Maryland No Longer Requires a Notarized Bill of Sale for Private Sales of Vehicles Under 7 Years Old

If you’ve ever bought a car from a neighbor, a friend, or someone on Facebook Marketplace in Maryland, you may remember one extra step: a notarized bill of sale. As of October 1, 2026, Maryland no longer requires a notarized bill of sale for many private sales. Here’s what changed, how the price check works now, and what to bring when you title your vehicle with us in Reisterstown.

This post covers the law change itself. If you need the form, see our how-to on the Maryland car bill of sale (VR-181): what to include and how to fill it out.

What changed on October 1, 2026?

Maryland passed Senate Bill 125 / House Bill 251 (Chapters 119 and 118 of 2026), which repealed the notarized bill of sale requirement. According to the Maryland MVA, a notarized bill of sale is no longer required for vehicles less than 7 years old sold by a private party.

Before this change, a buyer who paid well below book value for a newer used car had to submit a notarized bill of sale on an MVA form, signed by both buyer and seller, to be taxed on the lower price. That meant coordinating schedules, finding a notary, and sometimes making a second trip. The new rule makes things simpler.

How is the price checked now? The $500 rule

When you title a privately purchased vehicle that is less than 7 years old, the MVA system compares the price you report with the vehicle’s NADA value (a national used-car pricing guide the MVA uses). According to the MVA:

• If your reported price is within $500 of the NADA value, taxes are calculated on the price you reported.
• If your reported price is more than $500 below the NADA value, you have two choices: be taxed on the NADA value, or provide documentation that supports the lower price you paid.
• If the value is disputed, or the system can’t find a NADA value for your vehicle, the transaction is sent to the MVA for review by an MVA agent.

In plain terms: if you paid a fair-market price, nothing extra is usually needed. If you got a really good deal, maybe because the car needs work or was sold by a family friend, be ready to show why. (Want the background? Here’s how Maryland figures vehicle excise tax.)

What documents can support a lower sale price?

The MVA says there’s no complete list of acceptable evidence. Its goal is to make sure vehicle transfers are taxed appropriately. The MVA gives these examples:

• A bill of sale, or documentation of the vehicle’s condition that supports the price (such as repair estimates or photos of damage)
• Financial records, like a canceled check, a bank statement showing the payment, or loan documents
• The original ad showing the price, or messages between you and the seller discussing the price
• A listing from another national pricing guide, such as Kelley Blue Book or Price Digest

MVA agents may also do their own research to decide on a reasonable price range.

Our tip: Even though notarization isn’t required anymore, a bill of sale signed by both of you is still a smart idea. Save screenshots of your texts with the seller and keep proof of payment. A few minutes of record-keeping now can save you money and time later. And before you hand over any money, check for MVA flags before you buy.

What to bring when you title a car bought from a private seller

According to the MVA’s guide to Titling a Vehicle Bought from a Private Party, you’ll generally need:

1. The original title, properly signed over to you by the seller, with all required sections completed
2. A completed Certificate of Title Application (VR-005)
3. Proof of purchase price, and a bill of sale if applicable
4. An odometer disclosure, if applicable
5. A Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate
6. Valid identification
7. A lien release, if a lien is listed on the title
8. Maryland insurance information, if you’re registering the vehicle
9. Payment for the required state taxes and fees
10. Supporting price documents (see the list above) if you paid more than $500 below the NADA value

Every situation is a little different. Gifts between family members, out-of-state titles, and missing titles can each need different paperwork. Call or text us before you come in and we’ll tell you exactly what your situation needs.

Why come to Maryland Express Services?

Maryland Express Services LLC is an MVA-licensed private tag and title service agent in Reisterstown. We’re not the MVA. We’re a local, authorized business offering tag and title services to customers from Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Glyndon, Finksburg, and across Baltimore County.

We’re open seven days a week with evening hours, so you can take care of your title transfer when it fits your schedule:

• Monday–Friday: 9 AM–9 PM
• Saturday: 9:30 AM–8 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM–7 PM

If your sale price needs MVA review, we’ll help you put your documents together so your transaction can move forward as smoothly as possible.

More Maryland changes that took effect October 1, 2026

• Still driving on out-of-state plates? Maryland’s new “Plate Where You Live” fines are now in effect.
• Co-own a vehicle? You can now name a transfer-on-death beneficiary on a Maryland title.
• Live out of state and bought a car here? See our Maryland in-transit tag guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does Maryland still require a notarized bill of sale for a private car sale?

Not for most newer vehicles. As of October 1, 2026, Maryland no longer requires a notarized bill of sale for vehicles less than 7 years old sold by a private party. The change comes from Senate Bill 125 / House Bill 251.

What is the MVA’s $500 rule for private vehicle sales?

For a privately sold vehicle less than 7 years old, the MVA compares the reported price with the vehicle’s NADA value. If the price is within $500 of the NADA value, taxes are based on the reported price. If it is more than $500 below, you can be taxed on the NADA value or provide documentation that supports the lower price.

What documents can prove I paid less than book value?

The MVA says there’s no complete list. Examples include a bill of sale or documentation of the vehicle’s condition, a canceled check, bank statement, or loan documents, the original ad or messages with the seller about the price, and a listing from another national guide such as Kelley Blue Book or Price Digest.

What happens if the MVA can’t find a NADA value or the value is disputed?

The transaction is sent to the MVA for review by an MVA agent. MVA agents may also do their own research to decide on a reasonable price range.

Should I still get a bill of sale when I buy a car privately?

Yes, it’s still a good idea. Notarization is no longer required for vehicles less than 7 years old, but a bill of sale signed by buyer and seller, proof of payment, and your messages with the seller can all help support the price you paid.

What do I need to title a car bought from a private seller in Maryland?

Generally: the original title signed over to you, a Certificate of Title Application (VR-005), proof of purchase price, an odometer disclosure if applicable, a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate, valid ID, a lien release if a lien is listed, Maryland insurance information if registering, and payment for state taxes and fees.

Ready to title your vehicle?

Selling instead of buying? See what to do after selling a car in Maryland.

Bought a car from a private seller? Skip the notary and come see us. Walk-ins welcome 7 days a week: Mon–Fri 9 AM–9 PM, Sat 9:30 AM–8 PM, Sun 10 AM–7 PM.

Maryland Express Services LLC
25 Main St Suite C, Reisterstown, MD 21136

• Phone: (443) 826-7843 (call/text/WhatsApp)
• Fax: (410) 465-1054

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