- Titling Used Vehicles
- Titling New Vehicles
- Titling - New MD Resident
- Transfer of a Vehicle as a Gift
- Security Interest (LIEN)
- Odometer Mileage Statement
- Title Fees
Registration Information
- Certificate of Inspection
- Obtaining or Transferring Registration Plates
- Insurance Requirements
- Fees for Registration Plates
- Do I Need to File a Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 to Register My Vehicle?
- Apportioned Registration/International Registration Plan (I.R.P.)
- Maryland Income Tax Credit Certificate for Class ‘F’ Vehicle Registration
- Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title
- Returning to Maryland from Another State
- Issuance of a 24-Hour Registration
- Trailers - Office Trailers and Mobile Homes
- Vehicle Beneficiary Designation
- Proof of ownership - The vehicle's current title has to be properly assigned to you. If the title was issued in Maryland, it can be used as your application for titling and registering the vehicle. If the vehicle is from a state that does not issue a title as proof of ownership, a registration document and a bill of sale may be submitted as proof of ownership.
- Application form - If the vehicle's current title was issued in Maryland, use it as your application form by completing the section entitled Application for Title and Registration. If not, use the application for certificate of title (form #VR-005). Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland's minimum liability insurance requirements.
- Proof of purchase price - This should be a bill of sale signed by both the buyer(s) and seller(s). The bill of sale must be notarized if the following conditions apply:
- the vehicle is less than 7 years old; and
- the purchase price is at least $500 below the book value; and
- the new owner (buyer) wants to base the excise tax (more info below) calculation (6% of the vehicle's value) on the sale price rather than the book value.
Dealer
A vehicle purchased from a licensed dealer, is assessed excise tax. The tax is based on the agreed upon price of the vehicle and includes any dealer processing charge, with an allowance for any trade-in consideration. Manufacturer rebates are taxable. However, dealer rebates and discounts are not. All rebate, trade-in, or discount information must be clearly marked on the bill of sale.
Private Sale
Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:
A vehicle purchased from a private party is assessed at 6% of the purchased price and verified by a notarized MVA Bill of Sale (form #VR-181). The bill of sale must be signed by both the buyer(s) and the seller(s) and the actual price paid for the vehicle must be stated on it. The MVA may require you to submit additional documentation to substantiate the purchase price. For example, in some cases, the total purchase price or the value of the vehicle as it is shown in a national publication of used car values, will be used to establish the tax. There is an adjustment for the mileage on a vehicle, depending on whether it is higher or lower than average. For vehicles that are seven years or older, the tax is based on the purchase price or the minimum book value of $640; which ever is greater. Trailers that are seven years or older will be assessed a 6% excise tax on the purchase price or the minimum value of $320; which ever is greater. - Odometer disclosure statement - The odometer reading can be recorded and attested in the Assignment of Ownership section on the Maryland title. You also can submit the MVA's odometer disclosure statement (form #VR-197).
- Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate - The Maryland State Police form certifies that your vehicle meets Maryland safety standards. It is valid for up to 90 days from the date issued.
- If a vehicle is being transferred between spouses or between parents and children, an inspection is not generally required. All other transfers as gifts are subject to the state inspection laws. Gifts of vehicles that are titled out-of-state are not accepted.
- Lien information - If you borrowed money to buy the vehicle, the lien information may need to be recorded on the application. The MVA form entitled security interest filing (form #VR-217) must be used if a second lien is placed against the title.
- Lien release - If the existing title indicates that a lien was placed against it, you must submit a lien release. For a vehicle that was titled in Maryland, this could be a properly completed and signed Maryland Security Interest Filing or a signed letter from the lien holder specifically identifying the vehicle and stating that the lien has been released. If the vehicle is currently titled in another state, you may submit a signed letter of release from the lien holder or you may have the lien holder sign the title indicating that the lien has been released.
- Power of attorney (VR-470) -– If someone other than you, the new owner, is signing the titling forms, this document is required. A copy of the registered owner(s) state issued identification must accompany the Power of Attorney and the person submitting must present their state issued identification.
- Certificate of origin - This is an ownership document produced by the vehicle's manufacturer.
- Bill of sale
- If you do not have the title documents or certificate, the MVA will provide you with a letter (form #VR-056) to send to your lienholder requesting the title(s) be sent to the MVA.
- Upon receipt of the title documents(s), the MVA will write or call to inform you that we have received the title(s). We will inform you of the excise tax due and ask you to send your completed application for certificate of title (form #VR-005), MD Safety Inspection Certificate, and payment (check or money order made payable to the MVA) to the MVA. The check should include payment for the following:
- Title fee
- Lien fee
- Excise tax and tag fees.
- Upon receipt of the title documents(s), the MVA will write or call to inform you that we have received the title(s). We will inform you of the excise tax due and ask you to send your completed
Your title will be mailed to you. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person at the MVA; otherwise, they will also be mailed to you.
Maryland Excise Titling TaxDealer
A vehicle purchased from a licensed dealer, is assessed excise tax. The tax is based on the agreed upon price of the vehicle and includes any dealer processing charge, with an allowance for any trade-in consideration. Manufacturer rebates are taxable. However, dealer rebates and discounts are not. All rebate, trade-in, or discount information must be clearly marked on the bill of sale.Private Sale
A vehicle purchased from a private party is assessed at 6% of the purchased price and verified by a notarized MVA Bill of Sale (form #VR-181). The bill of sale must be signed by both the buyer(s) and the seller(s) and the actual price paid for the vehicle must be stated on it. The MVA may require you to submit additional documentation to substantiate the purchase price. For example, in some cases, the total purchase price or the value of the vehicle as it is shown in a national publication of used car values, will be used to establish the tax. There is an adjustment for the mileage on a vehicle, depending on whether it is higher or lower than average. For vehicles that are seven years or older, the tax is based on the purchase price or the minimum book value of $640; which ever is greater. Trailers that are seven years or older will be assessed a 6% excise tax on the purchase price or the minimum value of $320; which ever is greater.
Titling New VehiclesMaryland dealers will usually handle the titling and registration of your vehicle for you. The dealer will provide you with a bill of sale and temporary (cardboard) or permanent (metal) license plates before you drive the vehicle off the lot. The Maryland Certificate of Title will be printed and mailed to you later. If a lien is placed against your title, a Maryland Security Interest Filing will be mailed to the lien holder at the same time.
If the dealer does not handle the titling and registration of your vehicle, perhaps because you purchased the vehicle from an out-of-state dealer, you will have to submit the application documents yourself.
To title and register your newly purchased vehicle, you will need to submit the following documents (along with payment for taxes and fees):
Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:
Other Information
Titling used vehicles
To title and register your newly purchased used vehicle, you will need to submit the following documents, (along with payment for taxes and fees):