Maryland Title Transfer Guide (2026)
| Titling agency | Maryland DMV ↗ |
| Transfer deadline | 60 days from sale |
| Sales / use tax | 6% · Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales |
| Bill of sale notary | Not required |
| VIN inspection (out-of-state) | Not required |
| Lien release form | VR-217 |
| Gift / family exemption | VR-103 |
Maryland title transfer in 8 steps
- 1Gather documents — original title (or duplicate if lost), valid government ID, current registration, lien release (VR-217) if applicable, and odometer disclosure for vehicles under 20 years old.
- 2Complete the bill of sale — record buyer + seller full legal names and addresses, vehicle VIN, year, make, model, odometer reading, sale price, and sale date.
- 3Sign the title — seller endorses the title assignment section on the back, fills in buyer info, odometer reading, and sale date. Maryland requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 15 years old.
- 4Check VIN inspection requirements — if the vehicle is from out of state, confirm whether Maryland requires a VIN inspection (varies by origin state).
- 5Buyer files at Maryland DMV — within 60 days of the sale, the buyer brings the signed title, bill of sale, and ID to Maryland DMV.
- 6Pay tax and fees — 6% sales/use tax on the sale price plus any local surtax, plus the title fee ($15-$50).
- 7Receive new title — Maryland DMV issues a new title in the buyer's name (typically by mail within 2-4 weeks).
- 8Seller files release of liability — to remove future ticket/toll responsibility from the seller's record, file a notice of transfer with Maryland DMV the same day as the sale.
Maryland lien release procedure
- Obtain Form VR-217 from the Maryland MVA or the lienholder.
- Lienholder completes and signs VR-217 releasing the lien.
- Submit VR-217 with the existing title and title application at a Maryland MVA office.
- Pay the title fee and receive a clean Maryland title.
Inherited vehicle title transfer
Maryland estate transfers require either a small-estate affidavit (for estates below the state threshold, typically $50,000-$150,000) or letters of administration from probate court. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title to Maryland DMV. For family transfers without sale, Maryland accepts VR-103 for sales-tax exemption.
Need a Maryland bill of sale to complete the transfer?
Compliant with Maryland DMV requirements. From $9 — instant DMV-ready PDF, no signup.
Create Maryland Bill of Sale →Frequently Asked Questions — Maryland
How long do I have to transfer a car title in Maryland?▾
Maryland requires the buyer to file the title transfer within 60 days of the sale date. Missing the deadline triggers late penalties (typically $25-$50) and accrued use tax.
What does a Maryland title transfer cost?▾
Maryland charges 6% state sales/use tax on the transfer price plus any local surtax. Excise tax applies to all vehicle sales The title fee itself is typically $15-$50 depending on vehicle class.
Do I need a bill of sale to transfer a title in Maryland?▾
Yes — Maryland requires a written bill of sale documenting the buyer, seller, vehicle (VIN, year, make, model), odometer reading, and sale price. Maryland DMV uses the bill of sale to calculate sales tax and confirm transfer terms.
What if there's a lien on the title in Maryland?▾
In Maryland, the lender must complete VR-217 confirming lien satisfaction before title transfer. Some lenders provide an electronic release directly to Maryland DMV. The buyer cannot register the vehicle until the lien is cleared.
How do I transfer a title for an inherited vehicle in Maryland?▾
Maryland inherited-vehicle transfers require either a small-estate affidavit or letters of administration depending on estate value. The successor presents probate paperwork plus the original title (or duplicate) to Maryland DMV, along with a bill of sale for any sale to a third party. For family transfers, Maryland accepts VR-103 to claim the sales tax exemption.
Source: Maryland DMV ↗ · Last verified 2026-05-07