Maryland DMV Title Transfer Guide

How To Transfer A Vehicle Title

How do I transfer a car title in Maryland?

Do you need to know how to transfer a car title in Maryland? Well, whether you are a buyer or a seller, you need to understand that when a car changes right of possession, so should the title of ownership change.

You need to transfer the title from the previous owner’s name to the name of the new owner who buys, inherits, or receives it as a gift.

Selling Your Used Car In Maryland

You may be wondering how to transfer ownership of a car without a title? The simple answer to this is that you can’t.

If your title has been lost or damaged, requesting a duplicate title before you can do the title transfer is a must.

Maryland Title Transfer Requirements

What do you need to transfer a car title?

When you have the title ready, you can go ahead to transfer by learning how to fill out transfer of title form. First, both the seller and the buyer complete, date, and sign the title.

If there is no space to record the odometer reading, the buyer should fill out an Odometer Disclosure statement, complete a bill of sale and notarized it if the vehicle is seven years or newer.

The title and the Notice of Security Filing should then be handled to the buyer who proceeds to the MVA to complete the application.

You will also need to submit these title transfer requirements:

• Exercise tax (based on purchase price, age and mileage).
• Proof of auto insurance.
• Apply and pay required $50 titling fee.
• Apply for Certificate of Title (when the title originally come from another state).
• Submit a Certificate of Inspection (if possible) and lastly,
• Proof that the vehicle passed Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) test.

How To Obtain A Title For A New Vehicle In Maryland

Typically, the licensed dealer who sells new vehicles accepts and submits the essential titling information and fees on behalf of the buyer.

Nevertheless, if a buyer wishes to handle the titling by him/herself, they can do so by consulting with the Maryland Vehicle Title offices, and Titling Questions document on Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website.

How To Transfer A Car Title To A Family Member In Maryland

Maryland law allows vehicles to be gifted to family members without paying tax. However, you need to fill out the two sections on the back labeled Application for Title and Registration and Assignment of Ownership; the giver signs as “seller,” and the receiver as the “buyer.”

If the car title is from another state, however, you need to sign it out per the other state’s laws.

You also need to complete the Application for Maryland Gift Certification to proof your relationship with the person you’re gifting. Moreover, if an aunt or uncle, aged 65 or older, wish to give out a vehicle to their niece or nephew they must sign the Certified Statement form VR-299, where applicable.

If the existing car title shows that a lien exists, you need to have a signed letter from the lien holder or Maryland Security Interest Filing (SIF) form that indicates that you’ve been released from the lien. You also need a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate, where applicable.

How To Transfer A MD Car Title When Owner Is Deceased

The processes of transferring a car as a gift and form the deceased are somewhat similar.

However, if you want to inherit a vehicle, you need VR-278 and VR-264P or death certificate forms and send it to the MVA notifying them that you (the surviving spouse or co-owner) would like to transfer the title from deceased owner’s name to your name.

My Car Title Was Signed But Never Transferred. What Do I Do?

To complete the title transfer, a buyer needs to change all the credentials and in some cases, even change the vehicle’s license plate at the Maryland DMV office. From all perspective, the car should be given a new identity and be stripped of the previous identifying information.

Typically, the seller needs to secure a complete bill of sale, ensure that the vehicle’s odometer reading is exact, and completes and signs the car title transfer. Besides, both parties ought to sign the papers and fill the DMV title transfer form.

After doing all that, the seller can’t in any case be held responsible for the vehicle. And even if the buyer fails to register the car, both you (seller) and the DMV will have enough evidence of the transfer.

How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title In Maryland?

Besides completing all the transfer of title documents, you will need to pay the title transfer fees. These fees depend on the class and the weight of the vehicle, but generally, an outline of what to expect can be found below.

How much is a title transfer? The cost for a vehicle title varies depending on specific circumstances.

These fees are typically:

• $50 for used and new title certificate.
• For each lien filed, you’ll pay $20 security interest filing fee.
• $14 for VEIP Test and $15 for VEIP penalty late fee.
• 6% titling tax based on the sale price or fair market value, and the minimum amount payable amount is $38.40.
• $12 for certified copies and $9 non-certified copies of vehicle registration, driving records, title files and licensing documents.

Maryland DMV Hours And Contact Information

For more information about Title transfer in Maryland, call 1-800-950-1MVA (1682) and for out-of-state callers dial 301-729-4550, consult with your local MVA office or visit the official Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website by clicking here.

Common Questions About Maryland Title Transfer

Are there any questions about transferring a car title that we didn’t cover?

We are constantly updating our content and welcome your feedback. Leave us a comment and let us know any other questions you might have regarding how to transfer a car title in the state of Maryland.