How to Sell a Car in Maryland
Selling a car instead of just trading it in is no small matter. However, it doesn’t have to be a nightmare! If you want to sell a car in Maryland, you can do so with a minimum of headaches by learning the rules and regulations that govern used car sales, develop an advertising plan and prepare everything you will need ahead of time.
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Instructions
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Learn the rules and procedures you must follow to sell a car in Maryland. You, as the seller, are responsible for filling out the required information on the title and for providing a notarized bill of sale. The buyer is the one who must take these documents to the Motor Vehicle Administration and fill out an Application for Title and complete the title transfer process. In addition, you are responsible for the current tags on the car and you should remove them before turning the car over to the buyer.
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Get the information and documents you need before you start to sell a car in Maryland. If you do have the title, contact the Motor Vehicle Administration (1-800-950-1682) to find out how to get a duplicate title. You should also have a bill of sale. It’s also a very good idea to check the fair market value of your car. You can do this by going to the Kelly Blue Book website (the link is at the end of this article).
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Prepare your car for buyers to inspect. A clean car with trash and personal items removed makes a much better impression on prospective buyers! Have your car detailed and tuned up. It also helps to repair minor items like bad windshield wipers or torn upholstery. This can cost a few dollars, but it will be easier to sell the car and you will probably get a better price.
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Conduct an advertising campaign to get buyers interested in your car. A good way to start is by posting flyers on local college and church bulletin boards. You can also place ads in the newspaper, in local auto buying guides, and on Internet advertising websites.
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Follow state law when you complete the transaction. Fill out the Assignment of Title section on your title. This includes the buyer’s name and address, the price agreed on and the odometer reading. Sign the title and make a photocopy for your records. Then give it to the buyer. Prepare a bill of sale (you can create one online and print it using the link below). If the car is less than 8 years old you must have the bill of sale notarized. Again, make a copy to keep. Finally, remove the car tags. You should either register them to another vehicle or return them to a Motor Vehicle Administration office.
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