How to Get a Title for an Abandoned Vehicle in Maryland
Maryland has a 10–30 days wait period before you can begin the title process. Here is everything a towing company, storage facility, or property owner needs to know.
Quick Reference
Wait Period & Reporting
10–30 days wait required. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
Notifying the Owner
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder
Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
Lienholder Rights
Lienholder must be notified and given time to respond
Failure to notify a lienholder properly can void the entire abandoned vehicle title process.
The Title Application Process
Form/Program: Abandoned Vehicle Title Application
Process varies by state. Typically initiated by a towing company, storage facility, or property owner.
Restrictions & Requirements
- Must follow state-specific notice and wait period requirements
- All liens must be resolved before a clean title can issue
- Storage or towing facility typically must be licensed
Maryland-Specific Note
Maryland-Specific Facts for Abandoned Vehicle Title
Maryland Vehicle transfer fees and requirements
In Maryland, the title transfer fee is $100 and registration costs $135 - $187 for 2-year registration. Vehicle sales are subject to 6% excise tax on the purchase price or fair market value. Notarization is required for vehicle bill of sale documents in Maryland. Emission testing is required in Maryland — verify the vehicle passes before completing the sale.
- Notarized bill of sale required for title transfer
- Safety inspection required before registration
- Emissions testing required in certain counties
- MVA handles title and registration (not DMV)
Maryland sales tax on vehicle purchases
Maryland has a 6% state sales tax rate. Flat 6% excise tax on purchase price or fair market value. Private-party vehicle sales in Maryland are subject to sales tax. Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales. The title transfer fee is $100.
Maryland bill of sale statistics
BillOfSaleNow has generated 1,464 bill of sale documents for Maryland transactions, with 40 generated this month alone. The most popular vehicle type is car.
More Maryland Vehicle Guides
- Extended Warranty Cancellation in Maryland
- Fleet Vehicle Sale in Maryland
- GAP Insurance Claim in Maryland
- Government Surplus Vehicle in Maryland
- Hit-and-Run Vehicle Claim in Maryland
- Hold Harmless Vehicle Sale in Maryland
Each guide is written specifically for Maryland laws, agencies, and procedures. Bookmark for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before a vehicle is considered abandoned in Maryland?
Maryland requires a 10–30 days wait period. Wait periods vary by state and whether the vehicle is on public or private property.
How do I notify the owner of an abandoned vehicle in Maryland?
Certified mail to last registered owner and lienholder. Notice is required before any abandoned vehicle title can be issued. Contact your state DMV for specific requirements.
How much does it cost to get an abandoned vehicle title in Maryland?
DMV fees + towing and storage charges. Costs vary widely by state and accumulate with each day in storage.
How long does the abandoned vehicle title process take in Maryland?
45–90 days. Process includes wait periods, notice periods, and DMV processing time.
Does Maryland require a surety bond for an abandoned vehicle title?
Not for the standard process. Some states require a surety bond if the title history is unclear or the vehicle has a prior out-of-state registration.
Selling the Vehicle After You Get Title?
Create a compliant Maryland bill of sale to protect yourself in the transaction.
Generate Bill of SaleSource: State DMV. Abandoned vehicle laws change frequently — verify current wait periods with your state DMV.