How to Sell a Car in Maryland? A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Sell a Car in Maryland?

There are three main ways to sell your car in Maryland:

Jump to: Sell Car Privately

Jump to: Sell Car to Car Buying Website

Jump to: Sell Car to Dealership

Sell Car Privately in Maryland

Here is a step-by-step process you can follow when selling your car in Maryland

Requirements to Sell Your Car in Maryland

• Certificate of title
• Buyers name, signature, and address
• Your name, signature, and address
• Odometer disclosure
• Rebuilt salvage disclosure; optional but needed. 

Step 1: Pre-Sale Vehicle Inspection

Maryland requires that vehicles must be inspected and a safety license issued by the Maryland Inspection station. If the vehicle passes the inspection test, you will be issued a Maryland Safety inspection certificate. Additionally, you can also organize test drives, especially if the buyer is not comfortable without it. 

Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle for Sale

Prepare your car for sale by doing the following:

• Remove all your personal belongings from the vehicle and trash from back seat pockets. 
• Wash your vehicle and vacuum clean door mats and car seats to remove dust and debris. 
• Fix damages; if the car has electrical, physical, or mechanical damages, this is the right time to fix it. Moreover, you can also do general car maintenance like changing oil, adjusting vehicle brakes, or topping off all fluids
• Take clear and comprehensive photos that you will show potential buyers or use for listing on different marketing platforms. 

Step 3: List the Car for Sale on Marketplaces and Car Selling Websites

After thoroughly cleaning your car and taking photos, create a listing for your car at various marketplaces to reach potential buyers. Some of the online sites and marketplaces you can list your car include; 

When listing your car, ensure you give detailed descriptions of your vehicle to potential buyers. Indicate important information such as car model, make, and current condition. Also include if the car has scratches, stains, or potential issues that might arise after the sale.  

Step 4: Organize Vehicle Related Documents

Gather all vehicle-related documents, including the owner’s manual, maintenance records, and other related paperwork, and put them in one place. Providing your potential buyer with detailed vehicle documents and reports boost the buyer’s confidence that the vehicle is properly maintained. 

You can also download vehicle history reports from AutoCheck or CarFax and share them with the buyer. 

In case certification of title has a lienholder, the lender needs to show interest in the vehicle before it is sold. You can achieve this by paying off the car or issuing a letter of lien release from the lien holder.

If you pay off the car loan, the lender is required to complete and submit a Maryland Notice of Security Interest Filing (Form VR-217) or provide a notarized letter of lien release from the lienholder. 

In addition, suppose you can’t pay for the loan on the car; you need to submit a lien release statement from your lienholder. 

When selling your car in Maryland it is advisable to do background research before pricing your vehicle.

Step 5: Bill of Sale

While a Bill of Sale is not required in Maryland, completing it and keeping it in your records is important because it shows that the vehicle was legally transferred. It also protects you and the buyer from legal disputes. 

Maryland only requires sellers to fill out a Bill of Sale only if the space of vehicle price is not included in the title. Additionally, Bill of Sale is what Maryland authorities use when taxing buyers based on the vehicle price on the title. 

Besides, Maryland laws suggest that all vehicle documents need to be signed in the presence of a notary. Maryland’s official Bill of Sale is form VR-181, and it contains information such as

• Year, make, and model of the car
• Odometer reading
• Vehicle selling price
• Signature name and address of the buyer and seller. 

Step 6: Transfer of Title

If you’ve lost your title or it was stolen or damaged, you can complete form VR-018 to get a replacement or a duplicate of your vehicle title. While submitting your Duplicate Title Affidavit, you should include a $20 service fee that will be used to process the document. 

Both need to fill sections on the back of the title with information, including;

• Legal names of the buyer and seller
• Address of the and signature of the buyer and seller
• Date of sale
• Odometer reading
• Vehicle purchase price

Accurately filling out the transfer title will make it easy for the buyer to get a new license plate or complete the vehicle transfer. Furthermore, if the title is co-owned, then all sellers must sign the document to make it authentic. 

When gifting your car to a relative, use the process explained here. However, the new vehicle owner must pay the title transfer fee. As for inheritance process and procedures, visit the Maryland website for more information.

Step 7: Remove Your Vehicle Plate

You need to remove your vehicle plate after the sale of the vehicle is finalized. If you don’t remove the plates, you might be held accountable for crimes or violations committed by the buyer. 

After removing the license plates, you can return them to MVA offices or transfer them to your own vehicle. 

Step 8: Cancel Your Insurance

Once the sale of the vehicle is complete, you need to cancel your vehicle insurance immediately to avoid paying insurance for a car that is not in your possession. 

Maryland inspection centers can be service stations, car dealers, or specialized automobile service centers.

Related: 49 Places to Sell a Used Car

Sell Car to Car Buying Website

Selling your car to car buying websites like Peddle and Wheelzy saves you time and money on taxes, and you also get the best deals for your car. 

Besides, Peddle and Wheelzy helps you in handling the paperwork associated with selling cars, such as title transfer, making vehicle inspections, and filling or gathering vehicle documents. 

Wheelzy and Peddle will provide you with an instant quote and buy your car within 48 hours. Once you are provided with the quote, you have 7 days to accept or decline the offer. If you accept the offer, respective company agents will contact you to schedule a pick up of your sold car. 

Peddle

Peddle Summary

• Buys used, damaged or junk car nationwide
• Get instant quote on (855) 925 4302
• Free towing within 48 hours after offer
• Receive payment upon car collection

How Much Peddle Will Pay for Your Car in Maryland

The table below shows few of the cars Peddle has recently purchased in Maryland

Wheelzy

Wheelzy Summary

• Wheelzy stores are open 7 days a week
• Get offer in minutes – (855) 510-1108
• Free towing of your car from your location
• Instant payment via cash or check

How Much Wheelzy Will Pay for Your Car in Maryland?

Here are a few examples of Wheelzy’s recent purchases:

Related: 15 Places to Sell a Car Online

Sell Car to Dealership

In case you don’t prefer selling your car online or privately, you can opt for dealerships. With dealerships, you are likely to get the best offers for your car. However, it is advisable to know the value of your vehicle before selling it through dealerships. 

Dealerships will offer you quotes depending on your vehicle mileage, current condition, make and model. The prices quoted by dealers may slightly differ from the original trade-in value price. If you accept the offer, you can drop your car and receive your payments.

Best dealerships in Maryland

Sell Car in Maryland FAQ

How much does Maryland charge for title transfers?

Maryland title transfer costs $100. The buyer pays for the cost.

Can I transfer my title online in Maryland?

You can transfer your vehicle title online, by mail, or in person at your local DMV agency.

How much will I pay for a temporary vehicle registration tag in Maryland?

Temporary vehicle tags will cost you $20 and are only valid for 30 days. 

Will I be fined for failing to return vehicle plates in Maryland?

Failing to return vehicle plates will attract a fine of $150 for the first month, then $7 per day will be imposed on the plate until the issue is sorted. 

How many vehicles are unlicensed dealers allowed to sell in Maryland?

You can sell up to 3 vehicles per year as an unlicensed dealer.