Maryland Bill of Sale Template for Cars, Trucks, Trailers, and Boat

Buying or selling a vehicle or vessel in Maryland? Without the right paperwork, you may have difficulty registering the vehicle or vessel after your purchase. To sell a vehicle in Maryland 7 years old or newer for less than its book value, you must have a notarized MVA bill of sale.

Maryland Bill of Sale Form

Looking for a way to get the bill of sale template? Look no more; we’ve provided a free-to-use Maryland bill of sale template to record your transaction. Download now for free!

What's a Maryland Bill of Sale Used For?

Every transaction needs to be recorded, and a bill of sale helps with that when it comes to cars, trailers, and other vehicles.

A bill of sale is a written record of a vehicle or vessel transaction in Maryland. Besides being a record, the bill of sale is used when registering the vehicle or vessel so you can operate it on the road or water.

The bill of sale includes the details of the seller and buyer and the vehicle sold between them. It can also be useful in case of disputes or legal issues after the sale.

Get a Vehicle History Report and Stay Safe

Purchasing a used car requires extra attention, as you may not know what has happened in the past or how the previous owners treated the vehicle. To avoid this, get a vehicle history report and be informed about the car’s past.

What Can You Find in the Vehicle Report?

When you run a VIN check, you can get all the detailed information about the vehicle. Here’s what you’ll be getting on the report.

Instantly check for past accidents, mileage discrepancies, maintenance history, and potential fraud before purchasing.

In addition, sellers can display their vehicles’ original factory specifications and features with window stickers. A window sticker shows the standard and optional features, packages, MSRP, safety ratings, and more.

Display accurate vehicle specs to all buyers easily with our window sticker lookup tool!

What's Included in a Window Sticker?

Our window sticker lookup provides all original factory details for your vehicle.

What Should Be Written on the Bill of Sale?

The bill of sale must include all the transaction details, including both parties’ names, addresses, and vehicle information.

According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), the bill of sale should contain:

  • Buyer and Seller Information: Full names and addresses of both parties.
  • Vehicle or Vessel Details: Make, model, year, vehicle identification number (VIN), or hull identification number (HIN).
  • Date of Sale: The exact date when the transaction took place.
  • Purchase Price: The amount paid for the vehicle or vessel.
  • Odometer Reading: Required for vehicle sales to ensure accuracy.
  • Signatures: Both the buyer and seller must sign the document.

Why You Need a Bill of Sale?

Why Sellers Need a Maryland Bill of Sale?

A bill of sale protects the seller as proof that the ownership of the vehicle or vessel has been successfully transferred to the buyer. Some more reasons why the seller needs to get the bill of sale are:

Avoid Liability for Accidents or Crimes

Once a vehicle is sold, you don’t want to be responsible for what happens next. A bill of sale ensures you’re legally protected if the buyer gets into an accident or commits a crime. Without this document, you might still be linked to the vehicle, leading to unnecessary legal trouble.

Ensure Accurate Tax Reporting

Taxes can get tricky if the sale price isn’t documented correctly. A bill of sale provides official proof of the exact purchase price, preventing issues with tax filings. If authorities ever question the price, this document serves as undeniable evidence.

Protect Yourself in Legal Disputes

A handshake agreement isn’t enough when selling a vehicle or vessel. A bill of sale acts as legal proof if there are disagreements over payment, ownership, or the vehicle’s condition. If a buyer claims they never received the vehicle or refuses to pay, you have a documented transaction record.

Does the Buyer Need a Bill of Sale, Too?

Of course. Both parties must obtain the bill of sale to have solid proof that the buyer has bought the vehicle, and now it’s the buyer’s responsibility.

For buyers, a bill of sale is useful for several reasons:

Proof of Ownership Before Title Transfer

A bill of sale confirms that the buyer legally purchased the vehicle, serving as temporary proof of ownership until the title is officially transferred.

Protection Against Fraud

This document verifies essential sale details like the VIN, price, and seller’s information, helping buyers avoid scams and ensuring a transparent transaction.

Required for Registration or Taxes

Some Maryland vehicle registrations or tax filings require a notarized bill of sale, ensuring compliance and preventing delays in legally registering the purchased vehicle.

What to Check Before Buying a Car!

Aside from getting the bill of sale, you may check the background of the vehicle you are about to buy by utilizing these tools.

Check the vehicle history

Avoid costly mistakes by verifying past accidents, title issues, and undisclosed damages.

Look for flood damage

Some areas have a high risk of water-damaged vehicles. A flood damage check helps identify unsafe cars.

Verify the odometer reading

Odometer fraud is common, with sellers rolling back mileage to increase value.

Be informed about the title

Checking the title is important before you decide to buy the car, as nobody wants to buy a car with a bad title.

Check for theft records

You don’t want to be stuck with a stolen vehicle. Check for theft records and avoid legal issues.

Get the service record

Buying a used car means you need to check the service record to ensure that past owners regularly serviced the car.

Taking a few minutes to check a car’s background can save you from expensive surprises down the road.

How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland?

After buying a vehicle, you must register it with the Maryland MVA. Follow these steps:

Obtain the Required Documents

Gather the vehicle title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and an application for registration. Some vehicles may need an odometer disclosure statement.

Complete a Maryland Safety Inspection

Maryland requires used vehicles to pass a safety inspection before registration. Inspections must be conducted at an authorized Maryland inspection station.

Visit an MVA Office or Register Online

You can submit your documents in person at an MVA branch or, in some cases, complete registration online through the MVA website.

Pay the Registration Fees

Fees depend on the vehicle’s weight, type, and other factors. You may also need to pay sales tax based on the purchase price.

Receive Your Registration and Plates

Once approved, you’ll receive your Maryland license plates and registration certificate, allowing you to legally operate the vehicle.

For more information, visit the Maryland MVA Registration Page.

How to Register a Vessel in Maryland

All motorized boats and some sailboats in Maryland must be registered with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Follow these steps:

Gather Required Documents

You’ll need a completed application, the bill of sale, proof of ownership, and any previous registration or title documents.

Check If a Hull Identification Number (HIN) is Needed

If the boat does not have a HIN, you may need to apply for one through the Maryland DNR.

Submit the Registration Application

Bring your documents to a Maryland DNR Service Center or an authorized agent to process your registration.

Pay Registration Fees

Fees vary based on the length and type of vessel. Additional taxes may apply to new boat purchases.

Obtain Registration Decals

Once registered, you’ll receive decals that must be displayed on the vessel while operating in Maryland waters.

Get a Vehicle Bill of Sale by State

Each state has its own requirements for an auto bill of sale. Click below to find the template for your state!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, though not universal, many banks in Maryland provide notary services for financial documents like mortgages and bills of sale. To confirm availability, contact your local branch.

Notarized documents typically have no expiration, but check local laws. Some regulations may require updates. Ensure your documents remain valid by understanding your state’s rules.

Avoid sending scans or high-resolution photos due to fraud risks. Insist on in-person viewing; a genuine buyer will want to inspect the car directly.