A Maryland Bill of Sale records the sale and transfer of ownership of personal property such as a vehicle, boat, firearm, or other items in Maryland.
The buyer and seller should keep a copy of the bill of sale as a transaction record.
If you plan to use a vehicle bill of sale, you must get the document notarized before it can legally bind.
Forms
Requirements
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires a bill of sale to register and title any vehicle if;
- It is less than seven (7) years old and
- The sale price is less than the National Automobile Dealers Association book value. [1]
Those who don’t have access to the association’s book value listings can confirm a vehicle’s book value by calling the MVA at (410) 768-7000.
Alternatively, ownership can be transferred on the Maryland Certificate of Title by writing in the purchase price, sale date, and the odometer reading under the “Assignment of Ownership” section.
Additionally, if the sale price of the vehicle is within $500 of the retail value listed in the National Publication of Used Car Values, the MVA will accept the purchase price as completed on the title.
Details to Include in a Customized Bill of Sale
If a vehicle is sold for book value or more and is over seven (7) years old, the MVA will accept a customized vehicle bill of sale containing the following:
- A description of the vehicle, including the year, make, model, body style, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Printed names and signatures of the buyer and seller
- Date of the sale
- The total cost of the vehicle
- Odometer reading, except when the reading is not the actual mileage or the mileage is over mechanical limits.
The document must include a reason for the price reduction if the vehicle is sold for less than the book value.
Also, a bill of sale must be notarized, including the notary’s printed name, signature, and commission expiration date.
Language Requirements
The Maryland MVA only accepts documents in English. Any document, including a bill of sale, must be translated into English. The MVA provides a list of interpreters and translation providers as a public service. [2]
Excise Tax
The MVA charges an excise tax of 6% of the vehicle’s book value or 6% of the purchase price on the notarized bill of sale for any vehicle less than seven years old.
The state’s minimum excise tax is $38.40.
Vehicle Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Proof of ownership (vehicle’s current title, or current registration or bill of sale if the vehicle is from a state that doesn’t issue a title)
- Application form (e.g., vehicle’s current Maryland title or Application for Certificate of Title (VR-005))
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (VR-197)
- Safety Inspection Certificate
- Security Interest Filing Statement (Form VR-217) (if the vehicle has more than one lien)
- Power of Attorney form (If someone other than the new owner is signing for the title)
- Proof of insurance
- Registration fees
Boat Registration Forms
- Bill of Sale
- Certificate of Title
- Application for Maryland Registered Vessel
- Lien release (if the seller’s title shows a lien)
- DNR Form B-240
- Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
- Registration fees
Firearm Registration Forms
- Background check form (filled out in front of firearm dealer or FFL)
- Maryland State Police Application and Affidavit to Purchase a Regulated Firearm (MSP 77R) (through the state’s Licensing Portal [3] )
- Bill of Sale
Sample
Below is an example of a general Maryland bill of sale to sell personal property.
