Let’s say you’ve just bought a car. Perhaps you’ve inherited a pickup truck, or maybe you’d like to gift your SUV to your favorite niece. Whatever the case, in order for a vehicle to change ownership in the state of Maryland, the certificate of title must be transferred properly. And here’s where you learn how to make that happen quickly and easily.
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How To Transfer A Vehicle Title in Maryland
First, you’ll want to gather the appropriate documents. You will need the following:
- The original certificate of title. This one is a must. If the title has been misplaced, stolen, or damaged, you will need to apply for a replacement (sometimes called duplicate) title before you can move forward with the transfer. eTags can help you with this right here.
- Bill of sale. This should include this information:
- Make, model, year, VIN, seller and buyer names, selling price, and date of sale
- Proof of Maryland auto insurance
- Safety Inspection Certificate, which remains valid for 90 days from the date of issue
- Lien release letter (if applicable)
- MVA Form VR-005
- An Odometer Disclosure Statement
- A passing emissions test
Next, it’s time to make sure that all your forms are filled out legibly, in black or blue ink. The title is the first document to start with. It’s a good idea to pay extra attention here. as any errors, corrections, or cross-outs will not be accepted by the MVA. So move through this part with intention! The seller(s) will complete any section on the back of the document pertaining to them, including:
- Full legal name (no nicknames or aliases are permitted)
- Address
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Signature
Likewise, the buyer(s) must also complete the sections requiring:
- Full legal name(s)
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Date of birth
- Signature
How To Gift a Vehicle To a Family Member in Maryland
The state of Maryland allows for vehicles to be given as gifts, provided that the receiver is a family member. In this case, the transfer process is much like the one used during a conventional sale. The key difference is that in place of a bill of sale you’ll need to fill out this form. In this case, the “seller” is the person gifting the car, while the “buyer” is the person receiving the car. They will both fill in the back of the title accordingly.
If the family member has a different last name as the person gifting the vehicle, the parties will have to provide proof of their familial relationship. Acceptable forms of proof are:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Certificate of civil union
- Divorce decree
- Adoption certificate
How To Transfer a Title When Owner is Deceased
If you are due to inherit a vehicle in the state of Maryland from a person who has passed away, here’s what you will need:
- Original certificate of title
- Certified copy of the deceased owner’s death certificate
- Application form
- You may be required to provide Form VR-481 and/or Letters of Administration depending on how the inheritance is determined.
Once you have the correct documentation, the back of the title gets filled out with the executor of the will (or the surviving joint owner) completing the “Seller” sections, while the heir completes the “Buyer” fields.
How Much Does It Cost To Transfer A Car Title In Maryland?
While there are different factors to consider depending on particular situations, here’s what you can expect to pay in fees to the MVA when transferring a certificate of title:
- $100 title transfer fee
- Excise tax of about 6% (depending on the vehicle)
- Lien fee (if applicable)
If you want to skip the lines at the MVA and transfer your title with us online here at eTags, there will also be a convenience fee to consider, but after all, convenience goes a long way! 
And if you’ve got other questions regarding title and tag processes that we address in the state of Maryland, take a peek at these in-depth helpful articles:
- Maryland Car Title Transfer: Bought, Inherited, Or Gifted To You
- How To Easily Transfer Car Title To Family Member In Maryland
- nherited Vehicle In Maryland? Transfer Title To Yourself Or Sell
Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!