A Maryland vehicle bill of sale is used as proof of purchase providing details about the vehicle at the time of sale. The bill of sale form requires both buyer and seller information, details about the vehicle, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), make, and model and must be notarized by a notary public at the time of signing.
You are free to benefit from the official bill of sale template, also referred to as Form VR-181. This is an essential document in the legal process of operating motor vehicles, as stated by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), required for proper registration and titling. In Maryland, the completion of the bill of sale template is mandatory during all private sales of vehicles.
Maryland bill of sale templates – visit to get more Maryland-specific bill of sale templates that you might use.
Build Your Document
Answer a few simple questions to make your document in minutes
Save and Print
Save progress and finish on any device, download and print anytime
Sign and Use
Your valid, lawyer-approved document is ready
| Document Name | Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale Form |
| Other Names | Maryland Car Bill of Sale, Maryland Automobile Bill of Sale |
| DMV | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration |
| Vehicle Registration Fee | $135-187 |
| Bill of Sale Required? | Yes |
| Avg. Time to Fill Out | 7 minutes |
| # of Fillable Fields | 38 |
Maryland official vehicle bill of sale is a document open to use during the sale or purchase of motor vehicles within the state. It plays the role of evidence of ownership and is usually needed for registration or title change. If you want to make sure that you complete the correct document, follow the instructions below.
Step 1: Provide the information of the vehicle
For a proper vehicle transfer, the seller must describe it in detail. Include the following characteristics:
Step 2: Indicate the price of the vehicle
The price must be negotiated prior to the transaction between the parties. If the price paid is lower than the market value, the seller must give an explanation for the difference. You’ll also need to name the buyer of the vehicle.
Step 3: Disclose the odometer reading
The seller must notify the purchaser regarding the actual mileage of the vehicle. If the odometer displays no actual mileage, you need to clarify this by selecting the corresponding checkbox.
Step 4: Sign the bill of sale
The purchaser and the seller must sign the document. Make sure that you specify the date of the document and type the name of the parties in capital letters.
Step 5: Get a notary public signature
The official bill of sale in Maryland state must be notarized to be considered valid.
Form VR-181 is the official Bill of Sale form provided by the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Form VR-005 (also known as Application for a Certificate of Title) is used to apply for a vehicle title. Once completed, the form must be brought in-person to the local MVA office.
Form VR-197 or Odometer Disclosure Statement shows the actual mileage of a vehicle to the buyer.
If you need to designate another person to handle a vehicle transfer, you can use a limited motor vehicle power of attorney.
When purchasing from a third-party provider, buyers must gather documentation and receipts of paid fees together and present them to the MVA. Included in the list of documents is the vehicle’s title (which must be signed and dated by the seller), and the vehicle bill of sale, signed by both parties and notarized to have legal force. The buyer should also file an Application for Certificate of Title by completing Form VR-005 to receive a new title for the acquired vehicle. Buyers are responsible for all fees, including taxes on purchase and registration fees, varied by the weight and type of vehicle. Additional documentation presented at the time of registration includes:
Motor vehicle registration fees depend on the type of motor vehicle and its weight. Passenger cars and multi-purpose vehicles with shipping weight up to 3,700 pounds come with a fee of $135 and those over 3,700 pounds at $187, both including a $17 surcharge. All registrations are good for two years. Taxes on the purchase take the vehicle’s Blue Book value into account with a 6% charge on the total value on motor vehicles that are no older than seven years. Any vehicle older than seven years is taxed based on the price of purchase. The minimum tax, as stated by the state of Maryland on motor vehicles, is $38.40.
In either form, taxes must be paid at the time of registration unless otherwise exempt. If the vehicle is purchased out of state, buyers must show that taxes are paid, either showing a bill of sale or tax receipt. Other exemptions include those who are disabled or military veterans, who are exempt from paying taxes to register their motor vehicle.
