Got your eye on a one-of-a-kind vehicle from another state? If the thought of buying your dream out-of-state car is starting to bum you out, then you’re in luck! Here's your guide to the entire process of buying a car in Maryland from out of state.

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How to buy a car out of state as a Maryland resident

Live in Maryland but want to purchase a vehicle in a different state? It’s not an uncommon feat, but buying a car across state lines is slightly more involved than getting one in your home state.

So if you plan on buying a new or used vehicle in a neighboring state like Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Delaware, you’ll need to register the car in Maryland and pay the appropriate sales taxes. Of course, you must also transfer the certificate of title to your

local branch office

of the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), part of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). You can even obtain a Maryland 30-day temporary registration to legally transport your vehicle from another state.

To title and register your new vehicle, you’ll need to fill out the

Application for Certificate of Title

, or Form VR-005. Along with the completed form, the following documents are required:

Proof of ownership (certificate of ownership or original out-of-state car title)

Proof of purchase price (bill of sale)

Proof of Maryland residency

Proof of insurance

Maryland Excise Titling Tax (based on the agreed-upon price of the vehicle from a licensed dealer or 6% of the purchase price from a private party)

Odometer disclosure statement

Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate (used cars only)

Additional

registration fees

Please keep in mind that a notarized bill of sale (signed by all sellers and buyers) is required under the following circumstance:

The vehicle is less than seven years old

The purchase price is $500 below the book value

The

excise tax

calculation is based on the sale price (not the book value)

If you borrowed money to purchase your out-of-state vehicle, then you may need to also include the lien information on your Maryland title application. If a second lien is placed against the title, you’ll need to fill out the

Security Interest Filing Statement

(VR-217) form too.

If you’re mailing your application, send it to:

MVA Mail In Title Unit

6601 Ritchie Highway, NE

Glen Burnie, MD 21062

After you submit all your documents, you’ll be issued a Maryland title, plus a set of Maryland license plates.

MORE:

Maryland car sales tax

How to buy a car in Maryland if you live out of state

If you’re out of state but want to purchase a vehicle in Maryland, the process is relatively similar. But some details will vary depending on where you register your car.

Most of the time, you’ll need the following:

A valid bill of sale (some states require a notary stamp on it too)

Photo ID

Proof of insurance and residency

Odometer disclosure

Additionally, you’ll have to bring your bill of sale and completed vehicle registration application to your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Expect to pay local vehicle sales taxes as well.

What if I don’t have a physical title?

Maryland requires a certificate of ownership or the original out-of-state car title as proof of ownership. However, if your vehicle is from a state that doesn’t issue titles as proof of ownership, then a registration document and bill of sale may be used instead in MD.

MORE:

Car loan in Maryland 2023

Tips for buying a vehicle out of state

If you have your eye on an out-of-state vehicle you can’t find anywhere else, the car-buying process can get tricky when you’re not there in person. If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle in another state, keep these tips in mind:

Get a vehicle history report. A vehicle history report is necessary if you’re purchasing your vehicle from a private owner. Look to services like

CARFAX

that offer vehicle history reports that feature any possible issues in the vehicle’s history.

Schedule your vehicle inspection at home. Your out-of-town vehicle will need to meet

Maryland car inspection

requirements—not the state of purchase.

Get an emissions test. Depending on your county in Maryland,

emissions testing

might be a requirement for your vehicle.

Research your state’s vehicle sales tax laws. No matter where you bought your vehicle out of state, you’ll have to pay taxes based on your home state.

Don’t forget about car insurance. If you’re driving your new car back home in another state, you’ll need insurance too. Even if your paperwork is in the works, you’re still required to purchase insurance that meets

Maryland state minimum requirements

MORE:

How to find temporary car insurance in Maryland

How to save on car insurance in Maryland

It might go without saying, but car insurance is a vital part of the car-buying process, no matter what state you live in. But if you’re considering purchasing an out-of-state vehicle, insurance comparison shopping might seem out of reach for you—once upon a time! These days, all you need to do is download the

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