Did you know you can legally transfer ownership of a vehicle in Maryland without registering it right away?
Many people think they must get plates and insurance immediately after buying a car — even if it’s not ready to hit the road. But that’s not true. A title-only transfer lets you establish ownership first, giving you flexibility and peace of mind while you prepare the vehicle for use.
At Maryland Express Services (MES) in Ellicott City, we help customers handle this exact situation every day — fast, compliant, and on the spot.
🔹 What Is a Title-Only Transfer?
A title-only transfer means you’re transferring legal ownership of a vehicle into your name, but not applying for Maryland registration or plates yet.
This is often done when:
- The car needs repairs, inspection, or restoration before it’s road-ready.
- The buyer is not ready to insure the vehicle yet.
- The vehicle will be stored or exported.
- You’re just trying to get the title in your name for record or sale purposes.
Essentially, you own it, but you’re not driving it yet.
➡️ Learn more about our Tag & Title Services
🔹 Why Choose Title-Only Transfer?
This option saves time, stress, and penalties.
You avoid unnecessary fees and don’t start the registration clock on a car that’s not in use. Plus, you’re fully protected: if anything happens (damage, theft, resale), the title already lists you as the legal owner.
Common examples:
- Buying a used vehicle from a private seller or auction.
- Restoring a classic or historic car.
- Waiting on out-of-state documents or lien release.
- Buying a second car or project vehicle not yet insured.
🔹 What You’ll Need to Bring
To process a title-only transfer in Maryland, bring:
- Original vehicle title (properly signed by seller)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Bill of sale (if applicable)
- Lien release (if there’s a lien holder listed)
- Power of Attorney (VR-470) if someone else is signing on your behalf
💡 Tip: MES can notarize your Bill of Sale or Power of Attorney on-site if needed — no separate appointment required.
➡️ Check our Notary & Document Services
🔹 Step-by-Step: How MES Handles It
- We verify all documents (seller, buyer, VIN, signatures).
- We submit your title transfer directly through Maryland’s MVA system.
- You receive your Maryland title confirmation — ownership officially in your name.
- When you’re ready, come back anytime to complete registration and get plates.
Most title-only transfers are completed same day — usually in less than 20 minutes.
🔹 What Fees to Expect
At MES, we’re fully transparent about costs.
Your total will include:
- MVA title fee (state-set)
- 6% Maryland excise tax (based on vehicle sale price)
- MES service fee — typically ranges from $60 to $150, depending on the vehicle type and transaction. 20% Discounts are available for seniors, students, military members, veterans, small business owners, Teachers and instructors, and Healthcare workers.
For Maryland’s official fee reference, visit the
➡️ Maryland MVA Title & Registration Fees page
🔹 FAQs
Can I drive the car after a title-only transfer?
No. You’ll need valid registration and insurance before the vehicle can be legally driven. A title-only transfer just proves ownership.
Can I get tags later from MES?
Absolutely. Once you’re ready — inspection, insurance, or repairs done — come back and we’ll issue your plates and registration on the spot.
➡️ Schedule or walk in for same-day Tag & Title service
🔹 Why Trust Maryland Express Services?
- MVA-Authorized agent — your title and tag transactions are processed legally and instantly.
- Same-day turnaround — no long MVA lines or appointments.
- Local expertise — we know Maryland’s paperwork inside out.
- Friendly, bilingual service — English, Spanish, and Korean assistance available.
💬 Final Word
A title-only transfer is perfect if you’ve just bought a car but aren’t ready to drive it yet.
At MES, we handle the entire process quickly, accurately, and securely — so you own your vehicle without the stress of MVA lines or confusion.
📍 Visit us at 3205 Corporate Ct, Ellicott City, MD
📞 Call 443-826-7843
or
💻 Learn more at marylandexpressservices.com
