RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province or State: Michigan

If you are buying, selling, or transferring a vehicle in Michigan, you will likely encounter the RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale. This document plays a central role in moving legal ownership from one person to another and updating state records.

The RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale connects the vehicle, the seller, and the buyer in one official filing. It captures the key details about the sale and the vehicle itself. It is used to apply for a new title and, in many cases, vehicle registration.

You typically deal with this form right after a vehicle sale. It may be prepared at the point of sale or shortly afterward. The information you provide becomes part of the state’s official motor vehicle record.

If you are filling it out, you are likely focused on one thing: getting the title and registration processed without delay. Understanding what the form does and how it works helps you avoid errors that can slow things down.

What is RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale?

Clear definition

RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale is a state form used in Michigan to apply for a vehicle title and, when applicable, vehicle registration after a sale or transfer. It records the transfer of ownership and provides details needed to issue a new title.

The form gathers identifying information about the vehicle. This includes the vehicle identification number, make, model, and year. It also includes information about the buyer and seller, the sale price, and certain tax-related details.

In simple terms, this document tells the state that ownership of a specific vehicle has changed and that a new title should be issued in the buyer’s name.

Who typically uses this form?

Buyers of vehicles most often rely on this form to apply for a new title in their name. If you just purchased a car, truck, or other motor vehicle, this filing is typically part of the transfer process.

Sellers may also be involved in completing sections of the form. In many transactions, the seller provides sale information and signs where required to confirm the transfer details.

Dealerships frequently prepare and submit the form on behalf of buyers. In private sales, the buyer and seller may complete the document themselves as part of the title transfer process.

Lenders may also appear on the form if there is a loan secured by the vehicle. In that case, the lender’s information is included to show a lien on the title.

Why might you need this form?

You need this form when legal ownership of a vehicle changes. Without it, the state has no official record that the vehicle now belongs to you.

The form is also used to calculate and report sales tax based on the purchase price. The information you enter affects how taxes and certain fees are determined.

If you are registering the vehicle for the first time in your name, this document helps link the new title to registration records. It connects ownership with the license plate and registration period.

In situations involving gifts, transfers between family members, or other non-standard sales, the form may also document the nature of the transfer. That information can affect how the transaction is recorded.

Typical real-life scenarios

• You buy a used car from a private seller. After agreeing on a price, you both complete the necessary paperwork. The RD-108 records the sale price, vehicle details, and both parties’ information so the title can be reissued in your name.
• You purchase a new vehicle from a dealership. The dealership prepares the paperwork, including this form, to apply for your title and registration. You review and sign it as part of the closing process.
• You receive a vehicle as a gift from a family member. Even though no money changes hands, ownership still transfers. The form documents the transfer and explains the nature of the transaction.
• You refinance a vehicle or add a co-owner. In some cases, ownership records need updating. The form may be used to reflect new ownership or lien information so the title accurately reflects current interests.

When would you use RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale?

You use this form when a vehicle is sold, gifted, or otherwise transferred to a new owner in Michigan. It is commonly completed shortly after the transaction takes place.

If you are the buyer, you use it to apply for a title in your name. If you are the seller, you may complete certain sections to confirm the sale details. In dealership transactions, staff often handle the preparation, but you still review and sign where required.

You may also use the form when moving a vehicle into Michigan from another state. In that case, the filing helps establish Michigan title and registration records.

If there is a lien on the vehicle, such as a loan, the form is used to record the secured party’s interest. This ensures the title reflects that another party has a legal claim until the loan is satisfied.

In general, any time the state’s record of who owns a vehicle needs to change, this document is part of the process.

Legal characteristics of RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale

This form is an official government filing. Its effectiveness depends on accurate and complete information. Missing signatures, incorrect vehicle identification numbers, or mismatched names can delay processing.

For the form to be accepted, it typically must match the information on the existing title. If the seller’s name on the form does not match the name on the current title, the transfer may be rejected or held for review.

The sale price and related details are important. Inaccurate reporting can affect tax calculations and may lead to additional review. Clear, legible entries reduce the risk of rejection.

Different states use different forms and procedures for title transfers. While the general concept is similar across jurisdictions, this specific document applies to Michigan. Using the wrong form for the wrong state can cause delays.

This form does not replace a separate purchase agreement between buyer and seller. It records the transfer for title and registration purposes. It does not set out detailed promises about the vehicle’s condition or warranties unless those are specifically included elsewhere.

Is it legally binding?

Yes, in the sense that the information you provide is part of an official state record. When you sign the form, you are confirming that the details are true to the best of your knowledge.

The buyer’s and seller’s signatures typically confirm that a transfer occurred and that the stated sale price and vehicle details are accurate. Those statements can have legal consequences if they are knowingly false.

