State guide
Michigan
Michigan does not appear to require a routine VIN inspection just to convert a normal out-of-state title, but it does use form TR-54 in limited title-only import situations and for assembled vehicles. Rebuilt salvage vehicles must be inspected by a certified Michigan salvage vehicle inspector, and assembled vehicles also get a final Michigan Department of State inspection before a VIN sticker is placed.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- When a VIN verification is required
- Michigan requires VIN-related inspection when a vehicle was imported through a state other than Michigan and is being titled but not registered (TR-54), for rebuilt salvage vehicles, and for assembled vehicles before an assigned VIN sticker is placed.
- Who can do it
- TR-54 is completed by a police officer; rebuilt salvage inspections are performed by a certified Michigan salvage vehicle inspector; assembled vehicles also receive a final inspection from Michigan Department of State regulation agents before VIN sticker placement.
- Official form
- TR-54 Vehicle Number and Equipment Inspection; TR-13A Application for Salvage Vehicle Inspection
- Fee
- TR-13A: up to $100; TR-54: null; assembled vehicle new VIN: $10
- Official instructions
- Official page →
Official resources in Michigan
Secretary of State FAQ covering out-of-state title conversion, when TR-54 is required, and where to find salvage vehicle inspectors.
Secretary of State titles page covering rebuilt salvage inspections and assembled vehicle VIN inspection requirements.
Official TR-54 form showing the VIN inspection is completed by law enforcement.
Official salvage inspection application stating the fee is up to $100 and that the inspection is handled by a salvage vehicle inspector.
Secretary of State page confirming assembled on-road vehicles and trailers need a Vehicle Number/On-Road Equipment Inspection by a Michigan law enforcement officer.
Key facts for Michigan
- Michigan says normal out-of-state title conversion uses proof of the out-of-state title and insurance at a Secretary of State office.
- TR-54 is required only if a vehicle was imported through a state other than Michigan and is being titled but not registered.
- TR-54 says the form is completed by a police officer.
- Rebuilt salvage vehicles must pass inspection by a specially trained law enforcement officer called a salvage vehicle inspector.
- TR-13A says the fee for a salvage vehicle inspection is up to $100.
- For assembled vehicles, Michigan Department of State regulation agents conduct a final inspection before placement of the assembled VIN sticker.
Official VIN inspection locations in Michigan
| Location | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certified salvage vehicle inspectors program | Not published* | Not published* | Michigan says inspectors are listed by county in e-Services under Salvage Vehicle Inspector. |
| Secretary of State offices | Not published* | Not published* | Michigan directs customers converting out-of-state titles to go to a Secretary of State office. |
| Michigan Department of State regulation agents | Not published* | Not published* | Agents contact the applicant to schedule the final assembled-vehicle inspection location before placing the assigned VIN sticker. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- If you are only converting a normal out-of-state title, start with the Secretary of State title FAQ and office process rather than assuming you need a VIN inspection.
- If TR-54 applies, contact Michigan law enforcement for the VIN/equipment inspection before submitting the title-only application.
- For a rebuilt salvage vehicle, complete TR-13A with the required mechanic certification and then use the county-based salvage vehicle inspector search in Michigan e-Services.
Not seeing your location or county?
Not every location publishes its rules online. Try these, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from Michigan's population center, for comparison only):
- Ohio deputy registrar license agency program, Ohio · about 185 miles
- Participating Clerk of Courts Title Office program, Ohio · about 185 miles
- Participating Ohio licensed motor vehicle dealership program, Ohio · about 185 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office.Michigan titles FAQ
Website →Phone: (888) 767-6424 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Michigan page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us with a link to the official page.