Maryland VR-181 — Bill of Sale
Maryland uses two forms that are constantly confused. VR-181 is the MVA's notarized Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale, required when a vehicle less than 7 years old is sold at $500 or more below book value and the buyer wants tax based on the actual price. VR-005 is the Application for Certificate of Title — the form the buyer files to get the title. Maryland's excise tax is 6.5% of fair market value (raised from 6% on July 1, 2025).
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About VR-181
Official name: Maryland Bill of Sale (VR-181) — and VR-005 Explained
Issued by: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Purpose: A bill of sale documents the private sale and, via the notarized VR-181, lets the excise tax be based on a genuinely below-book price. VR-005 is the title application filed with it.
When required: A notarized VR-181 is required when the vehicle is under 7 years old and sold $500 or more below book value (with a written explanation). Otherwise an ordinary bill of sale documents the sale. The title fee is $200.
Maryland Vehicle Sale Requirements
Required Fields on VR-181
To be accepted by the Maryland MVA, your bill of sale must include:
- Seller name, address
- Buyer name, address
- Year, make, model
- VIN
- Odometer
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures
- Notarization (only for the VR-181 below-book exception)
Official Source
Download the official VR-181 directly from Maryland MVA, or use our free generator above to pre-fill a compliant Maryland bill of sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it VR-005 or VR-181 for a Maryland bill of sale?
What is Maryland's excise tax on vehicle purchases?
Maryland Templates by Vehicle
Maryland Bill of Sale Hub
All Maryland requirements: notarization, transfer deadlines, tax rates, and additional forms.
View Maryland guide →