How to Transfer a Car Title in Maryland?

A certificate of title is a document that establishes ownership of a car. If you’re buying or selling a used car in Maryland, the transfer of the title is one of the most crucial steps of the entire process.

Private car sales need a safe, legal title transfer process. This Maryland title transfer guide gives you everything you need to know to sign over a car title in MD.

A vehicle title transfer establishes the buyer of a car as the new owner.

The buyer and seller are together in person. The buyer has approved of the car, and both parties have agreed on the purchase price.

It’s time to do the actual transferring of ownership. This is where the seller signs the title over to the buyer. It’s probably the single most important step in the entire transaction (well, along with the buyer paying for the car).

When signing the title certificate, always keep the following in mind.


Front of Title

The front of a Maryland title has a section for lienholders. If there is a lien on the title, the lienholder will need to release the lien in the green-colored section shown below.

Back of Title

The back of the title has sections for the seller (red), and the buyer (teal). Here is the process for filling out the back of a Maryland title.

1. The seller enters their name, state, county, city, zip code, and street address in the rectangle shown in red, below.
2. The seller enters the exact selling price, date of the sale, odometer reading, signature, and printed name.
3. The buyer enters their signature and printed name.
4. The buyer enters their state, county, zip code, and street address.
5. The buyer enters their Maryland driver's license.
6. The buyer checks what they are applying for (new title only, or transfer of tags and new title).
7. The buyer enters their car insurance provider info, the insurance agent's name as well as the policy number.
8. The buyer marks if the car is titled as tenants by interest or joint tenants and enters the year, month and day in the teal rectangle as shown below.
9. The buyer signs (if there are multiple buyers, each will sign) in the teal rectangle marked “9” below.

You’ve done the deal and are the proud owner of a new-to-you vehicle. Your work is not yet done. There are still steps you need to take to finalize the title transfer with the State of Maryland. You also need to get license plates and register the car with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

You will need to submit the following documents to your local MVA office:

To avoid any fees or penalties, make sure you are registering the car right after transferring the title.

The Commonwealth of Maryland has several acceptable proof of ownership documents the vehicle owner can use to prove ownership:

In order to complete a title transfer in Maryland, you will need to perform emission testing.

Maryland Emissions and Smog Check Requirements

In the State of Maryland, the following counties require emission testing to complete a title transfer:

During the vehicle smog testing process, the MVA will conduct three tests.

1. Gap Cap Test, specifically designed for cars with model years between 1977 and 1995 weighing less than 8,500 pounds.
2. Onboard diagnostic test (OBD), specifically designed for car model years 1996 and newer that weigh less than 8,500 pounds, and heavy-duty vehicles model years newer than 2008 and weighing between 8,501 and 14,001 pounds.
3. Tailpipe idle test, specifically designed for car model years between 1977 and 1995 that weigh up to 26,000 pounds, and heavy-duty cars with model years newer than 2008 that weigh less than 8,500 pounds.
In Maryland, the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) test fee is $14. For those who use a self-service kiosk, the fee will be $10.

If your car fails the test, the first retest will be free.

Emission Check Exemptions in Maryland

Some eligible car owners can apply for an MVA inspection exemption by completing the back side of the VEIP inspection form (Form EP-1) and submitting the form in person to the MVA or submitting it in the mail.

Emissions test exemptions in Maryland are:

In the state of Maryland, a bill of sale is required for transferring the title. A bill of sale is a legal document that acts as a receipt of the sale.

Here are the necessary elements in a bill of sale:

PrivateAuto includes a bill of sale as part of our standard in-app transaction process. At the appropriate stage in the transaction, the buyer and seller will be encouraged to e-sign the Maryland bill of sale within the PrivateAuto mobile app.

The whole transaction, the bill of sale included, can be completed in just a couple of minutes when you meet for the test drive and approve the car. It’s quick, easy, and convenient. You won't have to keep track of all your papers: you will always have the electronic bill of sale accessible in your PrivateAuto account to prove that the transaction was legitimate.

To complete the Maryland car title transfer form, you will need to provide the following info:

Some states allow the license plates to remain with the car when sold. Unfortunately, Maryland requires that the plates be removed from the car. As the buyer, you’ll apply to MVA for new license plates, and pay the $135 or $187 Maryland license plate fee.

Complete the sales process easily and legally with the help of PrivateAuto. This technology-driven platform helps you find verified buyers and sellers, sign documents online and receive state-specific steps to complete the sale. See how it works today to buy and sell vehicles privately in Maryland.

PrivateAuto makes selling your used car hassle-free. The sales process consists of a few simple steps:

1. Gather necessary documentation
2. Register on PrivateAuto and get verified
3. List your car
4. Set your terms
5. Vet incoming offers
6. Choose a buyer
7. Schedule a test drive
8. E-sign documents
9. Get paid, instantly
10. Transfer title
11. Remove license plates
12. Cancel car insurance

If you’re looking to buy a used car, browse our used cars for sale in Maryland. Whether you’re looking for a Honda CV-R, a Ford Fusion, or a Tesla Model S, you’re sure to find a great deal on the ride of your dreams.