Title Transfer Maryland

The base fee for a title transfer in Maryland is $100. It typically takes up to eight weeks to receive the transferred title from the MVA.
Written by Bonnie Stinson
To transfer ownership of a vehicle in
Maryland
, you’ll need to complete a
title
transfer. You can do this by visiting a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The base fee is $100.
  • A Maryland title transfer costs about $100 and can be completed in person at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. 
  • Title transfers are necessary when buying,
    selling
    , donating, or inheriting a vehicle
  • The new vehicle owner will typically owe excise tax, unless you’re gifting the car to an immediate family member.

Maryland car title transfer process

In the state of Maryland, you must visit an MVA office to complete a title transfer process. 
Save time by starting online: You may start your
title transfer process online
.
Title and registration forms
are available on the MVA website.
New residents: If you just moved to Maryland, you have 60 days to register your vehicle in-state. Otherwise, you will no longer be able to receive a tax credit on your out-of-state title. You may also be charged a fee.
Here’s what most applicants will need in order to perform a title transfer in Maryland:
  • Proof of ownership
  • Proof of vehicle’s value/proof of purchase price
  • Odometer disclosure statement
  • Application for Certificate of Title
  • Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate
  • Certificate of Inspection
  • Lease agreement and proof of monthly payments (if applicable)
  • Lien information and lien release (if applicable)
  • Power of attorney (if applicable)
  • Title fees and taxes
On the title itself, the buyer and seller will need to fill out the “Assignment of Ownership” section found on the back of the title, which will include recording the odometer reading at the time of transfer.
Buying through a dealer is different: The dealer will provide you with a bill of sale and temporary license plates so you can legally drive away. Later, the Maryland Certificate of Title will be mailed to you. 
Fees: The title transfer fee in Maryland is $100. Once all of your documents have been submitted, it may take up to eight weeks to receive the new title.
Keep in mind: Unless the vehicle is being gifted to an eligible family member, the vehicle’s new owner will be responsible for paying excise tax.
Pro Tip Start your title transfer process online using the MVA digital portal, and you’ll save time in the office.

Why title transfers are important

A car title dictates who owns a vehicle. When you transfer the title of a car, you’re transferring your vehicle ownership to a new owner.
If you recently had a change of residency or you are buying or selling a car, you need to do a title transfer. 
Here are some additional circumstances that could require a title change:
Transferring a title consists of two steps—one for the seller and one for the buyer:
  • The seller: Must sign the title to release ownership of the vehicle
  • The buyer: Will need to go to the MVA with the signed title to be issued a new title and registration
Keep in mind: A vehicle must be lien-free before you can transfer its title. If your used vehicle has a lien, the lienholder will need to provide you with a lien release before you can transfer ownership.

Who does the title transfer?

At a dealership: When purchasing a new or used car, the dealer is responsible for submitting the legal paperwork. They file the forms with the state and send you the vehicle title by mail. 
In a private transaction: The buyer and seller must complete the title transfer process. Start by determining who will submit the paperwork, and be sure all forms are properly signed.

Registering a car in Maryland

After a title transfer, you still need to register the vehicle. Registration is proof that you can legally drive on the streets and is done biennially in Maryland. Most drivers can complete the registration process online. 
You must have a Maryland title and proof of auto insurance that meets the state minimum coverage requirements to register your vehicle. Please note that passenger truck registration fees are calculated differently than passenger cars. 
The fees vary depending on weight:
  • $135 for passenger cars up to 3,700 lbs.
  • $187 for passenger cars over 3,700 lbs.
In addition, you may need to pay the following
MVA fees
:
Fee
Amount
Notes
Medevac surcharge
$17
This is an annual fee
Vanity license plates
$50
This is an annual fee
Commemorative tags
$20
Maryland has several themed tags, like Chesapeake Bay and Agricultural
Other fees may apply based on the type of vehicle, county of residence, or driving record. 
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FAQs

If the vehicle is still financed, you may need the lender’s help to complete a title transfer. There are additional forms you need to fill out, too. Call your lender to ask how to handle the transaction.
The title must be signed by the seller and the buyer. The title has two separate lines for each party. Add your signature to the appropriate line. If two people are buying (or selling), then both will need to sign on the same line.
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