Maryland Car Bill of Sale: Notarized Form VR-181 + Requirements
Maryland is one of 5 US states that require a notarized bill of sale for private vehicle title transfer. The state mandates Form VR-181. Both seller and buyer signatures must be notarized.
Is a bill of sale required in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires a notarized bill of sale (Form VR-181) for private vehicle title transfer.
Notarization
Required. Both seller and buyer signatures on Form VR-181 must be witnessed by a notary public. This is one of Maryland's strictest title-transfer requirements.
Most banks offer free notarization to account holders; UPS Stores typically charge $5–$25; mobile notaries run $25–$50.
State-specific form
Form VR-181 (Bill of Sale) is the mandatory Maryland bill of sale form. Available at mva.maryland.gov. Generic templates may not be accepted; the state form is required.
The form must include:
- Seller's full legal name, address
- Buyer's full legal name, address
- Vehicle year, make, model, body type, VIN
- Odometer reading on the date of sale
- Sale price
- Date of sale
- Both signatures, notarized
Sales tax implications
Maryland charges a 6% titling tax on motor vehicle transfers, computed on the higher of (sale price OR NADA book value, whichever is greater). This is structured as a titling tax, not a typical sales tax.
The buyer pays at MVA title transfer. The book-value floor catches underreporting.
State-specific seller disclosures
- Odometer disclosure: federally required for vehicles under 20 years old
- Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate: required for all out-of-state vehicles being titled in MD
- Emissions testing: required in metro Baltimore and DC suburbs every 2 years (Maryland's VEIP program)
- Salvage title disclosure: required if branded; Maryland brands titles permanently
Where to file
The buyer files at any Maryland MVA office within 30 days of sale.
For the full state title transfer process, see the national bill of sale guide and our Baltimore guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a notarized bill of sale in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland is one of 5 US states requiring notarization (along with Louisiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and West Virginia).
What's Form VR-181?
Maryland's mandatory Bill of Sale form. Both seller and buyer signatures must be notarized. Available at mva.maryland.gov.
Where can I get a notary in Maryland?
Most banks offer free notarization to account holders. UPS Stores typically charge $5–$25. Mobile notaries run $25–$50.
What's the sales tax on a private car sale in Maryland?
6% titling tax, computed on the higher of (sale price OR NADA book value).
Why is the tax based on book value?
Maryland's titling tax floor at NADA book value prevents underreporting. Even if the bill-of-sale price is below book value, the tax is computed on book value.
Where do I file the bill of sale in Maryland?
At any Maryland MVA office, with the signed title and Form VR-181. Within 30 days of sale.
Does Maryland require emissions testing?
Yes in metro Baltimore and DC suburbs (Maryland's VEIP program). Every 2 years.
What if I lost the title in Maryland?
Apply for a duplicate at the MVA.
Should I disclose flaws on the bill of sale?
The "as-is" disclosure covers most. Disclose salvage or rebuilt status and major defects.
Selling a car in Maryland?
Generate a Baltimore-, Annapolis-, or Frederick-ready listing for Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Cars.com from one upload. About ten minutes total.
For Baltimore specifically, see our selling in Baltimore guide.