Free Maryland Car Bill of Sale

Maryland's vehicle tax is a flat 6.5% Excise Tax — no local add-ons. Critical: MD requires a one-time safety inspection at title transfer (~$85), one of the most expensive transfer inspections in the country. After that, no re-inspection is needed (just biennial emissions via VEIP).

Maryland Requirements: Maryland sets no fixed day count: apply promptly after delivery; MVA may charge an extra fee if the title paperwork arrives more than 30 days after delivery. 6.5% excise tax.

Seller Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Buyer Information

Full Name *

Street Address *

City *

State *

ZIP Code *

Phone

Car Details

Year *

Make *

Model *

VIN *

Color *

Mileage *

License Plate

Odometer reading is accurate to the best of my knowledge

Lien Holder (if applicable)

Sale Information

Sale Price ($) *

Payment Method *

Date of Sale *

County of Sale (if known)

Applicable Taxes Paid By

Condition & Warranty

Sold AS-IS (no warranty)

Warranty Details (if applicable)

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First time selling a car privately? Our complete guide covers how to verify the buyer, which payment methods are safe, what paperwork the DMV actually needs, and the odometer disclosure mistake that can make a transaction legally void. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →

Maryland Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form

Form VR-005

Application for Certificate of Title

Agency

MD MVA

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

Primary ID Field

VIN

Sales Tax

6.5%

Title Required

Yes

Inspection

Required

Sales Tax Details

6.5% state Excise Tax on vehicles (flat, no local add-ons). For a used vehicle under 7 years old bought privately, tax is on the sale price unless it is $500 or more below book value, in which case book value is used.

Inspection Requirements

MD requires one-time safety inspection upon title transfer (~$85–$110). No annual re-inspection. Emissions testing (VEIP) every two years in 13 counties and Baltimore City (the fee rose from $14 to $30 in July 2025).

Maryland Car Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

Seller confirms current biennial VEIP emissions certificate.
Seller or buyer obtains Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate (~$85, one-time, less than 90 days old).
Complete a bill of sale with VIN, odometer, sale price (the MVA asks for one "if applicable").
Seller completes odometer disclosure and signs the MD title over (Maryland law sets no notarization requirement for the title assignment).
Buyer files Form VR-005 at MD MVA promptly — the MVA may add a service fee if the title and application arrive more than 30 days after delivery.
Buyer pays 6.5% state Excise Tax (on the sale price, or book value if the price is $500+ below it on a vehicle under 7 years old) + the $200 title fee and registration fees.

Common Pitfalls

Skipping the one-time MD safety inspection — transfer blocked at MVA.
Underreporting sale price — on a vehicle under 7 years old, a price $500+ below book value is taxed on book value unless the buyer documents the lower price (for example, a bill of sale plus a canceled check or bank statement).
Missing VEIP emissions — biennial and strictly enforced.

Pro Tip

MD car sales: 6.5% Excise Tax on book-adjusted value, one-time safety inspection, VR-005, VEIP emissions biennially.

Maryland Car Bill of Sale — FAQs

Does Maryland require a one-time safety inspection at title transfer?

Yes. Maryland is unusual in requiring a one-time safety inspection at title transfer (vs. annual/biennial in most states). The inspection costs $85–$110 and must be less than 90 days old at transfer. Once inspected, no re-inspection is needed unless the title transfers again.

What is VEIP in Maryland?

VEIP (Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program) is Maryland's emissions test every two years. It applies to vehicles registered in 13 counties and Baltimore City. The fee is $30 since July 2025. It's separate from the title-transfer safety inspection.

How is MD vehicle Excise Tax calculated?

Maryland charges 6.5% Excise Tax at titling. For a used vehicle less than 7 model years old bought from a private seller, the base is the sale price if it is less than $500 below book value; if the price is $500 or more below, book value is used — so under-declaring doesn't work. Tax is paid at title transfer.