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Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale
A Bill of Sale is a legal document that provides evidence of the transfer of ownership for a specific item or property. It includes transaction details such as the names and addresses of the buyer and seller, item description, condition (if relevant), sale price, and any warranties or guarantees.
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To prove that a private transaction involving buying and selling of a motor vehicle is valid, a document called the Maryland motor vehicle bill of sale (Form VR-181) is drawn. This transaction usually occurs between two parties namely; the buyer and the seller. In Maryland, this document must be signed on by appropriate authorities, as it is necessary for registering the vehicle. When the signature is imprinted, then only can registration commence (registration of vehicle must be done in the buyer’s name through the MVA also known as The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration).

A vehicle’s odometer mile declaration – this document is provided when the car moves from the seller to the buyer; i.e. when the transfer of ownership occurs.

Imprinting mark– the person buying and the person selling a vehicle is required to imprint their signature on the document. This is to be done in the presence of authorized personnel.

Motor Vehicle Registration

When any person newly buys a motor vehicle, he/she must register it with the MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration). If the vehicle is bought from a licensed and recognized seller, the registration will be done by this seller. For vehicle owners who just moved into Maryland and who also intend to move their vehicles into Maryland as well, they must register the vehicle within 60 days of moving in. Registrations expire once in two years and renewals are done online through an MVA estore, via mail/other options, and physically by going to an MVA branch.

Places to register a vehicle

For successful registration, there are required documents that must be submitted at any MVA branch near you. The vehicle can be registered and put under the new owner’s name at branches listed by the MVA licensed tag and title service.

Essential Documents Needed

  • A proof of sales transaction (in this case a Bill of Sale (Form VR-181));

  • A mileage statement also called an Odometer Disclosure Statement (Form VR-197);

  • A filled document used in applying for a certificate of ownership;

  • An up to date driving permit that is valid in Maryland;

  • Security Interest Filing form (Form VR-217): this is to show whether the motor vehicle has two or more liens.

  • A Certificate to confirm that a safety inspection has been carried out on the motor vehicle; this certificate is to be retrieved from any licensed inspection station;

  • A Lease Agreement for the motor vehicle (in cases where it is let out);

  • Payment of registration cost;

  • Insurance confirmation with limited coverage:

    • $30,000 is paid when one is physically injured;

    • $60,000 is to be paid when two or more persons are physically injured;

    • When property is damaged, the payment to be made is $15,000;

When the registration process is being done by someone else in place of the vehicle owner, a Motor Vehicle Power of Attorney is needed (an exception to this is if an agent is making the registration).