How to Obtain a Car Title From the MVA
Maryland residents who purchase new or used cars must obtain a car title from the state's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), immediately after the point of sale. The MVA has locations throughout the state where title purchases and transfers can be completed. Unlike many MVA transactions that can be completed online, obtaining car titles must be handled in person by the buyer of the car.
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Instructions
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Purchasing a New Car
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Determine the location of the closest MVA office by going to the MVA Maryland government website. Click the "Hours and Locations" tab at the top of the page. You can search for MVA locations by clicking the county where you live to find information regarding the address, hours and services. To obtain a car title, you will need to visit a full-service MVA office, not an express location.
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Bring the necessary paperwork to obtain a Maryland car title. If you purchased a new car from a dealer, it is likely that the dealer has already filed for a car title. In some instances, however, you as the car buyer are left responsible for obtaining the car title. In this case, the buyer must complete an Application for Certificate of Title, Certificate of Origin, Bill of Sale and odometer disclosure statement.
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Obtain a copy of the Application for Certificate of Title (Form VR-005) by visiting a local MVA office or printing a copy of the application from the Motor Vehicle Administration website. The form is available for downloading under the heading "Vehicle Registration Forms" on the "MVA Documents for Downloading" page. You can find this page by clicking the "Online Services" link on the left side of the MVA web page. Click "Download Forms."
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Make sure you have information regarding the lien holder (if applicable) and proof of your Maryland car insurance when filling out the application. Car insurance policies must meet the minimum liability requirements set by the state.
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Submit payment for excise taxes and fees when submitting the paperwork for your MVA car title. Once your application is processed, the car title will be mailed to your home address.
Purchasing a Used Car
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Have the seller of the used vehicle sign the car title over to you by filling out the appropriate fields on the title. Car titles issued in Maryland can be used as the application for transferring ownership of the car. If the car you have purchased does not have a Maryland title, you will need to complete the Application for Certificate of Title (Form VR-005). The form can be downloaded directly from the MVA website or obtained directly from any MVA office.
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Submit a proof of purchase price that has been signed by both the buyer and the seller. If the car is less than 7 years old, sold for more than $500 under book value and you (the buyer) want the excise tax calculation based on the vehicle sale price--not the book value--the proof of purchase must be notarized prior to submitting it to the MVA.
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Record the accurate odometer reading on the car title. If there is no car title, you must fill out and submit the MVA's Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VR-197). This can be obtained either at any MVA office or downloaded from the MVA website.
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Verify that the car you have purchased is safe to drive by submitting a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate. State law requires that all used vehicles be inspected by an authorized inspection station. If your car passes the safety inspection, an inspection certificate will be issued. Inspection certificates are valid for 90 days.
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