How To Transfer Car Title in Maryland

August 14, 2023

How to Transfer Car Title in Maryland

Are you a Maryland resident in the market for a pre-owned car? Or perhaps you're saying goodbye to your trusty vehicle and transferring ownership to a new owner? Either way, transferring the title is a vital step in the process.

The title certificate is a record that verifies car ownership, and in Maryland, it's essential to ensure the fulfillment of a vehicle title transfer whenever ownership transitions from one person to another, regardless of the transfer's specific circumstances.

But don't worry - this article covers all aspects of how to transfer a car title in Maryland, so you can navigate the process with ease and confidence.

From providing necessary information to submitting relevant paperwork and paying required fees, we'll guide you through everything you need to know about transferring a car title in Maryland.

So, if you're ready to take the next step in your car ownership journey, read on and discover the ins and outs of car title transfers in the Old Line State!

Items Needed To Transfer Car Title in Maryland Successfully

To facilitate the transfer of a vehicle's title in Maryland, one must fulfill the following essential conditions:

  1. A title certificate duly executed with the signature and name of the vehicle seller, along with the inclusion of the purchaser's name and address.
  2. Completion of an application for title, if required.
  3. Presentation of the MVA bill of sale, if applicable.
  4. Submission of an odometer statement in cases where the vehicle's mileage cannot be recorded on the title.
  5. Possession of a safety inspection certificate issued at most 90 days before the date of vehicle title transfer.
  6. Validation of a valid Maryland vehicle insurance policy.
  7. If necessary, complete a lien release form and power of attorney form.

If the vehicle's seller misplaces the title or if the title incurs damage, obtaining a replacement vehicle title becomes a requirement that must be fulfilled.

Documents Needed To Transfer Car Title for Used Cars in Maryland

To initiate the titling process for your newly acquired pre-owned vehicle, you must furnish the subsequent documents, in addition to the requisite taxes and fees:

1. Proof of ownership

The vehicle's existing title must be appropriately transferred to you. If the title originates from Maryland, it can be your application for titling and registering the vehicle.

However, if the vehicle hails from a state that does not issue titles as evidence of ownership, you may submit a registration document and a bill of sale as substantiation.

2. Application form

If the current vehicle title was issued in Maryland, complete the designated "Application for Title and Registration" section on the title itself.

Alternatively, if the title was not issued in Maryland, utilize the application for a certificate of title (Form #VR-005).

Ensure you provide your insurance information, with your policy adhering to Maryland's minimum liability insurance prerequisites.

3. Proof of purchase price

This entails a duly signed bill of sale by both the buyer(s) and the seller(s). Notarization of the bill of sale is mandatory if the following conditions are met:

  • The vehicle is under seven years old.
  • The purchase price is at least $500 lower than the book value.
  • The buyer plans to determine the excise tax by utilizing the sale price as the determinant rather than the book value, resulting in a levy equal to 6% of the vehicle's assessed worth.

How To Transfer Car Title in Maryland

For the smooth transfer of your Maryland vehicle title, the seller and buyer should visit the MD MVA together, although it is not obligatory.

This collaborative approach helps mitigate potential complications and confusion during the process.

To finalize a Maryland vehicle title transfer, visit your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Office and undertake the following steps:

  1. Obtain a vehicle inspection and retain a copy of the inspection certificate.
  2. Acquire evidence of the vehicle's successful completion of the emissions test.
  3. Secure the vehicle's title. You must request a duplicate vehicle title if lost, damaged, or stolen.
  4. If you are the purchaser of a vehicle, it may be necessary to provide a lien release obtained by the vehicle owner.
  5. If you are a vehicle seller, you must furnish a lien release to the buyer, if required, obtainable from the lien holder.
  6. Complete the Maryland Certificate of Title diligently.
  7. Submit the requisite identification documents, including proof of identification, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of a valid Maryland vehicle insurance policy.
  8. Fulfill all applicable taxes and fees, including a vehicle title fee of $100 and a tax amounting to 6% of the sale price.

Consider registering your vehicle promptly after titling to avoid unnecessary fees or penalties.

How To Register Your Vehicle in Maryland

Following a successful title transfer, the subsequent step entails registering the vehicle, which is evidence of its legal operation on public roadways and necessitates biennial renewal in Maryland.

Fortunately, the majority of drivers can conveniently complete the registration process online.

