Buying From an Auction? Read This Before You Try to Title the Vehicle
Intro
Buying a vehicle — especially from auctions or independent dealers — can feel like a shortcut on price. But in Maryland, price isn’t everything. Before you try to transfer the title in your name with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), you need paperwork that proves legal ownership. When that chain of ownership is incomplete, incorrect, or improperly reassigned, the MVA will reject the transfer. That means no tags, no registration, and no peace of mind — until the paperwork is fixed.
Why Correct Title Assignment Matters
When a car changes hands, the title must clearly establish who owns the vehicle now — especially in used sales or auctions. The Maryland MVA requires that the current title be properly signed and reassigned to the new owner before titling and registration can proceed.
This becomes a problem when:
- The seller gives you the title without an assignment.
- The reassignment section is incomplete or illegible.
- The dealer details are missing or the dealer isn’t licensed correctly.
- Auction paperwork doesn’t include proper transfer documents.
In each case, MVA won’t know if you truly own the vehicle, so the transaction will be rejected.
Common Scenarios That Cause Title Rejection
1. No reassignment on the title
A title that isn’t signed over to you isn’t proof of ownership. Without a legally executed reassignment, MVA will not transfer the title.
2. Incomplete or incorrect dealer reassignment
If you bought from a dealer — especially at auction — the reassignment section must include exact language, license number, and address. Missing or sloppy entries can be treated as invalid.
3. Wholesale dealer paperwork issues
Some dealers are licensed only for wholesale transactions and cannot legally reassign titles to retail buyers. Maryland law requires licensed dealer assignments for transfers.
This is one reason private buyers get stuck trying to title a vehicle they technically don’t own on paper.
How to Avoid These Problems (Before You Buy)
Before you hand over payment:
✔ Check the title:
Make sure the reassignment section is completely filled out, with seller details matching names on record.
✔ Ask for proof of dealer authorization:
If you’re buying through intermediaries or at auction, confirm the vendor can legally assign the title to you.
✔ Request lien release documents if applicable:
If the title shows a lien, make sure the lienholder provides a notarized release or a Maryland Security Interest Filing before sale.
✔ Don’t rely on verbal assurances:
Even if the seller says the paperwork is “fine,” the MVA’s standards are strict — missing or incorrect forms can delay your transfer indefinitely.
What Happens If the Title Is Invalid
If the MVA can’t confirm ownership due to paperwork issues:
- Your title transfer will be rejected
- You won’t receive tags or registration
- Vehicle can’t be legally operated until resolved
- You may need a duplicate title request or corrected assignment before moving forward.
Helpful Links
✔Maryland MVA Titling & Registration Info – Learn official requirements for titles and transfers:https://mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/Pages/registration/title-registration-info.aspx
✔ Titling a Used Vehicle – What docs MVA expects for used car transfers:https://mva.maryland.gov/about-mva/Pages/info/27300/27300-22T.aspx
✔ Maryland Express Services (MES) Tag & Title full reassignment form guidance https://marylandexpressservices.com/maryland-reassignment-form-explained/
✔ Maryland Express Services (MES) Tag & Title in Ellicott City help service: https://marylandexpressservices.com/contact/
FAQ
Q: Can I title a car if the reassignment is missing?
A: No — if the reassignment section is blank or missing, MVA will not transfer the title. You need a properly executed assignment before proceeding.
Q: What if the title says the seller owes a lien?
A: You’ll need a lien release or electronic confirmation of lien release before MVA can issue a title in your name.
Q: What if the dealer assigned the title incorrectly?
A: You may need the dealer to correct the reassignment or provide documentation of their authorization — otherwise the transaction won’t be accepted.
Q: Can a wholesale dealer sell a car directly to a private buyer?
A: Not legally — unlicensed sales are prohibited. If labeled as “dealer” but lacking proper licensing, the reassignment may be rejected by MVA.
Final Advice for Buyers
Before you pay — check the paper first. A quick review of titles and assignments can save you weeks of delays, extra fees, and frustration at the MVA.
