Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale Overview
Maryland requires a notarized bill of sale for private party vehicle transfers, making it one of the more documentation-intensive states. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) processes all title transfers and registrations, and a notarized bill of sale is a mandatory part of the submission package.
Maryland charges a 6% excise tax (rather than a traditional sales tax) on vehicle purchases, and the state's title fee of $100 is notably higher than the national average. The state also operates the VEIP (Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program) statewide, requiring most vehicles to pass an emissions test before registration.
Buyers have a 60-day window to complete the title transfer at an MVA office. Between the notarization requirement, VEIP inspection, and the various fees involved, Maryland vehicle transactions require careful planning. Having your paperwork in order before visiting the MVA will save significant time.
6%
Excise tax
60 Days
Transfer deadline
Yes
Notarization required
Yes
VEIP emissions
Maryland MVA Requirements
The Maryland MVA has strict documentation requirements for private party vehicle transfers. The combination of a notarized bill of sale, VEIP compliance, and the excise tax process means buyers should prepare all documents before visiting an MVA office.
Important: Bill of Sale Must Be Notarized
Maryland specifically requires the bill of sale to be notarized — not just the title. Both buyer and seller must sign the bill of sale in the presence of a Maryland notary public. The MVA will reject your transfer application if the bill of sale lacks a proper notary seal and signature. Plan to visit a notary together before going to the MVA.
What the Seller Must Provide
- Signed Vehicle Title: The seller must sign the title on the designated line and complete all buyer assignment fields including the buyer's name, sale date, sale price, and odometer reading
- Notarized Bill of Sale: A completed bill of sale notarized by a Maryland notary public, with both parties' signatures
- Odometer Disclosure: Federal requirement — must state the mileage and its accuracy on the title or a separate disclosure form
- Lien Release: If any loan existed on the vehicle, a lien release from the financial institution is required
What the Buyer Must Bring to the MVA
- Signed Title: With seller's signature and all assignment fields completed
- Notarized Bill of Sale: The original notarized document signed by both parties
- VEIP Certificate: A passing Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program certificate (if applicable)
- Valid Photo ID: Maryland driver's license or state-issued identification
- Proof of Insurance: Maryland minimum liability coverage ($30,000/$60,000/$15,000)
- Payment: Title fee ($100), registration ($135-$187 for 2 years), and excise tax (6%)
How to Fill Out a Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale
Follow these steps to properly complete your Maryland vehicle bill of sale. Remember that the completed document must be notarized before the MVA will accept it.
Enter Seller Information
Include the seller's full legal name exactly as it appears on the Maryland vehicle title, current mailing address including county, and phone number. If the title has multiple owners, check whether it reads "and" (both must sign) or "or" (either may sign).
Enter Buyer Information
Include the buyer's full legal name as it should appear on the new title, current Maryland address, and county. Maryland's 6% excise tax applies statewide with no county variations, but your county of residence determines your local MVA branch.
Describe the Vehicle
Enter the year, make, model, body type, and exterior color. Record the full 17-character VIN from the dashboard or driver's side door jamb. The VIN must match the title exactly — the MVA will reject any transfer where these don't align. Include the current Maryland license plate number if applicable.
Record the Odometer Reading
Document the current odometer mileage at the time of sale and indicate whether the reading is accurate, has exceeded mechanical limits, or does not reflect the actual mileage. This is a federal requirement under NHTSA regulations. Vehicles 20 years old or older and those with a GVWR over 16,000 lbs may be exempt.
State the Sale Price
Enter the agreed purchase price in both numbers and words. Maryland's 6% excise tax is calculated from this figure. Be aware that the MVA may compare the stated price to the vehicle's book value — if the price seems unreasonably low, the MVA may assess the excise tax based on the fair market value instead. For gift transfers, specific exemptions may apply for immediate family members.