However, the form itself is not a full contract governing the entire sale. It does not replace a detailed written agreement that might include payment terms, warranties, or other conditions.

Its binding nature relates mainly to the accuracy of the information provided and the formal transfer of title. Once processed, the state issues a new title based on the information in the filing.

How to fill out RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale

Step 1 – Gather the current title and vehicle details

Start by collecting the existing vehicle title and any related documents. Confirm the vehicle identification number, year, make, and model directly from the title and the vehicle itself. Make sure the information you plan to enter matches exactly.

Step 2 – Enter seller information

Fill in the seller’s full legal name as it appears on the current title. Include the seller’s address and any other identifying details requested. Accuracy here is critical because the state compares this section to existing records.

Step 3 – Enter buyer information

Provide your full legal name and current address. If there will be more than one owner, list each person as instructed on the form. Decide how ownership will be held if the form requires that designation.

Step 4 – Record the vehicle description

Carefully enter the vehicle identification number, year, make, model, and other requested details. Double-check every character in the VIN. Even a single incorrect digit can cause processing delays.

Step 5 – State the sale price and transaction details

Enter the agreed purchase price or describe the nature of the transfer if it was a gift or other non-sale transaction. Complete any sections related to tax calculation or exemptions, if applicable. Ensure the numbers are clear and consistent.

Step 6 – Provide lien information if applicable

If there is a loan on the vehicle, include the lender’s name and address where required. This ensures the new title reflects the lien. If there is no lien, complete the section as instructed to indicate that.

Step 7 – Review all entries for accuracy

Before signing, read through every section. Check names, addresses, VIN, and financial information. Make sure signatures will match the printed names and the existing title.

Step 8 – Sign and date the form

Have the required parties sign and date the document in the designated areas. Signatures confirm that the information is accurate and that the transfer details are correct. Once signed, the form is ready for submission according to the applicable filing process.

Legal terms you might encounter in RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale

1. Assignor: The assignor is the person or entity transferring ownership of the vehicle. On this form, that is usually the seller. The assignor’s name must match the name shown on the current title exactly, including middle initials or business designations.
2. Assignee: The assignee is the new owner receiving the vehicle. This is the buyer whose name will appear on the new title. You must enter the assignee’s full legal name and current address so the public record reflects the correct ownership.
3. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): The VIN is a unique 17-character number assigned to the vehicle. This form requires you to copy it exactly as it appears on the vehicle and current title. Even one incorrect character can delay processing or create ownership issues.
4. Odometer Disclosure: This is a statement of the vehicle’s mileage at the time of sale. The form records the exact odometer reading and may ask you to confirm whether the mileage is actual, exceeds mechanical limits, or is not the actual mileage. Both parties typically review this section carefully because it becomes part of the official record.
5. Lienholder: A lienholder is a lender or creditor with a legal claim against the vehicle, usually because of a loan. If there is an active loan, this document requires you to list the lienholder’s name and address. The lienholder’s information determines who holds the title until the loan is satisfied.
6. Sales Price: The sales price is the amount the buyer paid for the vehicle. You must state the actual purchase amount. This figure is used to determine taxes and becomes part of the transaction record.
7. Registration: Registration refers to the process of officially recording the vehicle for road use and issuing plates or transferring existing plates. This form combines title transfer and registration information, so you may be entering plate transfer details along with ownership information.
8. Effective Date of Sale: This is the date the ownership changes hands. It is usually the date both parties sign. The effective date matters because it establishes when the buyer becomes legally responsible for the vehicle.
9. Title Assignment: Title assignment is the act of signing over the existing certificate of title to the buyer. While the physical title contains its own assignment section, this form supports and confirms that transfer in the state’s system.
10. Use Tax: Use tax is a tax imposed on the purchase of a vehicle when sales tax was not collected at the point of sale. The amount reported on this document can affect how much tax is calculated and due at the time of submission.

FAQs

What date should I use as the date of sale?

Use the actual calendar date when ownership changed and both parties agreed to the transfer. This is usually the day the buyer paid and took possession of the vehicle. Make sure the date on this document matches the date written on the assigned title to avoid processing delays.

What if the seller’s name on the title is slightly different from their current legal name?

The name on this form must match the name printed on the current title. If the title shows a middle initial, suffix, or business name, enter it exactly as shown. Differences between the title and this document can cause rejection because the state compares both records before issuing a new title.

Do both the buyer and seller have to sign this form?

In most private sales, both parties sign to confirm the transaction details and odometer reading. Check that each signature appears in the correct section and that printed names match the signature lines. Missing or misplaced signatures are a common reason a clerk cannot accept the document.

What happens if there is still a loan on the vehicle?

