How to transfer a car title in Maryland
For private sellers and buyers in Maryland. A dealer trade-in follows the dealer's own process.
To transfer a car title in Maryland, the seller fills in the buyer's name, the price, the odometer reading and the date on the back of the title, signs it and keeps the plates. The buyer gets a safety inspection, applies with VR-005 and pays the $200 title fee and the excise tax.
What do the buyer and seller each do in Maryland?
Seller
- On the back of the title, write the buyer's name and address, the price, the odometer reading and the date, then sign.
- Every owner on the title signs, unless the names are joined by "OR".
- Take the plates off before the buyer takes the car.
- Return the plates to the MVA and keep the receipt.
- Keep copies of the completed title, front and back, and the bill of sale.
Buyer
- Get the original title, signed over to you, with any lien released.
- Get a Maryland safety inspection. Most used cars need one before they are titled.
- Apply with form VR-005 at an MVA branch or by mail, with proof of the price.
- Pay the 6.5% excise tax and the $200 title fee.
If you're not sure what you need, check with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration before you go: mva.maryland.gov
How do I sign over a car title in Maryland?
Step 1 · Seller
Fill in the back of the title.
Write the buyer's name and address, the price, the odometer reading and the date. Every owner signs unless the title shows "OR".
Step 2 · Seller
Give the buyer a bill of sale.
MVA suggests one. List the car, the price, the date, and both names and signatures.
Step 3 · Seller
Take off the plates.
Plates stay with you, not the car. Do not let the buyer use them.
Step 4 · Seller
Return the plates and keep your records.
Keep the plate return receipt and copies of the title and the bill of sale.
We have not confirmed whether Maryland requires a bill of sale. Check with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration before you sell.
Maryland bill of saleHow do I put a car title in my name in Maryland?
Step 1 · Buyer
Check the title before you pay.
It should match the VIN, show the seller as owner and have no open lien.
mva.maryland.gov checkedStep 2 · Buyer
Get insurance and a safety inspection.
You need Maryland insurance before you register, and most used cars need the inspection.
mva.maryland.gov checkedStep 3 · Buyer
Apply for the title with VR-005.
Go to an MVA branch office or apply by mail. Bring the assigned title and proof of the price.
VR-005 · Application for Certificate of Titlemva.maryland.gov checkedStep 4 · Buyer
Pay the excise tax and the title fee.
The excise tax is 6.5% ($41.60 minimum). The title fee is $200.
mva.maryland.gov checked
After MVA processes your papers, it issues the new title in the new owner's name.
Maryland guides
- You're reading this guideSell or buy a carSteps to sell a car in Maryland · Steps to buy a car in Maryland
- Maryland bill of saleOfficial form VR-181
- Gifting a car in MarylandGiving or getting a car with no money paid
- Replace a lost title in MarylandDuplicate title (VR-018)
- Car title after a death in MarylandThe steps depend on the estate and who the title names
How much does a title transfer cost in Maryland?
| Fee | Amount | Who pays | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title fee | $200 | Buyer | mva.maryland.gov Checked |
| Titling excise tax | 6.5% ($41.60 minimum) | Buyer | mva.maryland.gov Checked |
| Total of required fees, before tax | $200 |
Fees can change. Check the official page before you pay. Tax depends on the price and on who is buying. The tax rules are on the site of the Maryland MVA (titling excise tax).
Special cases
Common questions
How much is the excise tax in Maryland?
6.5% ($41.60 minimum) of the price, paid when the buyer titles the car.
mva.maryland.gov checked
What happens to the plates?
The seller takes them off before the buyer drives away, returns them to the MVA and keeps the receipt.
mva.maryland.gov checked
Do both owners have to sign?
Yes, every owner on the title signs, unless the names are joined by "OR".
mva.maryland.gov checked
Sources for this page
- mva.maryland.gov/title-registration/
buying-selling-or-gifting-vehicle/ Checkedbuying-vehicle - mva.maryland.gov/title-registration/
buying-selling-or-gifting-vehicle/ Checkedselling-vehicle - mva.maryland.gov/title-registration/
fees-payment-options Checked - mva.maryland.gov/title-registration/
title-vehicle/ Checkedprivate-party-purchase
About this page
This page summarizes official Maryland sources in plain English. Car Title Steps is not a government website, is not connected to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, and does not file or prepare forms. Confirm each step with the agency before you sign, pay or mail anything. Found a mistake? Email mr@marcelruettgers.com.