Moving to Michigan
About 135,100 people moved to Michigan from other states in 2023.
- Florida sent about 14,200, Illinois about 11,800, Indiana about 11,300, Texas about 10,000, California about 9,800, and Ohio about 8,900.
- The rule to know first: Michigan law gives no grace period.
- Once you are a resident, you apply for a Michigan license and title and register your car.
- Your out-of-state insurance will not be accepted, so buy a Michigan No-Fault policy before the office visit.
- This page covers every Michigan-destination route we track.
Michigan at a Glance
Taxes
Climate
Humid continental with cold, snowy winters and warm summers with Great Lakes influence.
Cost of Living
Why People Move to Michigan
Living costs run below the national average.
- The MERIC first quarter 2026 index put Michigan at 93.9, against 100 for the US.
- In EIA 2024 data, the average monthly home electricity bill was about $119, against about $142 nationally.
- The Tax Foundation lists a flat 4.25 percent income tax, a 6 percent sales tax, and a 1.19 percent effective property tax rate on owner-occupied homes.
Some cities add their own income tax.
- Twenty-four Michigan cities levy taxes related to income, including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Flint.
- If you buy a home, two property tax rules matter.
- The principal residence exemption only applies after you file for it.
- The home's taxable value also uncaps in the year after you buy it.
Popular Routes Moving to Michigan
After You Arrive in Michigan
Get a Michigan license as soon as you are a resident
Michigan law gives no grace period. Schedule a Secretary of State office visit, and pre-apply online to save time. Bring your out-of-state license and the required documents. You take a vision test and have your photo taken. You do not take a written test.
Source: Michigan SOS, New Michigan residents FAQBring legal presence, Social Security, identity, and two residency documents
Bring one proof each of legal presence, Social Security number, and identity. Legal presence and identity documents must be originals. Bring two documents that show your name and Michigan address, dated within the last 90 days. Electronic copies of residency documents are accepted. P.O. boxes do not count.
Source: Michigan SOS, SOS-428 document guideTitle and register your car right away
Schedule a Secretary of State office visit. Bring the original out-of-state title, proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance, and your license, ID, or passport. Bring the previous registration if you can. Out-of-state insurance is not accepted. All owners on the title must come, or appoint an agent. In most cases you leave with the plate and tab.
Source: Michigan SOS, New Michigan residentsIf a lender holds the title, ask for a registration-only plate
Bring your out-of-state registration, current or expired less than 90 days, or a proof of title such as a memo title. Bring Michigan No-Fault insurance. Michigan issues a Foreign Ownership - Registration Only registration. The out-of-state title stays the ownership document.
Source: Michigan SOS, New Michigan residentsChoose your No-Fault bodily injury limits
The default bodily injury limits are $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident. You can choose lower limits. The lowest you can buy is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. Your insurer must give you a form that explains the options.
Source: Michigan DIFS, Choosing bodily injury coverageRegister to vote at least 15 days before an election
You can register online, by mail, or in person until 15 days before an election. Within 14 days of an election, register in person at your local clerk with proof of residency. To vote in an election, you must live in your city or township for at least 30 days by Election Day.
Source: Michigan SOS, Register to voteMichigan DMV & Registration
Buy a Michigan No-Fault policy first.
- Then schedule a Secretary of State office visit, and pre-apply online for the license.
- For the license, bring your out-of-state license, one proof each of legal presence, Social Security number, and identity, and two Michigan residency documents dated within 90 days.
- For the car, bring the original out-of-state title, proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance, and your license, ID, or passport.
- In most cases you leave with the plate and tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to get a Michigan driver's license after moving?
No time at all.
- Michigan law gives no grace period.
- Apply for a Michigan license as soon as you establish residency.
- You can use your out-of-state license in the meantime, until you have the residency documents you need.
- At the office you take a vision test and have your photo taken.
- You do not take a written test.
What documents do I need for a Michigan driver's license?
Bring your out-of-state license.
- Bring one proof of legal presence, one proof of your Social Security number, and one proof of identity.
- Legal presence and identity documents must be originals.
- Bring two documents with your name and Michigan address, dated within the last 90 days, such as a phone bill, bank statement, lease, or pay stub.
- Electronic copies of residency documents are accepted.
- A P.O.
- box does not count as a residential address.
How do I register my car when I move to Michigan?
Schedule a Secretary of State office visit.
- Bring the original out-of-state title, because photocopies are not accepted.
- Bring proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance, your license, ID, or passport, and your previous registration if you have it.
- All owners on the title must come, or appoint an agent to sign.
- In most cases you leave with the plate, the tab, and two copies of your registration.
- The Michigan title comes by mail.
What if my lender holds my car title in another state?
Bring your out-of-state registration, current or expired less than 90 days, or another proof of title such as a memo title or a photocopy of the title.
- Bring proof of Michigan No-Fault insurance.
- Michigan issues a Foreign Ownership - Registration Only registration and gives you a plate.
- No Michigan title is issued.
- The out-of-state title stays the ownership document.
What car insurance do I need in Michigan?
Michigan No-Fault insurance.
- Out-of-state policies are not accepted for registration.
- The default bodily injury limits are $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident.
- The lowest you can choose is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- You also choose a PIP medical level.
- The options include unlimited, $500,000, and $250,000.
- A $50,000 level is available if you are enrolled in Medicaid.
- You can opt out if you have Medicare Parts A and B.
- For both, everyone in your household must have other coverage for auto accident injuries.
- If you do not choose a PIP level, unlimited is the default.
What should I know about property taxes if I buy a house in Michigan?
File a Principal Residence Exemption Affidavit, Form 2368, with your city or township assessor.
- File on or before June 1 to reduce that year's summer tax, or by November 1 for the winter tax.
- Also expect the bill to change after the first year.
- A transfer of ownership uncaps the home's taxable value in the calendar year after the purchase, so do not budget from the seller's tax bill.