Maryland

Title Fee

$100.00

Who must title a vehicle in Maryland?

All motor vehicles, mopeds, motor scooters, trailers, off-highway recreational vehicles, and vessels are titled.
Exempt: U.S. government vehicles, self-propelled invalid wheelchairs/tricycles. Title is optional for utility trailers ≤2,500 lbs. GVW, special mobile equipment, mobile homes >35 ft, UTVs (pre-Oct 2017), and some older OHVs.

Who issues titles and where are applications submitted?

Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Application: Certificate of Title (VR-005) or back of Maryland title, at MVA Office or by mail.
Fee: $200.00 (vehicles), $100.00 (short-term rental vehicles/gifted trailers ≤3,000 lbs.), $70.00 (OHRVs), $40.00 (mopeds/scooters).
Vessels: Application (B240) to Department of Natural Resources, $2.00 title fee (+$15.00 per lien).

What documents are needed as proof of ownership?

New vehicles: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin + dealer’s bill of sale.
Used vehicles: Certificate of Title + bill of sale.
Non-title states: Registration + certified bill of sale.
Government surplus: SF97-1.
Foreign vehicles: CBP 3461/7501, NHTSA HS-7, EPA 3520-1, receipts/bond release if converted, English translation if needed.

How are special titles or brands handled?

Bond required if MVA is not satisfied as to ownership or all security interests; bond = 1.5x value, held 3 years.
Brands: Fire, Flood, Glider Kit, Hail, Kit, Leased, Limited Speed, Prior Taxi, Rebuilt Salvage, Recovered Salvage, Recovered Stolen, Replica, Salvage, Lemon Law, Duplicate, and more. Out-of-state brands are carried forward.
Salvage: Required if repair cost >75% of value or insurer claim; insurer must apply within 10 days, $25.00 fee.
Rebuilt: Salvage vehicles must be repaired and inspected by State Police Salvage Inspector; then apply for title with “Rebuilt Salvage” brand.
Junk: Dismantler/recycler must notify MVA within 30 days; non-rebuildable/parts-only vehicles cannot be retitled.

How are duplicate/corrected titles handled?

Other notes:

Odometer disclosure required for all transfers (exempt for 2010 or older, trailers, trucks >16,000 lbs.).
VIN inspection required as part of safety inspection or for salvage/reconstructed vehicles.

Are electronic signatures accepted?

Yes, for all documents to MVA (except DNR/vessel titles, which require wet signature).

What taxes apply to vehicle purchases/registrations?

Excise Tax: 6.0% of purchase price (minimum $38.40 for vehicles 7+ years old, $19.20 for trailers/scooters/OHRVs).For vehicles <7 years old, tax is on greater of purchase price or book value.
Trade-in credit allowed (dealer sales only).
Credit for taxes paid to another state (not local/county taxes).
Exemptions: Immediate family transfers, government, interstate commerce, insurance claims, gifts, trust transfers, and more.
Vessel Excise Tax: 5.0% (minimum $5.00, maximum $15,900); credit for taxes paid to another state.

Other taxes/fees:

Sales/Use Tax: 6.0% on new mobile homes (applies to 60% of price); used homes exempt if prior tax paid.
Fuel Efficiency Surcharge/Credit: $50.00 per mpg below 27 (model year 1995+); $50.00 credit per mpg above 35 (max 1% of purchase price).
Heavy Vehicle Use Tax: Proof required for vehicles ≥55,000 lbs.

How are liens recorded and perfected?

All MVA liens must be recorded electronically via Electronic Lien Services (ELS). $20.00 fee per lien.
Second and additional liens: Submit Security Interest Filing Statement (VR-217), $20.00 each.
Title shows up to four lienholders; perfection is as of creation if delivered/paid within 10 days.

How are liens released or assigned?

Lienholder releases interest electronically via ELS within 5 business days of payment; clear title mailed to owner.
Assignment: Assignee submits title + Security Interest Filing Statement (VR-217), $20.00 fee.

How does repossession work in Maryland?

Secured party may repossess without judicial process if peaceful; must notify law enforcement immediately.
Lienholder applies for repo title or assigns ownership to another party, submits repo/condition report, contract copy if not a lending institution.
Purchaser must be a Maryland resident and have possession of the vehicle.

Other notes:

Mechanic’s/self-storage liens require notice, public auction, and supporting documentation.

Enforcement Agency:

Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration6601 Ritchie Hwy NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
410.768.7000 | mvacs@mdot.maryland.gov
Maryland MVA

Additional Regulatory/Enforcement Contacts:

Key Regulations:

Insurance required: $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 minimum.
Proof of insurance required at registration and must be carried.
Safety inspection required on most used vehicles at transfer; biennial emissions in many counties.
Two plates for most vehicles; one for trailers, motorcycles, historic, street rods, dealers, special mobile equipment.
Title records retained indefinitely.