of your Michigan registration. Your new Michigan title arrives by mail. Michigan requires a plate only on the rear of most vehicles.

Already a Michigander

Buying, selling and renewing

Most Secretary of State transactions, including many title transfers and registration renewals, can be done online, by mail or at self-service stations. Some title transactions still require an office visit. If all owners on an out-of-state title are converting it, they must all be present or appoint an agent to sign.

Tip: when you renew your plate, you can add a Recreation Passport for vehicle entry to Michigan state parks, including Belle Isle in the Detroit River.

Moving here? Our moving to Metro Detroit guide and utilities setup guide cover the rest of your first-month checklist.

Insurance basics

Michigan no-fault auto insurance explained

Every Michigan auto policy must include three basic coverages, according to the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS).

Coverage	What it does
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	What it does Pays allowable expenses for your medical care, recovery and rehabilitation if you are hurt in an auto accident, plus wage loss, replacement services and funeral benefits.
Property Protection Insurance (PPI)	What it does Pays for damage your car does in Michigan to other people's property, such as buildings, fences and properly parked vehicles.
Residual Bodily Injury and Property Damage (BI/PD)	What it does Covers you if you are held legally responsible for someone else's injury, death or damaged property, including accidents outside Michigan.

Choosing coverage

What to know about PIP medical choices

Michigan drivers choose from six PIP medical levels, from unlimited coverage down to opting out. Your choice sets the most your insurer pays per person per accident for medical care.
Some levels require qualifying health coverage. Options 1 to 3 are open to all drivers; options 4 to 6 require health coverage that meets the law's rules.
If you opt out and lose that health coverage, you must tell your insurer and get new coverage within 30 days.
Questions? DIFS takes calls at 833-ASK-DIFS (833-275-3437), weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Compare quotes. Prices vary by insurer, so shop around at renewal. Interested in the field? See our insurance agent career guide.

Auto repair

Your rights at a Michigan auto repair shop

Check the shop. Michigan registers repair facilities. Look one up in the Secretary of State's Vehicle Dealer and Repair Facility Listing or call 1-888-SOS-MICH (1-888-767-6424).
Get it in writing. Above a small threshold set by state law, shops must give you a written estimate with parts and labor before work starts.
Approve extra work. Shops need your authorization for additional repairs beyond the estimate.
Ask for your old parts and a detailed final bill. Both are your right under the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Act.
Problems? File an automotive complaint with the Michigan Department of State.

At home

Garage, driveway and EV charging pros

EV charger installation

Add a home charger and the circuit to support it.

Compare electricians

Panel upgrades

Many older homes need more capacity for an EV.

Compare electricians

Garage door installation

New doors, openers and repairs.

Compare pros

Garage door opener repair

Fix openers that stick, reverse or stop working.

Compare pros

Asphalt driveways

New driveways, resurfacing and sealcoating.

Compare paving pros

Concrete driveways

Pour or replace a concrete driveway or apron.

Compare concrete pros

More Detroit guides

More for Detroit drivers

Getting around

Auto careers

Living here

Every branch

Detroit's Secretary of State branches

From the State of Michigan's map of Secretary of State offices. Hours change; schedule a visit or check the branch on the Department of State's site before you go.

Sort


Detroit - Bagley Street	Address 2835 Bagley, Detroit, MI 48216	Town Detroit	County Wayne County
Detroit - East Warren Avenue	Address 580 E Warren Ave, Detroit, MI 48201	Town Detroit	County Wayne County
Detroit - Livernois Avenue	Address 17500 Livernois, Detroit, MI 48221	Town Detroit	County Wayne County
Detroit - Mack Avenue	Address 14634 Mack Ave, Detroit, MI 48215	Town Detroit	County Wayne County
Detroit - West Grand Boulevard	Address 3046 W Grand Blvd Suite L650 Cadillac Place, Detroit, MI 48202	Town Detroit	County Wayne County
Detroit - West Seven Mile Road	Address 20220 W 7 Mile Rd, Detroit, MI 48219	Town Detroit	County Wayne County

Detroit auto FAQ

6 questions

How do I register my car in Michigan after moving to Detroit?

Get Michigan no-fault insurance, schedule a Secretary of State office visit and bring your original title, previous registration if available, proof of insurance, your license or ID and payment. First-time registrations must be done in person.

Can I keep my out-of-state car insurance in Michigan?

No. All vehicles must have Michigan no-fault insurance to be registered or to renew registration in Michigan.

What does Michigan no-fault insurance cover?

Every policy includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Property Protection Insurance (PPI) and Residual Bodily Injury and Property Damage liability (BI/PD).

Does Michigan require a front license plate?

No. Michigan law requires a registration plate on the rear of most vehicles. Truck tractors and road tractors are the exception.

How do I check if a Detroit auto repair shop is legitimate?

Look it up in the Michigan Secretary of State's Vehicle Dealer and Repair Facility Listing, or call 1-888-SOS-MICH for help. Always get a written estimate before work starts.

Do I need a REAL ID in Michigan?

Since May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States and enter certain federal facilities. Converting to a REAL ID requires an office visit.

Settling in? Find your Detroit home

Browse Detroit homes with garages, driveways and room for an EV charger.

See Detroit Homes (888) 471-3135

Sources

Updated September 2026. Rules and procedures change; confirm with the responsible office before a decision.

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