Michigan residents can use a new online service to transfer vehicle titles.
Secretary of State Chief Press Secretary Cheri Hardmon said the service can be used by people buying or selling vehicles themselves, rather than using a car dealership, or parents putting their car in a kid’s name.
The main reason for making the service available online, Hardmon said, is to make the process faster and easier.
“We expect that most people with eligible title transfers will make use of this new online option,” she said. “When there is an online or self-service option available, most people use that option.”
The process isn’t instantaneous, and could take up to three days to be approved, she said, but it does mean that a system of checks and balances is in place. Also, people don’t have to take the time to come in person.
According to a release from the Michigan Department of State, applicants still have to have all of the same documentation that they would be asked for at an in-person visit.
It is also limited to cars, minivans, SUVs, motorcycles, pickups or vans.
Michigan Department of State Press Secretary Sam May said this is part of a bigger goal for the department — making services more accessible.
“Now at every branch office in the state, all visitors are in and out in an average of 20 minutes or less as we continue to make our services more convenient … for all Michiganders,” May said.
According to statistics from the Secretary of State’s office, 60% of all their transactions are now being done without an office visit.
