How to Sell a Car in Maryland

Selling a car to a private buyer in Maryland can be confusing and overwhelming. It seems the MD MVA has special requirements for every situation. This article will lay it out simply to make selling your car a little easier.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Of course the first thing you need to do is find someone to buy your car. Post a free ad on craiglist advertising your vehicle for sale. You can also put a classified ad in the newspaper, but it could cost you up to $50 and there's no guarantee your car will sell. Just as many people, if not more, look at craiglist these days when purchasing a vehicle.

2. SAFETY INSPECTION: It's easier to sell a vehicle if you have a safety inspection done. The inspection is transferrable to the buyer within 90 days. If you don't have the inspection done before you sell the car, the person who buys it will have to do it and that could turn them off. It's worth the $60 cost, plus you'll attract more potential buyers.

3. RE-TITLING: If the sale is cut and dry (there's no lien on the vehicle) selling the car is relatively simple. The original owner of the car must sign the certificate of title over to the new owner. To do this the seller should print his name and the buyer's name on the back of the car's title. The buyer's name and address must be included or the transfer is not considered complete and the vehicle can not be re-registered. You should also include the sale price. This DOES NOT need to be done at the MVA.

4. TAGS: The person selling the car must remove the vehicle's plates and return them to the MVA before canceling insurance on the vehicle. If the buyer has tags he wants to put on the vehicle, he should bring them during the exchange. If the buyer does not have tags he needs to take the signed over title to the MVA and get 30 day temporary license plates until the permanent tags are issued. Remember, you should not drive the vehicle if it does not have plates on it, this is illegal. The vehicle does not need to be present at the MVA when applying for temporary tags.

5. NOTARIZED BILL OF SALE: If the vehicle is less than seven years old and it's being sold for less than book value a bill of sale is required. The seller will need to draw up a bill of sale. See the link below for the proper paperwork. A public notary needs to witness the buyer and seller signing the bill of sale. You do not need a bill of sale if the vehicle is more than seven years old or is being sold for more than book value.

Tips & Warnings

• The buyer and seller can go to a tag and title shop instead of the MVA. The tag and title will be able to notarize a bill of sale, provide new plates and re-title the vehicle. You can find a tag and title that charges less than $50 for their services.

Resources

• Bill of Sale
• Maryland MVA