Buying a Vehicle

If you are buying a vehicle in Maryland, there are important steps to follow to protect yourself and complete the purchase correctly. This page explains what you need to do before and after buying a vehicle.

Before buying a vehicle

Choose a legitimate seller

Buy vehicles only from:

• Licensed dealers, or
• Private sellers who are listed on the vehicle’s title

Know the signs of an unlicensed seller

Be careful of curbstoners. A curbstoner is an unlicensed seller who pretends to be a private seller. Buying from a curbstoner can lead to problems with the title, safety or registration.

Red flags include:

• The seller’s name is not on the title
• The seller refuses to meet at their home
• The price seems too low
• The seller has multiple vehicles for sale

Check the title

Ask to see the Certificate of Title before you pay. The Certificate of Title proves who legally owns the vehicle.

The title should:

• Match the vehicle’s VIN
• Show the seller as the owner
• Be free of liens, unless the lien will be released at sale

Completing the purchase

Step 1: Fill out the title correctly

Make sure the seller:

• Completes all required sections
• Records the correct sale price
• Provides the odometer reading (required by federal law)
• Signs and dates the title

If there are errors, the MVA may reject the title.

Step 2: Get a bill of sale

A bill of sale is not always required, but it is strongly recommended.

It should include:

• Buyer and seller names
• Vehicle information
• Sale price
• Date of sale
• Signatures

Step 3: Get insurance

You must have Maryland auto insurance before registering the vehicle.

Contact your insurance company and add the vehicle to your policy.

After buying a vehicle

1. Get a Maryland Safety Inspection. Most used vehicles must pass this inspection before they can be titled and registered.
2. Title and register the vehicle. In many cases, you can title and register at the same time.

Know who will submit the title & registration

• Dealer purchase: The dealer usually handles the title and registration for you. Learn how to get a Maryland vehicle title when you buy a car from a dealer.
• Private sale: You are responsible for inspections, titling, and registration. Learn how to get a Maryland Certificate of Title when you buy a vehicle from a private seller.

Always confirm who is responsible before completing the sale.

Avoid common buyer mistakes

• Paying before reviewing the title
• Accepting an incomplete or altered title
• Buying from someone not listed on the title
• Skipping the safety inspection
• Delaying titling and registration