If a loan is active, you must list the lienholder’s full name and mailing address in the lien section. The new title will typically reflect that lien. If the loan has been paid off, confirm that the prior lien has been properly released before submitting the RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale.

What mileage should I enter in the odometer section?

Enter the exact number shown on the odometer at the time of sale, without rounding. Do not guess or estimate. If the odometer reading is not accurate, you must indicate the appropriate status on this document so the public record correctly reflects the vehicle’s condition.

Can I correct an error after the form is signed?

Minor clerical errors may require you to complete a new form rather than crossing out information. Alterations, white-out, or scratched-out entries can lead to rejection. If you notice a mistake before submission, redo the form neatly to ensure it is accepted.

What if I am buying the vehicle as a business instead of as an individual?

You must enter the full legal business name as it should appear on the title. Make sure the person signing has authority to sign on behalf of the business and includes their title if required. The information you enter becomes part of the official ownership record.

What changes in the public record once this form is processed?

Once accepted, the state updates the ownership record to reflect the buyer as the new titled owner. Any lien listed will also appear in the record. The RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale serves as the basis for issuing a new title and updating registration details.

Checklist: Before, During, and After RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale

Before

• Confirm the seller has the current certificate of title in hand.
• Compare the VIN on the vehicle with the VIN on the title.
• Verify the seller’s name matches the name printed on the title.
• Agree on the exact sale price and date of transfer.
• Check the odometer reading and confirm it is functioning.
• Determine whether there is an active lien on the vehicle.
• Gather buyer identification and current address details.
• Decide whether plates will be transferred or new registration is needed.

During

• Write the VIN carefully and double-check each character.
• Enter full legal names for both buyer and seller.
• Record the exact odometer reading without rounding.
• Complete the sales price section accurately.
• Fill in lienholder information if a loan exists.
• Review all sections before signing.
• Ensure both parties sign in the correct places.
• Confirm the date of sale matches the title assignment.

After

• Make a copy or take clear photos of the completed form.
• Provide the buyer with any required copies.
• Submit the completed form with the assigned title.
• Pay any required taxes and fees at the time of submission.
• Confirm receipt or proof of submission.
• Keep copies with your personal or business records.
• Check that the new title is issued in the correct name.
• Verify that registration and plate information are accurate.

Common mistakes to avoid with RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale

• Mistake: Entering a VIN with one incorrect character because you copied it from memory, which can cause rejection or mismatch with the vehicle record, so do not forget to verify it directly from the vehicle and title.
• Mistake: Using nicknames or shortened names instead of the exact legal name shown on the title, which leads to processing delays, so do not forget to match the title word for word.
• Mistake: Leaving the odometer section blank because you assume it is optional, which can invalidate the transfer record, so do not forget to complete and review that disclosure.
• Mistake: Listing an estimated sale price to reduce taxes, which can trigger review or penalties, so do not forget to state the actual amount paid.
• Mistake: Failing to disclose an existing lien because you believe it was already paid off, which can prevent a clear title from being issued, so do not forget to confirm lien status before submission.
• Mistake: Crossing out errors and writing corrections over them, which can cause the form to be rejected, so do not forget to start a clean form if significant corrections are needed.
• Mistake: Forgetting one party’s signature because you rushed the signing process, which makes the document incomplete, so do not forget to check every required signature line before leaving.
• Mistake: Submitting the form without the assigned title attached, which stops processing entirely, so do not forget that the title and this document must be provided together.

What to do after filling out RD-108 – Application for Title and Registration Statement of Vehicle Sale

Once you have completed the form, pause before submitting it. Review every entry line by line. Small mistakes create delays that are easy to avoid with a careful final check.

• Step 1: Make at least one clear copy or digital scan of the signed form for your records.
• Step 2: Make a copy of the front and back of the assigned certificate of title.
• Step 3: Confirm that all signatures and dates appear on both the title and the form.
• Step 4: Gather any supporting documents, such as lien releases or identification, if required.
• Step 5: Submit the completed paperwork in person or through the accepted filing method.
• Step 6: Pay the required title, registration, and tax fees at the time of submission.
• Step 7: Request and keep proof that your documents were received and accepted.
• Step 8: Monitor the mail for the new title issued in the buyer’s name.
• Step 9: Review the new title immediately to confirm the spelling of names, address, and lien information.
• Step 10: Store your copies of the form, title, and receipt in a safe place for future reference.

If you are the seller, keep your copy as proof that you transferred ownership on a specific date. This protects you if questions arise about tickets, accidents, or taxes after the sale.

If you are the buyer, confirm that registration and plate details match what you requested. Check expiration dates and keep registration documents in the vehicle as required.

Finally, update your personal records. That may include insurance information, accounting records, or asset lists. The information recorded on this form becomes part of the official state vehicle record, so your internal documents should match it exactly.