Maryland private-party car buying checklist

1. Before you meet

• Buy only from a licensed dealer or a private seller whose name is on the title.
• Ask the seller for the VIN and a photo of the title. The VIN should match the car, and the seller should be the owner shown.
• Look up the car's history report for the VIN. Check for liens, accidents and mileage records.
• Check the asking price against the market and against the valuation tax the MVA will use.

2. At the car

• Ask to see the original Certificate of Title before you pay. It must match the VIN and show the seller as owner.
• The title should be free of liens, unless the lien will be released at the sale.
• Take a test drive and arrange a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you choose, if the seller allows it.
• Confirm who will get the Maryland Safety Inspection. Maryland law requires most used vehicles to pass one before they are sold, titled or transferred, and the certificate is valid for 90 days.

3. Completing the sale

• The seller completes every required section of the title, records the correct sale price, gives the odometer reading, and signs and dates it.
• Do not accept a title that is altered, missing sections, or signed in the wrong place. Errors can make the MVA reject it.
• Get a bill of sale with buyer and seller names, vehicle information, sale price, date and signatures. The MVA calls it strongly recommended. A notarized bill of sale is not required for private sales of vehicles under 7 years old from October 1, 2026.
• Get Maryland auto insurance on the vehicle before you register it.
• Pay only after the title and ID check out. Use a traceable payment and keep a record of it.

4. After the sale: title and register

• Gather: the completed title application (VR-005), the original title assigned to you, proof of purchase price, odometer disclosure if applicable, the Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate, valid ID, any lien release, and payment of taxes and fees.
• Title and register before the inspection certificate expires. You can often do both at once.
• Apply in person at an MVA branch or by mail. In person lets staff catch missing paperwork.
• Keep your receipts. The MVA mails the new title after approval.

Cost-wise, plan on 6.5% excise tax, the $200 title fee and registration. See the out-the-door cost page.

If something is wrong

Unclear on a title problem, a lien or a price dispute? Call the MVA Contact Center at 410-768-7000 before you pay. If the seller made a mistake on the title, it may need correcting before the MVA can process your application.

Sources

• MVA, Titling a vehicle bought from a private party: https://mva.maryland.gov/title-registration/title-vehicle/private-party-purchase
• MVA, Buying a vehicle: https://mva.maryland.gov/pages/buying-a-vehicle-in-maryland.aspx
• MVA, Maryland safety inspections: https://mva.maryland.gov/title-registration/vehicle-emissions-safety-inspections/safety-inspections
• MVA bulletin, repeal of notarized bill of sale requirement (September 15, 2026): https://mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/businesses/bulletins-businesses/sb125-hb251-repeal-notarized-bill-sale-requirement
• MVA, Excise Tax: https://mva.maryland.gov/title-registration/fees-payment-options/excise-tax

Checked October 15, 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm on the source before you pay.