Sign, Date, and Notarize
Both the buyer and seller must sign and date the bill of sale in the presence of a Maryland notary public. The notary will verify identities, witness the signatures, and affix their seal. Print at least two copies — one for each party. Take the notarized original along with the signed title and VEIP certificate to the MVA within 60 days.
Maryland Title Transfer Process
After completing and notarizing the bill of sale, the buyer must visit an MVA office to complete the title transfer. Maryland also requires VEIP emissions compliance for most vehicles before registration can be completed.
Complete the Sale and Notarize
Sign the bill of sale before a notary, sign the title, exchange payment and keys
Get Insurance
Obtain Maryland minimum liability insurance before proceeding with registration
Pass VEIP Emissions Inspection
Take the vehicle to a VEIP station for the free emissions test and obtain the certificate
Visit an MVA Office
Bring the notarized bill of sale, signed title, VEIP certificate, insurance, and photo ID
Pay Fees and Excise Tax
Title fee ($100), registration ($135-$187 for 2 years), and 6% excise tax on the sale price
Maryland Vehicle Excise Tax & Fees
Maryland's vehicle costs include a 6% excise tax and one of the highest title fees in the country. The VEIP emissions test is free, but registration fees for a two-year period can add up. Here is the full breakdown:
| Fee / Tax | Amount |
|---|---|
| Excise Tax | 6% of sale price |
| Title Fee | $100 |
| Registration Fee (2 years) | $135 - $187 (based on vehicle weight) |
| License Plates | $50 (new plates) or $10 (transfer) |
| VEIP Emissions Test | Free |
| Late Transfer Penalty | Varies (after 60 days) |
| Duplicate Title | $20 |
Sample Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale
Below is a preview of our Maryland-specific vehicle bill of sale. Your customized document will include all fields required by the Maryland MVA, including the notary acknowledgment section.
STATE OF MARYLAND
VEHICLE BILL OF SALE
Private Party Motor Vehicle Transfer — Notarized
SELLER:
Name: [Seller Name]
Address: [Maryland Address]
County: [County]
BUYER:
Name: [Buyer Name]
Address: [Maryland Address]
County: [County]
VEHICLE INFORMATION
Year: [Year] Make: [Make] Model: [Model]
VIN: [17-digit VIN]
Odometer: [Miles] miles
Sale Price: $[Amount]
Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale FAQ
Answers to common questions about Maryland vehicle bills of sale, title transfers, and MVA requirements.
Official Maryland Resources
Use these official state and federal resources to verify requirements, schedule MVA appointments, and locate VEIP stations for your Maryland vehicle transaction.
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Title transfers, registration, and MVA services
Maryland VEIP — Emissions Testing
VEIP station locations, hours, and exemptions
NHTSA — Odometer Fraud Prevention
Federal odometer disclosure requirements and fraud reporting
NICB VINCheck — Free Vehicle History
Check if a vehicle has been reported stolen or salvaged
NHTSA VIN Decoder
Decode any VIN to verify year, make, model, and specifications
Maryland MVA — Office Locations
Find your nearest MVA branch and schedule an appointment
Other Maryland Bill of Sale Templates
Need a different type of bill of sale for Maryland? We offer state-specific templates for every type of property transfer.
Maryland Boat Bill of Sale
Boats, jet skis, and watercraft
Maryland Motorcycle Bill of Sale
Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds
Maryland Trailer Bill of Sale
Utility, travel, and cargo trailers
Maryland Firearm Bill of Sale
Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
Maryland General Bill of Sale
Furniture, electronics, and personal property
Maryland ATV Bill of Sale
ATVs, UTVs, and off-road vehicles
Maryland Horse Bill of Sale
Horses, cattle, and livestock
Maryland Mobile Home Bill of Sale
Manufactured and mobile homes
Create Your Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale
Answer a few questions and download your Maryland-compliant document in minutes. Includes the required notarization section accepted by every MVA office.
No account required. Free to create and preview.