When I handled my first private car sale in Maryland over a decade ago, I quickly learned that the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires a properly completed bill of sale for almost every title transfer. Whether you're selling a car, truck, SUV, trailer, or motorcycle, having an accurate Maryland vehicle bill of sale protects both buyer and seller and speeds up the titling process at the MVA. In this guide, I'll share the exact MVA bill of sale form template I've used successfully for hundreds of clients, explain when notarization is required, and show you how to avoid the most common mistakes that lead to rejected applications.
Best of all – you can download my fully compliant, free Maryland bill of sale PDF template at the end of this article.
A bill of sale for car in Maryland is a legal document that records the transfer of ownership of a vehicle from seller to buyer. The Maryland MVA specifically requires Form VR-181 (Vehicle Bill of Sale) or an equivalent document that contains all the same information. According to the official MVA website, the bill of sale serves three critical purposes:
Source: Maryland MVA – Bill of Sale Requirements
One of the most frequent questions I receive is: “Do I need a notarized bill of sale Maryland requires?” The answer has changed slightly in recent years.
As of 2025, the MVA accepts the official VR-181 form without notarization in most cases. However, notarization is still mandatory in these situations:
Source: MVA Gift Transfer Guidelines
I've created a clean, fillable Maryland bill of sale PDF that meets or exceeds all MVA requirements while being easier to read than the official VR-181. It includes:
Click here to download the Free Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale Template (PDF)
After helping thousands complete these forms, here are the fields most often filled out incorrectly:
| Field | Common Mistake | Correct Way |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | Writing “$1 and other valuable consideration” | List actual price or check “Gift” box if $0 |
| Odometer Reading | Forgetting to check “exempt” for vehicles over 10 years old | Federal law requires disclosure unless exempt |
| Date of Sale | Post-dating or back-dating | Use actual date transaction occurs |
| Signatures | Only one party signing | Both buyer AND seller must sign |
Motorcycles follow the same VR-181 requirements, but you must also include the motorcycle's class (Class M) and any aftermarket modifications that affect value. The MVA has cracked down on incorrectly reported odometer readings on motorcycles in the last two years.
Maryland is one of the few states that uses the higher of your stated sale price or the NADA/KBB book value when calculating the 6% excise tax. Example from a recent case:
If you legitimately sell below book value (family member, high mileage, damage), include photos and a condition report with your title paperwork.
Source: MVA – Vehicle Taxes and Fees
While the official VR-181 is guaranteed to be accepted, many of my clients prefer third-party templates because:
As long as your template contains all required elements (see checklist below), the MVA will accept it.
Can I handwrite a bill of sale in Maryland?
Yes. The MVA accepts legible handwritten bills of sale as long as all required information is present.
Do I need two copies or three?
Seller keeps one, buyer keeps one, and the MVA keeps one when the buyer titles the vehicle.
What if the Maryland title is lost?
You must apply for a duplicate title first OR complete MVA Form VR-470 (Certification of Bill of Sale) with two witnesses.
Is a bill of sale required for trailers and boats?
Yes for titled trailers over 3,000 lbs. Boats require a different DNR form.
After refining this template through hundreds of successful private-party sales across Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, and the Eastern Shore, I'm confident it will work perfectly for your transaction.
Download Free Maryland Vehicle Bill of Sale Template (PDF – Updated 2025)
Disclaimer: This template and article are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Vehicle laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Maryland attorney or visit your local MVA branch for the most current requirements.
Have questions about your specific sale? Drop them in the comments below – I answer every one personally.