Free Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale

A Maryland vehicle bill of sale is the receipt that documents what you paid, who sold the vehicle, and the VIN — and in Maryland it records the price the MVA starts from when it calculates your 6.5% titling tax. The MVA asks for a bill of sale "if applicable" rather than for every sale. The Maryland twist is the $500 line: for a used vehicle less than 7 years old, a price $500 or more 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). Until September 30, 2026, a notarized MVA bill of sale let the buyer be taxed on the lower price in that case; that route was repealed effective October 1, 2026.

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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Transferring any motor vehicle? Our guide covers VIN verification, title transfer timelines, payment safety, and the eight things to do before handing over the keys — applicable to any car, truck, or SUV. Read: Car Bill of Sale: Complete Guide →

Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale — What You Need to Know

Primary Form

Form VR-005

Application for Certificate of Title

Agency

Maryland MVA

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

Primary ID Field

VIN

Sales Tax

6.5%

Title Required

Yes

Seller signs and dates the Maryland Certificate of Title in the assignment section, including the odometer disclosure. Buyer completes the title application (VR-005) and submits with the assigned title promptly — the MVA may assess an additional service fee if they arrive more than 30 days after delivery (Transportation §13-112(c)).

Inspection

Required

Sales Tax Details

Maryland charges a 6.5% titling tax, paid at the MVA when titling. For a used vehicle less than 7 years old bought privately, the tax is on the purchase price if it is less than $500 below book value, and on book value if the price is $500 or more below it. Until September 30, 2026, a notarized MVA bill of sale could get the lower price accepted in that case; that route was repealed effective October 1, 2026.

Exemption: Some family gifts may be exempt from the 6.5% titling tax — confirm eligibility and the gift paperwork the MVA requires.

Inspection Requirements

Maryland requires a one-time safety inspection at a state-certified inspection station before titling any used vehicle. The inspection certificate is valid for 90 days. Most counties also require Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) testing every two years after registration.

Registration

Registration for this vehicle type is handled by Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) — not the same agency that handles cars in Maryland. Plan for separate filings.

Maryland Vehicle Sale — Step-by-Step Checklist

Complete a bill of sale with full name and address of buyer and seller, sale date, and purchase price
List year, make, model, body style, and 17-character VIN exactly as shown on the title
Record the odometer reading and check the appropriate brand (actual, exceeds limits, not actual)
If the price is $500 or more below book value on a vehicle less than 7 years old, expect tax on book value — the notarized bill-of-sale route for that case was repealed effective October 1, 2026
Seller signs and assigns the Maryland Certificate of Title to the buyer with matching odometer reading
Submit the assigned title, bill of sale (if applicable), title application (VR-005), inspection certificate, and 6.5% titling tax to the MVA promptly — within 30 days of delivery to avoid a possible service fee
Both parties keep a signed copy for their records

Common Pitfalls

Expecting a low price to set the tax on a vehicle under 7 years old — if it is $500 or more below book value, the MVA taxes book value unless you document the lower price (the notarized bill-of-sale exception was repealed effective October 1, 2026)
Missing the 30-day mark after delivery, after which the MVA may assess an additional service fee (Transportation §13-112(c))
Skipping the one-time Maryland safety inspection — MVA will not title a used vehicle without a valid certificate
Odometer reading on the bill of sale not matching the title assignment, causing MVA rejection
Out-of-state buyers assuming Maryland tax does not apply — Maryland residents owe the 6.5% regardless of where the seller lives
Listing "$1" or "gift" on the bill of sale for a real sale — ask the MVA what paperwork a genuine family gift requires

Pro Tip

Generate your Maryland bill of sale with our builder, then take it, the assigned title, your inspection certificate, and VR-005 to any Maryland MVA branch promptly — within 30 days of delivery to avoid a possible service fee.

Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale — FAQs

When does my Maryland bill of sale have to be notarized?

Until September 30, 2026, a notarized MVA bill of sale was required in one case: a used vehicle less than 7 years old sold at $500 or more below book value, when the buyer wanted the 6.5% titling tax based on the actual price. That route was repealed effective October 1, 2026 (2026 Md. Laws Ch. 118/119); in that situation the book value applies from October 1, 2026. Routine sales need no notary — though some sellers still notarize as a fraud precaution.

How is the 6.5% Maryland titling tax calculated?

For a used vehicle less than 7 years old bought from a private seller, the 6.5% titling tax is applied to the purchase price if it is less than $500 below the vehicle's published book value, and to the book value if the price is $500 or more below it. Until September 30, 2026, a notarized MVA bill of sale could get the lower price honored in that case; that route was repealed effective October 1, 2026.

Do I need a Maryland safety inspection before transferring title?

Yes. Maryland requires a one-time safety inspection of any used vehicle being titled in the state, performed at an MSP-licensed inspection station. The certificate is valid for 90 days from issuance and must be presented at the MVA when applying for the title. This is separate from VEIP emissions testing, which is required every two years after registration in most Maryland counties. New vehicles purchased from a Maryland dealer are exempt from the initial safety inspection.

Can I gift a vehicle to a family member without paying the 6.5% tax?

Possibly. Some gifts between family members may be exempt from the 6.5% titling tax, but confirm with the MVA which relationships qualify and what gift certification it requires before you title the vehicle.