How To Transfer a Car Title in Maryland 2026
Vehicle ownership changes in Maryland are governed by Maryland Transportation Article § 13-112. This obligates the seller to execute an assignment and warranty of title at the moment of delivery and requires the buyer to submit a completed title application to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) within 30 days of receiving the vehicle. Failure to file within that period may result in registration blocks on the vehicle record.
Required Documents for Title Transfer in Maryland
Applicants must present the following documents when applying for a Maryland certificate of title after a private-party vehicle purchase:
- Certificate of Title: The current title, with the seller's assignment section fully completed on the reverse, including the buyer's name and address, sale price, and odometer reading
- Application for Certificate of Title (VR-005): The primary MVA title application form, required for all transfers
- Bill of Sale (VR-181): Must be notarized when the vehicle is less than 7 model years old; required to establish purchase price for excise tax assessment. Effective October 1, 2026, Maryland HB 251 will eliminate the notarization requirement for all used vehicle transfers.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: Required for vehicles under 10 years old when disclosure is not already printed on the title
- Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate: A valid certificate from a licensed inspection station is required for most used vehicles before registration
- Proof of Maryland Liability Insurance: The policy must meet minimum coverage requirements and be issued by a Maryland-authorized insurer
- Lien Release: A notarized release letter or original Notice of Security Interest Filing from the lienholder, if a lien appears on the existing title
- Security Interest Filing Statement (VR-217): Required if the buyer is financing the vehicle through a lender
- Power of Attorney (VR-470): Authorizes a designated representative to sign title documents on behalf of an owner who cannot appear in person
Step-by-Step Title Transfer Process in Maryland
Step 1: Complete the Title Assignment
The seller must sign the Assignment of Ownership section on the reverse of the Maryland Certificate of Title. This section must include the buyer's full legal name and address, the vehicle's odometer reading, the sale date, and the agreed sale price. All recorded owners must sign; partial signatures invalidate the assignment. The seller should retain a copy of the completed title before handing it to the buyer.
Step 2: Obtain a Bill of Sale
A notarized bill of sale is mandatory when the vehicle is less than 7 model years old and is used to document the purchase price for excise tax calculation. Even when not required, a bill of sale protects both parties by providing a written record of the transaction. The document must identify the vehicle by VIN, year, make, and model, and must bear the signatures of both the buyer and the seller. Important Update: Effective October 1, 2026, Maryland HB 251 will eliminate the notarization requirement for all used vehicle transfers.
Step 3: Schedule a Maryland Safety Inspection
Most used vehicles are required by Maryland law to pass a safety inspection before the title transfer can be registered. The inspection must be performed at a licensed Maryland inspection station and is generally the responsibility of the seller, unless otherwise agreed. The resulting certificate is valid for 90 days. Buyers who take possession before the inspection is complete may apply for a 30-day temporary registration at the MVA.
Step 4: Gather All Required Documents
Before visiting the MVA or submitting by mail, compile the full document package: the assigned title, completed VR-005, notarized bill of sale (if applicable), safety inspection certificate, proof of insurance, odometer disclosure (if separate), and any lien-related forms. Incomplete submissions will be returned and may delay issuance of the new title.
Step 5: Submit the Application to the MVA
Applications may be filed in person at any MVA full-service branch office or by mail to:
MVA’s Out-of-State Title Unit
6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Licensed tag-and-title service agents are also authorized to accept and process submissions on behalf of applicants. In-person submissions generally result in faster processing.
Step 6: Pay All Applicable Fees and Excise Tax
At the time of submission, the applicant must remit all required fees and the Maryland excise titling tax.
| Fee Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Title | $200.00 | Standard fee for most vehicles |
| Title Certificate – Corrected | $80.00 | For correcting an existing Maryland title |
| Title Certificate – Duplicate | $40.00 | To replace a lost or damaged title |
| Security Interest Filing (VR-217) | $40.00 | If vehicle is being financed |
| Excise Tax – Vehicles 6 Model Years or Newer | 6.5% of purchase price or book value | For vehicles less than 7 years old |
| Excise Tax – Vehicles 7+ Model Years Old | $41.60 flat fee | Vehicles 7 or more years old ($20.80 for trailers) |
| Minimum Excise Tax | Based on minimum value of $640 | Applies when sale price is unusually low |
| Annual Registration (Class A) | Varies by vehicle weight | See MVA Fee Listing for current schedule |
Step 7: Receive the New Certificate of Title
Once the MVA processes the application and verifies all documents, the new Maryland Certificate of Title is printed and mailed to the registered owner. The title is a two-part form: the certificate is sent to the owner, and a Security Interest Filing copy is retained only when a lien is recorded. Processing times vary; in-person transactions at a branch office are typically resolved more quickly than mail-in submissions.
Contact Information for Assistance
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MARYLAND 21062
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
