Selling or junking a car in Maryland, step by step
- Find your title (or replace it). If the title is lost or damaged, request a duplicate from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) using Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (VR-018); it can be done online.
- Pay off any loan. If a lender is listed on the title, it must release the lien before the car can change hands. See our guide to junking a car with a lien.
- Sign the title over at pickup. The seller needs a valid Maryland title in their name with any lien released before selling. On the back of the title, the seller fills in the buyer's name and address, sale price, odometer reading, signatures and date. MVA recommends a bill of sale and keeping copies of both sides of the title.
- Deal with your plates. Plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle. The seller removes them before handing over the car and either moves them to another vehicle or returns them to MVA when selling, trading or junking the car.
- Tell the state and your insurer. Maryland has no separate seller notice that we could confirm. Keep a copy of the signed title and receipt, then cancel your insurance and registration.
How to sign over a title in Maryland
The seller needs a valid Maryland title in their name with any lien released before selling. On the back of the title, the seller fills in the buyer's name and address, sale price, odometer reading, signatures and date. MVA recommends a bill of sale and keeping copies of both sides of the title.
Official page: mva.maryland.gov. For general tips on avoiding mistakes, see how to sign over a car title.
Lost title? Getting a duplicate in Maryland
MVA says applying through a myMVA account online is fastest, and Form VR-018 is also available. The duplicate is mailed to the address on file and has the same legal force as the original.
- Form: Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (VR-018) — download
- Available online: yes
- Official page: mva.maryland.gov
More background: how to get a duplicate title before junking.
License plates after you sell
Plates generally need to be returned or surrendered to the state. Plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle. The seller removes them before handing over the car and either moves them to another vehicle or returns them to MVA when selling, trading or junking the car.
Source: mva.maryland.gov
Junk and salvage titles in Maryland
A vehicle an insurer has declared a total loss is a salvage vehicle, handled with the Salvage Certificate/Owner Retention Application (VR-028). To get a rebuilt title after repairs, the vehicle must pass a Maryland State Police salvage inspection.
Official page: mva.maryland.gov. Background: salvage vs. rebuilt vs. junk titles.
Selling a car without a title in Maryland
We didn't find an official Maryland page describing a no-title option, so the safest route is to request a duplicate first. Our guide to junking a car without a title covers the general options buyers may accept.
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Maryland title questions
How do I replace a lost car title in Maryland?
MVA says applying through a myMVA account online is fastest, and Form VR-018 is also available. The duplicate is mailed to the address on file and has the same legal force as the original. The form is Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (VR-018).
Do I need to notify Maryland when I sell my car?
We couldn't confirm a separate notice-of-sale form for Maryland. Keep a copy of the signed title and bill of sale, cancel your registration if required, and check with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
What happens to my license plates when I sell a car in Maryland?
Plates stay with the seller, not the vehicle. The seller removes them before handing over the car and either moves them to another vehicle or returns them to MVA when selling, trading or junking the car.
Can I junk a car without a title in Maryland?
It depends on the car and the buyer. The simplest route is usually to request a duplicate title first. Our guide to junking a car without a title explains the general options.
Official sources
- Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) — homemva.maryland.gov
- Selling or transferring a vehicle titlemva.maryland.gov
- Duplicate or replacement title (Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (VR-018))mva.maryland.gov
- Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (VR-018) formmva.maryland.gov
- License plates after a salemva.maryland.gov
- Junk and salvage vehiclesmva.maryland.gov
Summarized from official Maryland government websites in October 2026. Fees and procedures change; always confirm with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) before you sell. This guide is general information, not legal advice.