Transferring a Car Title in Maryland
Steps and fees to transfer a vehicle title in Maryland when you buy, sell or inherit a car, and the deadline to register after moving.
Short answer: In a private sale, the seller completes all required sections of the Maryland title, including the sale price and odometer reading, and signs and dates it; a bill of sale is not always required but is strongly recommended. Maryland MVA, Buying a Vehicle
| Transferring a car title | In a private sale, the seller completes all required sections of the Maryland title, including the sale price and odometer reading, and signs and dates it; a bill of sale is not always required but is strongly recommended. The buyer must have Maryland auto insurance before registering, get a Maryland safety inspection (required for most used vehicles), and then title and register the vehicle with the MVA, using the Certificate of Title Application (VR-005). A dealer usually handles titling for dealer sales. The page reviewed did not state title fees, excise tax, or a deadline to title after purchase. Source: Maryland MVA, Buying a Vehicle |
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| Registering after you move | New residents must get a Maryland driver's license and title and register their vehicle within 60 days of becoming a Maryland resident. Missing the deadline disqualifies the owner from a credit for titling tax paid in another state and may lead to a citation. A valid Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate is required to title and register the vehicle; emissions (VEIP) testing notices follow about three months after registration. License deadline: https://mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/new-maryland-residents |
More Maryland car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Maryland
- Driving Without Insurance in Maryland
- SR-22 Insurance in Maryland
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Maryland
- All Maryland car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
How do you transfer a car title in Maryland?
In a private sale, the seller completes all required sections of the Maryland title, including the sale price and odometer reading, and signs and dates it; a bill of sale is not always required but is strongly recommended. The buyer must have Maryland auto insurance before registering, get a Maryland safety inspection (required for most used vehicles), and then title and register the vehicle with the MVA, using the Certificate of Title Application (VR-005). A dealer usually handles titling for dealer sales.
How long do you have to register your car after moving to Maryland?
New residents must get a Maryland driver's license and title and register their vehicle within 60 days of becoming a Maryland resident. Missing the deadline disqualifies the owner from a credit for titling tax paid in another state and may lead to a citation. A valid Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate is required to title and register the vehicle; emissions (VEIP) testing notices follow about three months after registration.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.