A Maryland motor vehicle bill of sale is a legal form that documents the ownership transfer of a vehicle from the seller to the buyer. Sellers can use a vehicle bill of sale to attest that the transaction took place, and buyers can use it to prove vehicle ownership.
In Maryland, a vehicle bill of sale is mandatory to register and title the vehicle. Once the document is signed, the vehicle can be registered under the new owner’s name with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Office (MVA).
The buyer and the seller must sign the bill of sale before a notary public to make the document legally valid and enforceable.
Maryland Vehicle Registration
New car owners are required to register their vehicles as soon as they purchase them. For new residents wishing to register their current vehicle, they must do so within 60 days after they have moved to Maryland. If the vehicle is from a state that doesn’t issue a title, Maryland will accept the vehicle’s registration and bill of sale as proof of ownership.
Once the initial registration is complete, they must be renewed once every two years—either at an MVA branch or online.
The MVA provides a downloadable form (Form VR-181) that must be used if the vehicle is fewer than 7 years old and the sale price is below book value. MVA will also accept a customized bill of sale for a car older than 7 years old and sold at or above book value at the time of registration.
Where to Register Your Vehicle
All vehicle registration is handled at your local Motor Vehicle Administration Office (MVA) branch or MVA-licensed tag and title service locations.
The dealer would do the registration and titling process if the purchase were made from an accredited dealership.
Documents Required by the DMV Office
Here is what you should prepare when you register your vehicle with the DMV:
- Bill of Sale (Form VR-181)
- Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VR-197)
- Application for Certificate of Title (Form VR-005)
- Driver’s License
- Registration Fees
- Safety Inspection Certificate
- Security Interest Filing Statement (Form VR-217) (if the vehicle has more than one lien)
- Lease Agreement (if the vehicle is leased)
- Proof of Insurance keeping in mind the minimum requirements:
- $30,000 for bodily injury
- $60,000 for two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage
A vehicle power of attorney form is required if someone other than the new owner is signing for the title.
Free Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale Sample
Create a Maryland vehicle bill of sale with this free template from Legal Templates, available in PDF and Microsoft Word format.
