A Maryland Trailer Bill of Sale facilitates the transaction between two parties when exchanging a carrying platform. If the owner wants to use the trailer on public roads, they must have it inspected before titling and registering it.
In Maryland, residents are required to renew their trailer registration once every two years.
Registering a Trailer in Maryland
New residents have 60 days to title and register their vehicles, including trailers, once they arrive in Maryland. Title and registration are handled by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You must make an appointment before you go to inspect your vehicle.
If you have purchased a new trailer or vehicle at a dealer, the dealership will handle most of the paperwork. If you bought your trailer in a private sale, you must take the documents down to the office yourself. You will need both the title and the registration.
What Paperwork Is Required To Register a Trailer in Maryland?
You should assemble all your paperwork before going to the office. You will need the following:
- Title signed by the original owner
- Release of Lien, if a lien still shows on the title
- Application for Certificate of Title
- Maryland safety inspection certificate
- Proof of insurance
- Fees and tax payments (title fees, excise taxes, tag fees)
If the trailer’s value cannot be determined from the title, you need a separate Maryland trailer bill of sale. The bill of sale should include the sale price, the trailer identification information (make, model, VIN), and the signatures of the buyer and seller.
Maryland has some complex rules regarding excise tax credits. New purchasers should inquire at their branch office or check the MVA website for details.
Trailer Registration Fees
All trailer registration and title fees are paid when submitting documentation to the MVA. Excise taxes may also be assessed when the trailer is registered. A fee schedule can be found here, and any questions should be addressed to the MVA office.
Title for Trailer
Maryland requires all trailers to be titled. Titles can be acquired at the same time as they are registered. Homemade trailers must be inspected and assigned a VIN prior to applying for a title and will receive a serial plate that must be affixed to the trailer prior to titling and registration.
Insurance
Maryland does not require separate trailer insurance. New trailer owners must show proof of liability insurance to register any vehicle, including trailers. If the trailer will be used often, it is recommended that you obtain additional insurance to cover damage to the trailer since ordinary collision insurance may not pay for trailer damage.
Exemptions
Office trailers and mobile homes over 35 feet are exempt from titling and registration laws. However, these properties may be titled by the owner. If they are titled, they may be subject to state sales taxes.
Maryland Trailer Bill of Sale Sample
Download a Maryland trailer bill of sale template below in PDF or Word format:
