Selling a car privately in Maryland
Maryland's private-sale wrinkle is the notarized bill of sale: if the vehicle is less than 7 years old and sold for meaningfully less than book value, the buyer needs a notarized MVA Bill of Sale (form VR-181) to have the 6% excise tax calculated on the actual price instead of book value. For older vehicles or near-book prices, the assigned title alone usually carries the sale. Sign the title assignment with the odometer reading and price; the title itself does not need a notary.
Maryland requires a safety inspection certificate before a used vehicle can be fully registered; that is normally the buyer's step (temporary registration exists for getting the inspection done), but a current certificate from you is a genuine selling point. Maryland plates belong to the seller: remove them and return them to the MVA or transfer them, and keep insurance until the plates are returned.
The checklist
- 1
Assign the title with price and odometer (Maryland)
Complete the assignment on the Maryland title including the sale price and odometer reading. No notary on the title itself.
- 2
Use a notarized VR-181 when price is below book
For vehicles under 7 years old sold below book value, a notarized MVA Bill of Sale lets the buyer's excise tax follow the actual price.
- 3
Return or transfer your plates
Maryland plates stay with the seller. Return them to the MVA or transfer them, keeping insurance active until that is done.
- 4
Verify your title status
Locate the physical title and confirm it is in your name with no undisclosed liens. If the title is lost, request a duplicate before listing.
- 5
Complete a bill of sale
Recommended for every private sale even where not required. Record buyer/seller names, VIN, price, date, and an as-is acknowledgement. Both parties keep a copy.
- 6
Complete the odometer disclosure
Federal rules require odometer disclosure for most vehicles under 20 model years old. Usually done on the title itself; some states use a separate form.
- 7
File a release of liability / notice of sale
If your state offers it, file promptly after the sale so you are not liable for tickets or incidents after the buyer drives away.
- 8
Handle plates per your state's rules
In most states the seller removes the plates; in some, plates stay with the vehicle. Confirm your state's rule before handing over the keys.
- 9
Pay off any lien before or at transfer
If a lien remains, coordinate payoff with the lender so the buyer can receive a clear title. Do not sign over a title with an unreleased lien.
- 10
Confirm payment before signing the title
Verify cash, or use a cashier's check verified with the issuing bank, or complete the transfer inside the buyer's bank. Never release the signed title before funds are confirmed.
- 11
Keep copies of everything
Photograph or copy the signed title (both sides), bill of sale, odometer disclosure, and the buyer's ID if they consent.
- 12
Check official state instructions
Requirements change. Confirm the current process on your state DMV / motor vehicle agency website before the sale.
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Start your free beta packetMaryland private sale FAQ
Does a Maryland car title need to be notarized?
The title assignment itself does not. What may need notarizing is the bill of sale (form VR-181), when the vehicle is under 7 years old and the price is well below book value, so the buyer's excise tax follows the actual price.
Who handles Maryland's safety inspection?
Registration requires a Maryland safety inspection certificate, and the buyer usually obtains it, using a temporary registration if needed. Providing a fresh certificate yourself makes the car easier to sell but is not mandatory.
What tax does the buyer pay in a Maryland private sale?
Maryland's 6% excise tax at titling, based on the price (with the notarized bill of sale where required) or the vehicle's book value.
What do I do with my Maryland plates?
Remove them. Return them to the MVA or transfer them to another vehicle, and keep insurance active until the plates are returned or transferred to avoid insurance-lapse penalties.
Selling a special situation?
Other states
Bold states have a state-specific guide; others use the general checklist.
Last reviewed Jul 13, 2026. This is a general checklist, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV or tax office.