Let’s get down to brass tacks on this one. We’ve got another procedural coming your way here, so if you’re in the state of Maryland and are wondering about how to begin transferring a title, this post is for you.
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Whether you’ve just purchased a car or are gifting a vehicle to a family member, here are the steps to take to transfer a title in Maryland:
Gather Your Documents.
First, you’ll need to be sure to have the following documents on hand and ready to go:
- The original certificate of title. If you’ve lost your title, if the paper has been damaged, or if it bears cross-outs or corrections, you will need to apply for a replacement title before going ahead with the transfer. If your seller does not have the title, or it is defaced, they will have to apply for a duplicate. Luckily, eTags can help with this step quickly and easily online.
- Bill of sale. This should have the names of the seller and buyer, along with the make, model, year, and VIN of the vehicle. It should also include the sale date and selling price.
- Proof of Maryland auto insurance. If you’re moving to MD from another state, you will have to either switch your coverage location (if your company has a presence in MD) or purchase a local policy in MD.
- Safety inspection certificate. Please note that these certificates are only valid for 90 days. So it’s best to apply for your title transfer soon after completing your inspection, while your certificate is still good.
- Lien release letter – if applicable.
- MVA form VR-005
- An odometer disclosure statement
- A Passing emissions test.
Fill In All Necessary Forms and Fields
Your second step is to sign over your title and complete your forms. When transferring a title, all fields on the back must be filled in legibly in black or blue ink. Remember, no corrections will be accepted, so proceed with care!
The seller will complete the sections meant for them, including:
- Name
- Address
- Odometer reading
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Signature
Directly underneath this section, the buyer will fill in their information accordingly. This will include:
- Name
- Address
- Driver’s license number
- Date of birth
- Signature
The MVA form VR-005 should also be completed with all the pertinent details at this point.
Gifting a Vehicle to a Family Member
A title transfer made as part of a gift works largely in the same was as an ordinary transfer. The biggest differences are that you’ll need form VR-103, which is a gift certification. And in the spaces on the back of the title for “Buyer” and “Seller,” the gift-giver fills in the fields as the “Seller,” whereas the gift-receiver completes the “Buyer” section.
It’s a smart move to have proof of your relationship ready in case you are asked to provide it. Acceptable forms of proof are:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Certificate of civil union
- Divorce decree
- Adoption certificate
Transferring a Title from a Deceased Person
If someone you know has passed away and left you their vehicle, there are a few special documents you will need:
- The original certificate of title. In this case, the “Seller” section is filled out by either the executor of the will or the surviving spouse/joint owner.
- Certified copy of the vehicle owner’s death certificate
- VR-005
- And depending on how the inheritance is determined, you may also need form VR-481 and/or Letters of Administration
The Cost of Transferring a Title in Maryland
You can generally expect to pay a standard $100 title transfer fee along with an excise tax of about $6 (depending on the vehicle). If there is a lien, there may be a fee associated with it. And lastly, if you want to skip the MVA lines and appointments, you can transfer your title online with eTags for a nominal cost that goes a long way in terms of convenience.
And there you have it: all the steps to transferring a title in Maryland. Of course, if at any time you need a hand during this process, feel free to reach out to us. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
