Maryland Bill of Sale

What Maryland requires for a vehicle sale

• The MVA seller page recommends a bill of sale with vehicle information, price, date, and both signatures. Some buyers may need it to title the vehicle.
• The MVA publishes Form VR-181 Bill of Sale, which includes an odometer disclosure and a perjury certification signed by both parties.
• A bulletin says a notarized bill of sale is no longer required for vehicles less than 7 years old sold by a private party, effective October 1, 2026.
• The seller records buyer name and address, price, odometer, sale date, and signature on the title back. Odometer entry is required by federal law.
• Plates stay with the seller and must be removed before the buyer takes possession, then returned to the MVA with the receipt kept.
• The buyer applies with Certificate of Title Application VR-005, the assigned title, proof of price, a safety inspection certificate, ID, and payment of taxes and fees.

Maryland bill of sale: what to include

Whatever Maryland requires, a signed bill of sale protects both sides. It proves the price, the date and that the car was sold as-is. Include:

• Seller's and buyer's full names and addresses
• Year, make, model, color and VIN
• Odometer reading on the day of sale
• Sale price and date of sale
• As-is wording, plus a statement that the seller owns the vehicle and any lien is paid off
• Signatures and dates for both parties

Sample as-is wording

I, the seller, sell the vehicle described above to the buyer for the price shown, as-is, with no warranty, express or implied. The seller confirms they are the owner and that the odometer reading is correct to the best of their knowledge. This sale is made under the laws of Maryland.

Seller checklist (Maryland)

• Make sure any lien is released and the title is in your name.
• Fill in the buyer's details, price, odometer, date, and sign the title.
• Remove your plates before the buyer takes possession.
• Return the plates to the MVA and keep the receipt.
• Keep copies of the title and bill of sale.

Buyer checklist (Maryland)

• Get the original assigned title and a bill of sale.
• Complete Certificate of Title Application VR-005.
• Get a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate and bring valid ID.
• Apply in person or by mail and pay taxes and fees.

Things to watch in Maryland

• The pages we read give no time limits for plate return or titling, and no excise tax amount. Check with the MVA.
• The notarization bulletin has an October 1, 2026 effective date and covers vehicles under 7 years old. The pages we read do not say what applies to older vehicles.

About this page

We checked this page against the Maryland MVA sources listed below in November 2026. Where an agency page did not say something, we say so and suggest you check with the agency. Rules, forms and fees change, so confirm with Maryland MVA before you sign. This is general information, not legal advice.