What Maryland requires for a vehicle title

Maryland issues a Certificate of Title for every vehicle registered in the state. This document proves you own the vehicle and is required before you can sell it, trade it in, or register it in another state. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues and manages all titles.

If you buy a used vehicle in Maryland, the seller must sign the title over to you. If you buy from a dealer, the dealer handles the paperwork and sends it to the MVA on your behalf. If you buy from a private seller, you and the seller must complete the transfer together, usually at an MVA office or through the mail.

A new vehicle comes with a manufacturer's certificate that acts as a temporary title until the MVA issues the permanent one. You have 30 days from the date of purchase to register the vehicle and get the title transferred into your name.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland titles are issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration and must be signed by both the seller and buyer to transfer ownership.
  • You have 30 days from purchase to register a new vehicle and transfer the title into your name, or you may face late fees.
  • Private sales require you to visit an MVA office or mail in the signed title, bill of sale, and proof of inspection within that 30-day window.
  • The MVA charges a title transfer fee that varies depending on whether the vehicle is new, used, or being transferred from out of state.
  • Maryland requires a vehicle inspection before title transfer for most used vehicles, and the inspection report must be submitted with your paperwork.

Fees and what they cover

The Maryland MVA charges a title transfer fee based on the vehicle's sale price. For vehicles under $500, the fee is $20. For vehicles $500 to $2,000, the fee is $35. For vehicles over $2,000, the fee is $100. These fees explore whether you are transferring a title from another person or registering a new vehicle for the first time in Maryland.

If you are transferring a title from out of state, you pay the same transfer fee plus a registration fee. The registration fee depends on the vehicle's weight and type. You will also pay a $10 title process fee if you are requesting a new title document (for example, if the old one is lost or damaged).

Payment is due when you submit your paperwork. The MVA accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card at in-person visits. If you mail in your documents, include a check or money order made out to "Maryland MVA."

How to transfer a title from a private seller

When you buy a vehicle from a private seller in Maryland, both you and the seller must sign the title in the designated spaces. The seller signs as the current owner, and you sign as the new owner. The title must be signed in blue or black ink — pencil is not accepted.

You will also need a bill of sale, which documents the sale price and date. Maryland does not have an official bill of sale form, but the MVA website provides a template you can print and use. Both you and the seller should sign and date the bill of sale.

Next, the vehicle must pass a Maryland safety inspection. You can take it to any MVA-licensed inspection station. The inspection checks brakes, lights, wipers, horn, steering, and emissions (in certain counties). The inspection station will give you a report that you must bring to the MVA.

Once you have the signed title, bill of sale, and inspection report, you can visit an MVA office to complete the transfer. Bring your driver's license or ID, proof of insurance, and the transfer fee. The MVA will issue a new title in your name and a registration card. If you prefer not to visit in person, you can mail all documents to the MVA, but processing takes longer.

Transferring a title from a dealer

When you buy from a licensed Maryland dealer, the dealer is responsible for submitting the title transfer paperwork to the MVA. You do not need to visit the MVA yourself. The dealer will give you a temporary registration document that is valid for 30 days while the MVA processes the permanent title.

The dealer collects the title transfer fee from you at the time of sale and submits it with the paperwork. The dealer also arranges the vehicle inspection if required. You should receive your permanent title and registration card in the mail within two to four weeks.

If you do not receive your title within four weeks, contact the dealer to confirm they submitted the paperwork. If the dealer did not submit it, you will need to do so yourself within the 30-day window to avoid late fees and registration penalties.

Out-of-state title transfers to Maryland

If you are moving to Maryland with a vehicle titled in another state, you must transfer the title to Maryland within 60 days of establishing residency. Bring the out-of-state title, your driver's license showing your Maryland address, proof of insurance, and the vehicle inspection report to any MVA office.

The out-of-state title must be signed by you (the current owner) in the spaces designated for transfer. If the title is in someone else's name, that person must sign it over to you, or you will need a power of attorney document. The MVA will not transfer a title if the signature is missing or the document is damaged beyond readability.

You will pay the title transfer fee based on the vehicle's sale price, plus a registration fee. Processing takes about two weeks. If you do not transfer the title within 60 days, you may be unable to register the vehicle in Maryland and could face fines.

What to do if your title is lost or damaged

If your Maryland title is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can request a duplicate title from the MVA. Visit any MVA office with your driver's license and proof of ownership (such as a registration card or insurance document). The fee is $10.

If the title was lost in a theft, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required. The MVA will issue a duplicate title with the same owner information as the original. The duplicate is valid for all the same purposes as the original.

If you need a title urgently, some MVA offices offer same-day service for duplicate titles if you visit in person. Call your local MVA office to confirm availability before you go.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is waiting too long to transfer the title. Maryland gives you 30 days from purchase to register the vehicle and transfer the title. If you miss this important date, you will owe a late fee and may not be able to register the vehicle. Mark your calendar on the day you buy the vehicle.

Another frequent error is submitting a title with missing or illegible signatures. Both the seller and buyer must sign in the correct spaces using pen (not pencil). If a signature is missing or unclear, the MVA will return the paperwork and you will have to start over, which delays your registration.

Forgetting the vehicle inspection is also common. Most used vehicles must pass a Maryland safety inspection before the title can be transferred. The inspection report is not optional — the MVA will not process your transfer without it. Schedule the inspection as soon as you buy the vehicle so you have time to fix any issues if it fails.

Finally, do not assume a dealer will submit your paperwork on time. Follow up with the dealer after two weeks to confirm they sent everything to the MVA. If they did not, you still have time to submit it yourself before the 30-day important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the vehicle before the title is transferred?

Yes, but only with a temporary registration document. If you buy from a dealer, they give you a temporary registration valid for 30 days. If you buy from a private seller, you can drive the vehicle to the MVA office or inspection station, but you should not drive it on public roads otherwise. Once the inspection is complete, you can drive it home if you have proof of insurance.

What happens if the seller does not sign the title?

The MVA cannot transfer the title without the seller's signature. If the seller refuses to sign or is unavailable, you cannot legally own the vehicle. If you have already paid for the vehicle, you may need to pursue legal action to recover your money or force the sale. Do not hand over payment until the seller has signed the title in front of you.

Do I need a bill of sale if I have the signed title?

The signed title is the main document, but a bill of sale is strongly recommended. It documents the sale price, date, and condition of the vehicle, and protects both you and the seller if questions arise later. The MVA does not require it, but many inspection stations and lenders ask for it.

How long does it take to get a title after I submit the paperwork?

If you submit in person at an MVA office, you may receive your title the same day or within a few days. If you mail in your documents, allow two to four weeks for processing. Dealer submissions typically take two to four weeks as well. Call the MVA if you have not received your title after four weeks.

Can I transfer a title if the vehicle has a lien on it?

No. If a bank or lender has a lien on the vehicle, they must release it before the title can be transferred to a new owner. The lienholder's name appears on the title. Contact your lender and ask them to release the lien, then have them send the release document to the MVA. Only after the lien is released can you transfer the title.