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State guide

Selling a car privately in Maryland

Everything you need to complete a legal private vehicle sale in Maryland — title transfer steps, required forms, fees, and official DMV links.

Key note: Maryland has a higher title fee than most states. Excise tax (6%) is paid to the MVA at time of transfer. Emission inspection may be required depending on vehicle age and county.

Step-by-step title transfer guide

  1. 1

    Gather required documents

    Before listing your car, locate the original title (lien-free), your government-issued ID, and any maintenance records. In Maryland you'll also need an odometer disclosure statement.

  2. 2

    Agree on price and conduct a test drive

    Research comparable listings on CarGurus, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist to price competitively. Meet in a public place for the test drive. Bring a friend if possible. Verify the buyer has a valid driver's license before handing over the keys.

    Protect yourself with a vehicle history report

    Buyers expect it. Sellers who provide a CARFAX report close deals faster and at higher prices.

    Get CARFAX Report →~$40 · 30-day cookie · recommended for all private sales
  3. 3

    Complete the title transfer

    Sign the back of your Maryland title in the presence of the buyer. Fill in the buyer's name, address, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading in the designated fields. Print clearly — corrections can void the title.

  4. 4

    Complete the bill of sale

    Maryland requires a bill of sale documenting the transaction. Include seller name, buyer name, vehicle year/make/model/VIN, odometer reading, sale price, and date of sale. Use our free generator above or print two copies — one for each party.

  5. 5

    Collect payment safely

    For amounts under $5,000, cash is fine. For larger transactions, use a cashier's check from a major bank or a bank wire transfer. Verify any check at the issuing bank before releasing the vehicle. Never accept personal checks from strangers.

    Selling for $5,000+? Use a secure payment service

    Escrow.com holds the buyer's funds until the title is transferred — eliminating payment scams.

    Use Escrow.com →~0.89% fee · recommended for high-value transactions
  6. 6

    Notify the Maryland DMV and cancel your insurance

    Report the sale to the Maryland DMV to protect yourself from liability after the transfer. Remove your license plates (unless transferring them) and cancel or transfer your insurance. Keep copies of all paperwork for at least 1 year.

  7. 7

    Buyer registers within 30 days

    The buyer must apply for a new title and register the vehicle at the Maryland DMV within 30 days of the sale date. They will pay the 6% sales tax and the $100 title fee at that time.

Required forms & documents

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Vehicle title (signed)

The original title in your name, signed on the back

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Bill of sale

Use our free generator

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Odometer disclosure

For vehicles under 10 years old

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Photo ID

Government-issued ID for both parties

Transfer your warranty to the buyer

A transferable extended warranty increases buyer confidence and can add $500–$2,000 to your sale price.

Check warranty options →Transferable coverage · improves sale price

Maryland bill of sale (required)

Maryland requires a bill of sale for private vehicle transactions. Use our free generator or download the official form.

Generate bill of sale →

Official Maryland DMV resources

Maryland DMV — Vehicle Title Transfer

https://mva.maryland.gov/

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Frequently asked questions — Maryland

Do I need a notary to sell my car in Maryland?+
No. Maryland does not require a notary for a standard private vehicle sale. Both parties simply sign the title in each other's presence.
Is a bill of sale required in Maryland?+
Yes, a bill of sale is required for private vehicle sales in Maryland. Use our free generator or create your own including all required fields.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Maryland?+
The buyer must apply for a new title and register the vehicle within 30 days of the sale date in Maryland. Late registration typically results in penalty fees.
How much does it cost to transfer a car title in Maryland?+
The title transfer fee in Maryland is $100. Additional fees such as registration, county surcharges, or processing fees may apply when the buyer visits the DMV.
Is there sales tax on a private car sale in Maryland?+
Yes. The buyer pays 6% sales tax when registering the vehicle at the Maryland DMV. This is collected at the time of title transfer, not at the point of sale.