To proceed with the registration, possessing a Maryland title for the vehicle and providing proof of auto insurance that adheres to the state's minimum coverage requirements is imperative.

It is important to note that passenger truck registration fees are computed distinctively from those of passenger cars.

The registration fees vary depending on the vehicle's weight, as outlined below:

  • $135 for passenger cars weighing up to 3,700 lbs.
  • $187 for passenger cars weighing over 3,700 lbs.

Moreover, additional MVA fees may be applicable, including:

  • Medevac surcharge: An annual fee of $17.
  • Vanity license plates: An annual fee of $50.
  • Commemorative tags: A fee of $20. Maryland offers various themed tags, such as Chesapeake Bay and Agricultural.

Other fees may be pertinent to the vehicle's type, county of residence, or driving record.

How To Transfer Car Title in Maryland When You Have an Out-of-State Title

Several documents are essential when transferring a vehicle with an out-of-state title. These include:

  1. Evidence substantiating the vehicle's ownership.
  2. A diligently completed application form specifically designed to transfer the out-of-state vehicle title.
  3. Validation of an active and valid Maryland auto insurance policy.
  4. A safety inspection certificate issued by the state that attests to the vehicle's compliance with required safety standards.
  5. Verification of the vehicle's value can be established through supporting documentation, such as a bill of sale in the form of VR-181.
  6. The lease agreement, if applicable, for leased vehicles.
  7. Comprehensive lien information and, if applicable, a lien release to address any existing encumbrances on the vehicle.
  8. Power of attorney documentation, if deemed necessary for specific circumstances.
  9. For military members, proof of military status is obligatory.

A smooth and compliant out-of-state vehicle title transfer process can be facilitated by ensuring the possession and submission of these documents.

How To Apply for a Duplicate Car Title in Maryland

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) manages the issuance of new and duplicate vehicle titles.

In the event of a lost, damaged, or stolen vehicle title, it is necessary to request a duplicate vehicle title using the designated Form VR-018. This can be accomplished online, by mail, or in person at your Maryland MVA office.

When requesting a duplicate Maryland vehicle title online, the following information must be provided:

  • Vehicle title number
  • License plate number (if applicable)
  • The $20 replacement fee can be paid using MasterCard, Visa, or Check. Notably, traveler's checks or money orders are not accepted for online payments by the MVA.

For those opting to apply for a duplicate vehicle title via mail or in person, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

  • Completion of the Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form VR-018), a task to be carried out by all vehicle owners.
  • Submission of the damaged or mutilated title, if applicable.
  • Provision of a copy of your driver's license or ID card as identification.
  • Payment of the $20 fee for the duplicate vehicle title.

If mailing the request for a duplicate vehicle title, utilize the address specified on the original title for accurate delivery.

How To Fill Out the Maryland Title Transfer Forms Correctly

To adequately fill out the necessary Maryland vehicle title transfer forms, it is essential to furnish the following details:

  1. Complete the purchaser's legal name, residential address, and current vehicle owner.
  2. Precise date of the sale, specifying the month, day, and year of the transaction.
  3. Thorough information concerning the vehicle, encompassing its mileage, overall condition, and purchase price.
  4. Accurate reading of the vehicle's odometer.
  5. For vehicles that are eight years old or newer or have a sale price exceeding $500, it is imperative to complete a bill of sale using Form VR-181 diligently.
  6. Submission of the Application for Certificate of Title (VR-005), ensuring all sections are duly completed.

Adherence to the accurate completion of these forms is crucial, as they are indispensable prerequisites for your vehicle's successful registration and titling.

Avoiding delays or incurring additional fees necessitates precision in providing all the requisite information.

Additional documentation and information may be required, including a valid Maryland vehicle insurance policy and a government-issued photo ID.

A foreign passport can also be utilized as a valid form of proof of identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the buyer and seller need to be present for the title transfer?

While it is beneficial for the buyer and seller to visit the MVA together to ensure a smooth title transfer process, it is not mandatory. Either party can represent themselves or authorize a third party with a power of attorney to handle the transfer.

How long does it take to receive the new title after transferring?

After completing the car title transfer in Maryland, the new title is typically printed and mailed within a few weeks. However, processing times may vary depending on workload and any additional verifications required. It is advisable to contact the MVA for updates if the title does not arrive within a reasonable timeframe.

Posted in Car Buying Tips |