Michigan Car Sales Tax (2026): 6% + $280 Doc Fee Cap

State base sales/use tax

6%

Dealer doc fee

Varies by dealer

Title fee

$15

Registration

Varies (value/weight-based)

Title fee

$15

Rate 6%; doc fee CPI-capped ~$280 (or 5%); registration value-based (by MSRP).

Michigan registration is vehicle-specific. Use the state registration fee calculator for the exact vehicle instead of treating the cost as a flat statewide fee.

For a covered Michigan retail installment contract, the documentary preparation fee cannot exceed the lesser of $280 or 5% of the vehicle’s cash price. Ask the dealer to list it separately in the written total; it is not a government title or registration charge.

1. Ask the dealer for the selling price, documentation fee, title, registration, and final out-the-door total in writing.
2. For a covered retail installment contract, compare the documentary preparation fee with the current maximum: the lesser of $280 or 5% of the vehicle’s cash price.
3. Use the Michigan registration fee calculator for the exact vehicle before treating the dealer estimate as final.
4. Compare the same line items across written quotes before choosing a dealer.

Reviewed 2026-08-04. These primary sources support the state-specific claims above.

• Michigan Department of State: Title transfer and vehicle registration ↗

  Supports: 6% vehicle sales tax; vehicle-specific registration fee calculator.

• Michigan DIFS: Bulletin 2025-03-CF documentary preparation fee adjustment ↗

  Supports: $280 maximum through the next adjustment review; lesser of 5% of cash price; covered retail installment contract rule.

What is the car sales tax in Michigan?

Michigan collects a 6% sales tax on the vehicle purchase; this guide does not add a city or county sales tax.

What is the dealer doc fee in Michigan?

For a covered Michigan retail installment contract, the documentary preparation fee cannot exceed the lesser of $280 or 5% of the vehicle’s cash price. Ask the dealer to list it separately in the written total; it is not a government title or registration charge.

What are the title and registration fees in Michigan?

Michigan registration is vehicle-specific. Use the state registration fee calculator for the exact vehicle instead of treating the cost as a flat statewide fee.