Business Licenses for Title Services

Who needs a title service license

If you process vehicle titles for customers in Maryland, you must be licensed as a title service agent by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). 

You must have this license if you:

• Operate a business that processes vehicle titles for others
• Accept payment to prepare or submit title or registration documents
• Act as an agent to file paperwork with the MVA, including paperwork for vehicle titles and registrations

You may not operate a title service business in Maryland without a valid license.

Requirements & responsibilities

Surety bond requirement

Before your title services license can be issued, you must file a surety bond in accordance with the Maryland Transportation Article. The bond must:

• Be in the amount required by law
• Be issued by a surety company authorized to do business in Maryland
• Be payable to the State of Maryland
• Remain active for as long as you are licensed

You must maintain continuous bond coverage at all times. If your bond is canceled, expires, or becomes invalid, your license may be suspended or revoked and you may not legally operate.

The surety bond protects customers and ensures compliance with Maryland law.

Business location requirement

You must have a permanent, established place of business that meets MVA requirements, including compliance with local zoning laws. Your location must be approved before your license is issued.

You may not operate from an unapproved location.

Title service agent responsibilities

As a licensed title service agent, you must:

• Follow the Maryland Transportation Article
• Submit accurate and complete title and registration paperwork
• Maintain your required surety bond
• Comply with all MVA rules and procedures

Violations may result in civil penalties, suspension, or revocation of your license.

How to apply for a title services license

Step 1: Complete the application

Fill out the official title services application form. Make sure all information is complete and accurate — incomplete applications may delay processing.

Step 2: Obtain your surety bond

Secure the required surety bond in the amount set by Maryland law. The bond must be properly executed and submitted with your application.

Step 3: Gather required documents

You may need to provide:

• Proof of business location
• Zoning approval
• Business formation documents
• Original surety bond
• Any other documents required by the Business Licensing and Compliance Division

Step 4: Submit the application & fees

Mail or deliver your completed application, bond, supporting documents, and fees to:

Business Licensing and Compliance Division
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

Fees are nonrefundable. 

Do not begin operating until your license has been approved.

How to renew your license

Title services licenses must be renewed as required by the MVA.

To renew, you must submit renewal paperwork, pay renewal fees and maintain active surety bond coverage

Do not operate if your license has expired.

Related services

If you are submitting title and registration transactions, you must follow all MVA requirements for:

• Titling vehicles in Maryland
• Transferring ownership
• Submitting registration documents
• Handling tag and title transactions

All title and tag processing must comply with Maryland law.

Need help?

Contact the Business Licensing and Compliance Division at 410-768-7000.

We are here to help you understand the licensing process.