Car Titling In Maryland State

As a new resident in Maryland, you must title and register your vehicles within 60 days of declaring residency to comply with the law and benefit from a lower excise tax. Because each state and lien holder handles their titles differently, if you wait more than 60 days to title and register your vehicles, you will be ineligible for a tax credit for any titling tax paid in another state. That means you'll have to pay the same excise tax twice: once in the state where you bought the vehicle/trailer and again in Maryland. You may also face a citation for having an out-of-state registration.

Required Documents For Car Titling And Registration

The MVA requires the majority, if not all, of the documents listed below. The MVA also requires that the documents be original and properly notarized (if applicable).
  • Certificate of Title,
  • Lease Agreement (if applicable),
  • Complete Lien Information & VIN Number (if applicable),
  • Lien Release (if applicable),
  • Maryland License/Soundex Number,
  • Completed Application for Certificate of Title,
  • Temporary Inspection Waiver (if applicable)
  • MD Safety Inspection Certificate,
  • Maryland Insurance Information,
  • Proof of Vehicle's Value,
  • Power of Attorney.

Car Registration

A car title proves ownership and is used to identify the vehicle. However, it does not allow you to drive in Maryland. You must register your vehicle with the MMVA to use it in the state. Your car registration proves that a specific vehicle has met Maryland's safety requirements and standards but does not prove ownership. The simplest method is to locate an MVA location near you, submit the necessary documents, and then sit back and wait! They will take care of the rest. The Maryland Vehicle Administration department is an alternative, but it is not recommended because it is time-consuming. Titles, license plates, registration cards, and stickers are mailed to the address you provide, whether you apply on your own or through an MD MVA location near you.

Moved to Maryland

If you moved to Maryland recently, you have 60 days to register your vehicle. The following documents will be required to register your vehicle.
  • The previous state's vehicle title
  • A statement proving that you have filed a security interest
  • The State of Maryland issued an inspection certificate.
  • Title Certificate application completed
  • A lease agreement is required only if you have chosen to lease.
  • Power of Attorney if the vehicle is registered in the name of someone else
If you haven't paid off your vehicle loan, you should request that the lien holder send the title to MVA. Once this is completed, the department will contact you and inform you of the applicable excise tax. You will then be asked to complete your application, obtain an inspection safety certificate, and submit all required documents.

New Car

If you already live in Maryland and have recently purchased a brand new car, you are responsible for registering it, not the dealership. The following documents are required for the purpose.
  • Completed application for obtaining Title Certificate
  • Insurance information
  • Ownership proof like the bill of sale
  • Odometer reading
  • Safety inspection certificate

Used Car

If you purchase your vehicle from a private party, it will be registered only after you provide the following documents.
  • Completed application for obtaining Title Certificate
  • The current title under your name
  • Safety certificate
  • Odometer disclosure statement
  • Bill of sale

Vehicle Title Transfer

In Maryland, a vehicle title transfer is required whenever ownership of a vehicle is transferred from one owner to another, regardless of the nature of the vehicle transfer. To successfully transfer the title of a vehicle in Maryland, you will need:
  • A properly signed title certificate includes the vehicle seller's name and signature. The Purchaser's name and address must also be included on the title certificate. A completed title application (if required)
  • The bill of sale for the MVA
  • An odometer statement (if the mileage of the vehicle cannot be recorded on the title)
  • A safety inspection certificate is issued no later than 90 days before the vehicle title transfer date.
  • Proof of a current Maryland auto insurance policy
  • Forms of lien release and power of attorney
A replacement vehicle title must be obtained if the seller misplaced or damaged the vehicle's title.

The Title Transfer Process

If you need to transfer your Maryland vehicle title, you and the seller or buyer of the vehicle should go to the MD MVA together to avoid potential issues and confusion, but this is not required. To complete a Maryland vehicle title transfer, go to your nearest Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Office and do the following:
  • Obtain a vehicle inspection.
  • Obtain evidence that the vehicle passed the emissions test.
  • Get the vehicle's title (if the vehicle title is lost, damaged, or has been stolen, you must request a duplicate vehicle title)
  • You may be required to submit a lien release when purchasing a vehicle.
  • If you are selling a vehicle, you must provide the buyer with a lien release if one is required.
  • Fill out the Maryland Certificate of Title.
  • Please submit the required identification documents (proof of identification, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of a valid Maryland vehicle insurance policy)
  • Pay applicable taxes and fees (vehicle title: $100, tax: 6% of the sale price).
It would be best to consider registering your vehicle after titling it to avoid unnecessary fees or penalties.

Out-Of-State Title

An out-of-state vehicle title transfer form is required to transfer a vehicle with an out-of-state title. Other documents required include:
  • Vehicle ownership documentation
  • A completed vehicle title transfer application form
  • A current MD auto insurance policy
  • A certificate of safety inspection issued by the state
  • Evidence of the vehicle's worth (such as a bill of sale form VR-181)
  • The lease contract (if applicable)
  • Lien disclosure and lien release (if applicable)
  • Attorney-in-fact (if required)
  • Proof of military service (only for military members)

New Resident

A title transfer for an out-of-state vehicle can be completed personally at your nearest Maryland MVA branch or by mail. To transfer the title of an out-of-state vehicle:
  • Within 60 days of the move, register the vehicle with the MVA.
  • Request a Maryland vehicle title and registration.
  • Prepare and submit the necessary documentation either in person or by mail.
  • Submit payment for all applicable vehicle title and tag fees and state taxes.
To complete the title transfer of an out-of-state vehicle, you may be required to submit additional information or take additional steps.

Vehicle Title Replacement

The MVA is in charge of issuing new and duplicate vehicle titles. You must request a duplicate vehicle title if the vehicle's title is lost, damaged, or stolen (Form VR-018). A duplicate vehicle title can be requested online, by mail, or in person at your local Maryland MVA office. If you are requesting a duplicate Maryland vehicle title online, you must provide the following information:
  • Vehicle registration number
  • The number on the license plate (if applicable)
  • Payment for the $20 replacement fee (you can pay this with MasterCard, Visa, or Check; the MVA does not accept traveler's checks or money orders for online payments).
You will need the following items if you apply for a duplicate vehicle title by mail or in person:
  • A completed Application for Duplicate Title Certificate (Form VR-018). All vehicle owners must fill out this form.
  • The title has been damaged/mutilated (if applicable)
  • Please include a copy of your driver's license or ID card.
  • Payment for the duplicate vehicle title fee of $20
Use the address printed on the duplicate vehicle title when mailing it.