Bill of Sale Types
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Motor Vehicle (MVA) Bill of Sale Form Download: PDF |
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Download: PDF |
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Download: PDF, Word (.docx) |
How to Register a Vehicle
Maryland requires you to register your vehicle before driving on public roads; visit your nearest MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) office and be sure to bring:
- Application for Certificate of Title (Form VR-005): If the current title was issued in Maryland, use the title itself as the application by completing the “Application for Title and Registration” section.
- Bill of Sale (Form VR-181): Signed by both buyer and seller.
- Lien Release: Required if the current title shows an existing lien.
- Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate: Required in most cases and valid for up to 90 days from the date issued.
- Odometer Disclosure Statement: May be recorded on the title assignment section or submitted on Form VR-197.
- Proof of Ownership: The current title must be properly assigned to the buyer. If the vehicle comes from a state that does not issue titles, a registration document and bill of sale may be used instead.
- Proof of Purchase Price: Usually the bill of sale signed by both buyer and seller.
Out-of-State Purchase
- Proof of Ownership: If the other state does not issue a title, a registration document and bill of sale may be submitted.
Notes
- For a private sale, the vehicle is generally assessed 6.5% excise tax based on the purchase price, verified by a notarized MVA Bill of Sale (Form VR-181).
- The bill of sale must be notarized if the vehicle is less than 7 years old, the purchase price is at least $500 below book value, and the buyer wants the excise tax based on the sale price instead of book value.
Boat (Vessel) Registration Forms
- A filled and signed bill of sale form
- A filed Maryland Application for Registered Vessel or Documented Vessel
- Reassigned title endorsed by the previous owner, as well as previous registration (if purchased used).
- A manufacturer’s certificate of origin (if purchased new)
- Photo or pencil tracing of Hull Identification Number for boats measuring less than 12 feet.
- Titles with a recorded lien will require a valid lien release.
- Acceptable form of payment for all obligatory fees
Firearm Registration Forms
Maryland does not require any system classified as “registration” of weapons within the state, but when buying a gun, the transaction is archived in the same vein of formal registration. To first be eligible to purchase a firearm, state residents must first apply and secure a Handgun Qualification license by providing fingerprint identification and completing an application of the Maryland State Police Licensing Portal. Although submission of an application will require one to pass a background check, each time the act of purchasing a new gun occurs, it will necessitate additional background checks. Gaining access to an HQL will also obligate applicants to prepare the following materials:
- A completed and signed Maryland Handgun Qualification License Application Form
- Proof of fulfillment of a standard firearm training program from a state-approved instructor
- A passport-style color photograph (must be captured within 30 days of application).
- An original fingerprint identification card for the applicant
- Payment in the form of a cashier’s check or money order for all application fees ($50).



