Free Maryland Car Bill of Sale
Maryland's vehicle tax is a flat 6% 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).
Free PDF includes a small watermark at the bottom. Remove it for €4.99. Already subscribed? Sign in.
Maryland Car Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know
Sales Tax Details
6% state Excise Tax on vehicles (flat, no local add-ons). Tax is on greater of sale price or book value. Vehicles 7 years old or newer: minimum tax based on book value.
Inspection Requirements
MD requires one-time safety inspection upon title transfer (~$85–$110). No annual re-inspection. Emissions testing (VEIP) biennial statewide (~$14).
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 bill of sale with VIN, odometer, sale price.
- Seller completes odometer disclosure; signs MD title over and must NOTARIZE (MD requires notarization for titles issued pre-2013; post-2013 titles are self-proving but many MVA clerks still demand notary).
- Buyer completes Form VR-005 at MD MVA within 60 days.
- Buyer pays 6% state Excise Tax on greater of sale price or book value + $100 title fee + $135 registration.
Common Pitfalls
- Skipping the one-time MD safety inspection — transfer blocked at MVA.
- Underreporting sale price — MD uses book value if higher.
- Missing VEIP emissions — biennial and strictly enforced.
Pro Tip
MD car sales: 6% Excise Tax on book-adjusted value, one-time safety inspection, VR-005, VEIP emissions biennially.