Maryland Title & Registration Guide

Manufactured Homes

A manufactured home may be converted from a vehicle to real property or vice versa. When permanently attached to a foundation, an Affidavit Manufactured Home Converted to Real Property (VR-451) must be submitted with the MCO or title and the Affidavit of Affixation. An Affidavit Manufactured Home Severed from Real Property (VR-452) must be submitted with a statement from a licensed attorney or title insurance provider when severed from real estate.

Application for Title

Application for Certificate of Title (VR-005) or the back section of the Maryland title entitled "Application for Title and Registration" may be submitted to any full service MVA Office or mailed to the MVA Mail-In Title Unit in Glen Burnie. All businesses titling a vehicle must show proof of legal existence and will be given an ID number. There is an online Title & Registration Pre-Application. Allow 10–15 business days to receive title. "Quick Title" service not available. Delivery of title may be tracked online.

Make checks payable to MVA. Vessel titles: payable to DNR. Dealer and title service agents must electronically submit all transactions through the eService Portal. Fees must be paid through a drawdown account; checks are not accepted for dealer/agent transactions.

Electronic Registration and Titling (ERT) System

Dealers and title service agents licensed by the MVA may participate in the ERT program. Electronic images are uploaded for each transaction.

Electronic Signatures

All documents may be submitted to the MVA electronically without the requirement of a wet signature. Dealers or service providers must use an electronic signature solution that allows forms to be signed by means of a signing device or through a compliant process using email. An electronic signature certification page must be submitted with transaction documents.

For odometer disclosure, an attestation statement on company letterhead must accompany documents and must include the following verbiage: "(Name of dealer or service provider) attests that the electronic signature(s) on the odometer disclosure documents meet the requirements set forth by NHTSA Rule 49 CFR 580 for assurance Level 2."

Note: The DNR only accepts documents with a wet signature.

Insufficient Evidence of Ownership

If the MVA is not satisfied as to the ownership of a vehicle or that every security interest in it has been disclosed, the vehicle may be registered but the title may be withheld until documents satisfying the MVA are submitted, or, as a condition to issuing a title, require a bond in an amount equal to 1½ times the value of the vehicle. Bond may be returned at the end of three years if there have been no actions to recover on the bond or if vehicle is no longer registered in Maryland.

Mopeds, Motor Scooters & Off-Road Vehicles

An Affidavit of Ownership of a Moped, Motor Scooter or Off Road Vehicle (VR-450) may be used when an ownership document cannot be obtained for these types of vehicles.

Salvage Certificates

Salvage Certificates are green and contain a conspicuous notation: cost to repair vehicle is 75% of fair market value and vehicle is repairable; vehicle is not rebuildable, will be used for parts only, and not to be retitled; vehicle has been stolen; vehicle has sustained flood damage; abandoned vehicle; or vehicle was acquired by insurer as a result of a claim settlement and the cost to repair the vehicle is 75% or less of the fair market value of the vehicle.

Self-Storage Facility Lien

A self-storage facility with a signed contract more than 60 days in default may process a self-storage facility lien and auction. The owner must be notified by verified mail, hand delivery, or email. An advertisement must be placed at least three days prior to sale. An Application for Self-Service Storage Facility Lien (VR-472) must be submitted.

Deceased Owner

Upon death of a joint owner, the survivor must submit the assigned title and a certified copy of the death certificate or the VR-278 or VR-264P letter sent by the MVA to transfer ownership. Title fee does not apply to a surviving spouse, regardless of whether the spouse is co-titled on the vehicle or not.

If the vehicle is titled in the name of the deceased only, the personal representative must sign as seller, indicating either personal representative or executor after signature, and furnish a certified copy of Letters of Testamentary/Administration. An Application for Exemption from Estate Administration (VR-481) may be used by a surviving spouse who is the only heir or legatee.

Out-of-State Titled Vehicles

If the vehicle is titled out of state, the forms required by that state for repossession must be furnished and lienholder must comply with other state's repossession requirements. Lienholder must have an office in Maryland or repossessed vehicle must be currently titled in Maryland to receive a Maryland title. A copy of the contract between the lienholder and owner must be submitted.

Purchaser of Repossessed Vehicle

The purchaser of a repossessed vehicle must have physical possession of the vehicle and be a Maryland resident to receive a Maryland title. The purchaser must submit the properly completed Maryland Security Interest Filing, a bill of sale, the repo/condition report, documentation from other state (if applicable), a copy of the signed contract (if applicable), and a Maryland safety inspection certificate.

Application for Registration

Made to any full service MVA Office. Registration must be carried in the vehicle. New residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency.

Nonresidents

Nonresident vehicles properly registered in home state are exempt registration in Maryland unless used for transporting persons for hire, regularly operated in carrying on business in Maryland, designed for transportation of property, or in the custody of a resident for more than 30 days during any registration year. Nonresident students and medical interns are exempt if the home state extends the same privileges to Maryland residents. Nonresidents maintaining a dwelling in Maryland for more than 30 days but less than one year require a nonresident permit.

Lease Information

Same forms and procedures apply to leased vehicles as privately-owned vehicles; however, title and registration fees are different. Title is issued in the name of the lessor and registration is issued to the lessee. Leased vehicles are subject to an excise tax of 6.0% on the total purchase price. If lessee opts to purchase leased vehicle at the end of the lease agreement, they are exempt from paying excise tax.

Sales tax of 6.0% is paid to the Comptroller of Maryland on rental receipts. Long-term lease agreements (one year or more) are not subject to sales tax on monthly rental receipts. Short-term passenger car, motorcycle, and recreational vehicle rentals are assessed an 11.5% tax. Short-term truck rentals are imposed an 8.0% tax.

Financial Responsibility

Insurance is compulsory and is a prerequisite to registration. Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle. Trailers do not require insurance unless rented or leased. If insurance lapses, vehicle registration is suspended automatically and an uninsured motorist penalty fee is assessed. Penalty is $200.00 for each vehicle for the first 30 days; then $7.00 per day beginning on the 31st day. Maximum penalty is $3,500 for each violation in a 12-month period.

Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection

Required on all used Class A, B, D, E, EFT, F, FF, G, GF, J, and M vehicles upon transfer of ownership. Transfers between spouses, between parent and child, to the lessee at the end of a lease term, from a business entity to the majority owner, or when a co-owner is removed are exempt. New vehicles with 7,500 miles or less sold by dealers, island vehicles, off-highway recreational vehicles, and historic vehicles are exempt. Safety inspections must be electronically submitted.

Emission Inspection

Required prior to registration. Biennial inspection is required on vehicles registered in Baltimore City and counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, and Washington. Vehicles 1976 and older, zero-emission vehicles, historic vehicles, and vehicles owned by those age 70 or older or vehicles with disabled plates driven less than 5,000 miles per year are exempt. Fee is $14.00 for VEIP Test; $10.00 if done at a Self-Service Kiosk.