Overview
Selling or buying a used vehicle in Maryland? A bill of sale is your proof of the deal — it records who sold what, for how much, and on what date. Maryland transfers ownership through the assigned title and the Application for Certificate of Title, Form VR-005, and a notarized MVA bill of sale (Form VR-181) is what lets the buyer base the excise tax on the actual price paid. It also protects both sides by locking in the price, the handover date, and the fact that the seller is no longer responsible for tickets or accidents once the keys change hands.
Maryland requirements
Is a bill of sale required in Maryland?
Sometimes. A notarized MVA bill of sale (Form VR-181) is required if you want the 6.5% excise tax based on the sale price — and it's mandatory when a vehicle under 7 years old sells for $500 or more below book value. Even when optional, it proves the price and that you're no longer liable for the vehicle.
Does it need to be notarized?
When you use it to set the excise tax, yes. Maryland's MVA bill of sale (Form VR-181) must be notarized and signed by both buyer and seller to base tax on the actual price paid. The title assignment itself does not require notarization.
Title transfer deadline
The buyer must title the vehicle with the MVA within 30 days of the sale. Titling after 30 days adds a late-transfer penalty fee, so don't wait.
Motor vehicle excise tax
Maryland charges a 6.5% excise titling tax (raised from 6% on July 1, 2025), based on the greater of the purchase price — verified by a notarized Form VR-181 — or $640. Without a notarized bill of sale, the MVA uses the vehicle's book value.
Odometer disclosure
Federal law requires the odometer reading at the time of sale for vehicles under 20 model years old. Record it on both the bill of sale and the title.
How to fill it out
- 1
Enter the sale date and the Maryland county where the sale takes place.
- 2
Add the seller's and buyer's full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Describe the vehicle — make, model, year, color, and 17-character VIN.
- 4
Record the odometer reading and the federal odometer disclosure.
- 5
Enter the purchase price and choose 'as-is' or add warranty terms.
- 6
Both parties sign — then the buyer files Form VR-005 with the MVA within 30 days.
Ready to create your Maryland bill of sale?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Seller & buyer names and addresses
- Make, model, year, color & VIN
- Odometer reading + federal disclosure
- Purchase price & sales-tax note
- “As-is” statement or warranty terms
- Date of sale and signatures
Maryland bill of sale by vehicle type
The same Marylandbuilder works for more than cars — pick your vehicle and the form adapts: the right ID number (a VIN, a boat's HIN, or a serial number) and an odometer reading only where one applies.
- Car bill of sale
- Truck bill of sale
- SUV bill of sale
- Van bill of sale
- Motorcycle bill of sale
- ATV bill of sale
- RV bill of sale
- Camper bill of sale
- Trailer bill of sale
- Boat bill of sale
- Jet Ski bill of sale
- Snowmobile bill of sale
- Golf Cart bill of sale
- Tractor bill of sale
A few differ: boats and jet skis use a Hull ID Number (HIN) instead of a VIN and have no odometer; trailers, campers, snowmobiles, golf carts, and tractors have no odometer either; and boats, ATVs, and snowmobiles often register with a different agency (such as a wildlife, boating, or parks department) rather than the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Confirm the details with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Maryland bill of sale FAQ
Does a Maryland motor vehicle bill of sale need to be notarized?
It does when you use it to set the excise tax. Maryland's MVA bill of sale (Form VR-181) must be notarized and signed by both buyer and seller to base the 6.5% excise tax on the actual price paid. The title assignment itself isn't notarized.
Do I need a bill of sale to sell a car in Maryland?
Sometimes. A notarized Form VR-181 is required to base the excise tax on the sale price, and it's mandatory when a vehicle under 7 years old sells for $500 or more under book value. It also proves the price, the sale date, and that you're no longer responsible for the vehicle.
Where do I transfer the title in Maryland?
At the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The buyer brings the assigned title, a completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form VR-005), a notarized bill of sale if using it for tax, proof of insurance, and payment for the title fee and excise tax.
How long do I have to transfer the title in Maryland?
The buyer has 30 days from the date of sale to title the vehicle with the MVA. After 30 days, Maryland charges a late-transfer penalty fee, so don't wait.
How much is excise tax on a used car in Maryland?
6.5% (raised from 6% on July 1, 2025) of the greater of the purchase price or $640. To use the actual sale price, you need a notarized MVA bill of sale (Form VR-181); otherwise the MVA bases it on the vehicle's book value.
Do both the buyer and seller need to sign?
Yes. Both parties should sign and date the bill of sale, and each keeps a copy — and Form VR-181 specifically requires both buyer and seller signatures. If there are two buyers or two sellers, every party signs.
Is a handwritten bill of sale valid in Maryland?
For tax purposes the MVA wants its own notarized Form VR-181, so a handwritten note may not be accepted to set the excise tax. As a general record between buyer and seller a written bill of sale is fine — but a complete, typed document like this one is cleaner and far less likely to be questioned at the MVA.
Is this Maryland bill of sale really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.