Removing a co-owner from a Maryland vehicle title sounds simple—but in practice, it’s one of the most misunderstood title transactions we see. Many vehicle owners are surprised by unexpected fees, requests for gift forms, or Power of Attorney requirements after submitting paperwork.
This guide explains how Maryland MVA actually handles co-owner removal, why fees are usually $100, when they suddenly become $200, and when gift certification is—and is not—required.
Why You Usually Pay Only $100
In Maryland, ** aligned with the MVA’s standard titling rules**, removing a co-owner is legally treated as a title transfer, not a correction and not a duplicate.
When done correctly:
- The original Maryland title is signed on the back
- All current owners sign as sellers
- The remaining owner signs as the buyer
- A new title is issued in the remaining owner’s name
Because only one new title is being issued, the standard Maryland title fee is $100.
There is no per-name fee and no special “co-owner removal” surcharge. The MVA charges per title issued, not per person listed.
👉 If the transaction starts as a clean title transfer, $100 is the normal and correct fee.
When a Duplicate Title Triggers Extra Fees
This is where most problems—and surprise costs—begin.
Maryland’s Duplicate Title Application (VR-018) is strictly for:
- Lost titles
- Destroyed titles
- Illegible titles
It cannot be used to change ownership.
What happens when duplicate + transfer collide?
If a duplicate title request is submitted and the paperwork or comments indicate that a co-owner should be removed, MVA can no longer process the transaction as a single transfer.
Instead, the system treats it as:
- One service to issue a duplicate title, and
- A second service to issue a new title with different ownership
That’s how you end up with:
- $100 for the duplicate/title issuance
- $100 for the ownership transfer
- Total: $200
This is not a penalty. It’s the result of requesting two title services in one transaction.
Key takeaway
If a name is coming off the title, never start with a duplicate title request.
Once a duplicate is in the system, MVA often has no choice but to treat the ownership change as a second service.
The Real Rule for Gift Certification
Another major source of confusion is the Gift Certification Form (VR-103).
Many people assume:
“No money changed hands, so it must be a gift.”
That’s not always true in Maryland.
When a gift form is required
Gift certification is required when:
- A vehicle is being transferred to a different person, and
- The transfer qualifies as a gift under Maryland excise tax rules (often between immediate family members)
In those cases, VR-103 documents the relationship and determines whether excise tax applies.
When a gift form is NOT required
If you are:
- Removing a co-owner, and
- The remaining owner is already listed on the title, and
- Ownership is consolidated (not transferred to a new person)
Then this is not a gift—it is a change in ownership interest.
In a clean transfer:
- No gift form is required
- No excise tax applies
- Only the $100 title fee is due
Why MVA sometimes still asks for a gift form
If the transaction was originally submitted as a duplicate title or lacks proper seller signatures, MVA may reclassify it internally as a gifted transfer to justify the ownership change. That’s when VR-103 suddenly appears.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a special form to remove a co-owner?
No. Maryland does not have a “remove co-owner” form. The removal is done by properly assigning the back of the title and submitting VR-005.
Is Power of Attorney always required?
No. A Power of Attorney (VR-470) is required only if the co-owner being removed cannot physically sign the title.
If both owners sign, no POA is needed.
Can I remove a co-owner using a duplicate title?
No. A duplicate title cannot change ownership. Attempting to do so is the most common reason transactions are rejected or re-billed.
Why did MVA tell me I owe $200?
Because the transaction was processed as two services—usually a duplicate title plus a transfer. In a clean transfer, the fee would have been $100.
Is excise tax due when removing a co-owner?
No. When ownership is consolidated to an existing owner and no consideration is exchanged, excise tax does not apply.
Final Advice: Do It Clean the First Time
Removing a co-owner in Maryland is straightforward when done correctly—but small procedural mistakes can trigger extra fees, gift forms, or delays.
Best practice:
- Do not use VR-018 if ownership is changing
- Ensure all current owners sign the title
- Use VR-005 for the new title
- Use POA only when truly needed
If you’re unsure, getting guidance before submitting paperwork can save weeks of back-and-forth and unnecessary costs.
Helpful Resources
- Maryland MVA Titling Information (External):
https://mva.maryland.gov/vehicles/Pages/registration/title-registration-info.aspx - Maryland Title Applications (VR-005):
https://mva.maryland.gov/Documents/VR-005.pdf
