How to Fill Out a Bill of Sale in Maryland

A step-by-step guide to every field on a Maryland vehicle bill of sale — with a free filled-in example you can download instantly.

Maryland's Form VR-005 fill-out comes with a warning label on the price field: for a used vehicle less than 7 years old, the MVA charges its 6.5% excise tax on your written price only if it is less than $500 below the vehicle's book value — at $500 or more below, it taxes the book value. Until September 30, 2026, a notarized MVA bill of sale could get that lower price accepted; that route was repealed effective October 1, 2026, so an ordinary sale needs no notary and a genuinely cheap sale of a newer car is taxed on book value unless the buyer documents the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). Fill in the parties, vehicle, VIN, odometer, actual price, date, and both signatures; the buyer should apply for title at the MVA promptly — the MVA may add a service fee if the title and application arrive more than 30 days after delivery — plus Maryland's safety inspection to schedule before registration.

Notarization:Not required

Title deadline:No fixed deadline

Vehicle tax:6.5%

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Vehicle Bill of Sale · Maryland

9 vehicle fields

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

Vehicle 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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State rules change. We check these requirements against official state sources, but details can go out of date. Confirm with your state's motor vehicle agency before you rely on them. If you notice anything wrong or outdated, email support@billofsale.app.

Step-by-Step: Every Field Explained

Seller Information

Full legal name
Current mailing address
City, state, ZIP code
Phone number (optional but recommended)

Tip: Match the ownership document precisely: if the title says a middle initial, this line says a middle initial, or the Maryland DMV will notice.

Buyer Information

Full legal name
Current mailing address
City, state, ZIP code
Phone number (optional)

Tip: This name follows the vehicle to the DMV — the buyer's ID and this line need to agree.

Vehicle Description

Vehicle year (4-digit)
Make (manufacturer — e.g., Ford, Toyota)
Model (e.g., F-150, Camry)
Body style (e.g., sedan, pickup, SUV)
Color
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) — 17 characters, found on the dashboard or door jamb
Odometer reading at time of sale

Tip: The 17 characters must match the title exactly; copy them from the vehicle itself (dash or door jamb) rather than from a listing.

Sale Details

Sale price in US dollars (write out both numerals and words — e.g., "$8,500 — Eight thousand five hundred dollars")
Payment method (cash, check, electronic transfer)
Date of sale (month / day / year)
Note: the buyer pays Maryland tax at registration (6.5% — excise tax)

Tip: Record the amount that actually changed hands, not a number chosen to shrink the 6.5% vehicle tax.

Seller Signature

Seller's signature (must match title)
Printed name
Date signed

Tip: Notarization isn't part of the Maryland process. The signatures close the deal; the filed copy is what protects you afterwards.

Buyer Signature

Buyer's signature
Printed name
Date signed

Tip: Make it two signed originals so both sides hold equal evidence; copies made later never carry the same weight.

Get a Pre-Filled Maryland Example

Use the generator above to create a filled-in Maryland bill of sale example in under 60 seconds. Fields are set up for Maryland — no notary section, MD vehicle tax at 6.5%, and the title-transfer rule (no fixed day count) noted.

Vehicle Car Used Car Motorcycle

Other Forms Required in Maryland

Along with the bill of sale, you may need these additional documents for a Maryland vehicle transfer:

Form VR-005 (Application for Certificate of Title)
Notarized MVA bill of sale — below-book-value tax route, repealed effective October 1, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

When does a Maryland bill of sale need to be notarized?

Maryland's notarized bill of sale route for the excise tax was repealed effective October 1, 2026. Until September 30, 2026, it was needed in one scenario: a vehicle less than 7 model years old sold at $500 or more below book value, when the buyer wanted the price used as the tax base. Routine sales need no notary.

How does the MVA calculate the 6.5% excise tax?

For a used vehicle less than 7 years old bought privately, on the sale price if it is less than $500 below the state-recognized book value, and on the book value if the price is $500 or more below it. Writing a low price doesn't reduce the tax once it crosses that line — the notarized bill-of-sale exception was repealed effective October 1, 2026.

What inspection does the buyer need?

Maryland's one-time safety inspection at a licensed station — required before the vehicle can be registered (a 90-day temporary registration exists for getting it done). Budget it alongside the excise tax.

How long does the buyer have to complete the transfer?

Maryland law says to apply promptly after delivery, and the MVA may assess an additional service fee if it does not receive the title and application within 30 days after delivery of the vehicle (Transportation §13-112(c)). The safety inspection and insurance need to be lined up before registration, so start early.

Maryland Bill of Sale Hub

All requirements, tax rates, deadlines, and forms for Maryland.

View Maryland guide →

Forms Guide

Maryland Bill of Sale Form

A bill of sale documents the private sale and the price. VR-005 is the title application filed with the assigned title.

Form guide →

Maryland Templates by Vehicle

Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale Maryland Car Bill of Sale Maryland Used Car Bill of Sale Maryland Motorcycle Bill of Sale Maryland Boat Bill of Sale Maryland Trailer Bill of Sale Maryland Horse Bill of Sale Maryland ATV Bill of Sale Maryland Gun / Firearm Bill of Sale Maryland RV Bill of Sale Maryland General Bill of Sale Maryland Free Printable Bill of Sale Maryland Odometer Disclosure Bill of Sale Maryland As-Is Bill of Sale Maryland Gift Bill of Sale

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