Bill of Sale (Requirements)

Vehicle information
- Year/Make/Model
- Body style
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Odometer reading
Buyer’s information
- Full name
- Signature
- Date
Seller’s information
- Full name
- Signature
- Date
Sale information
- Purchase price ($)
- Reason the vehicle may be sold for less than fair market value, if applicable

If this form is used to establish the purchase price of the vehicle, a notary is required.

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.