Titling - Corporation or Partnership Vehicle

​The questions and answers provided below explain how the MVA processes a request for a new Maryland title when ownership of the vehicle is transferred (i.e., the vehicle is not sold) and a corporation or business partnership is involved. The following scenarios are covered. Either scroll down to the appropriate question and answer, or click on the scenario in which you are interested.

Note that additional requirements apply if you plan to register the vehicle at the same time. Refer to the infoMVA homepage and select the most appropriate process description.

If a corporation or business partnership is only changing its name, see Changing or Correcting Customer Information. If the ownership of a vehicle is being transferred from an individual or sole proprietor of a business to a corporation or partnership, one of the common titling processes is used. Access the infoMVA homepage and select the most appropriate process description.

Note: On July 1, 2015 all businesses wishing to title a vehicle will be required to show proof of the legal existence of the business. The business will be given a number with a "Z" to identify it.


Fees:


Contact Information:

MVA
Mail In Title Unit

6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

MVA
Glen Burnie Branch Office

6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions:
MVA Customer Service Center:     1-410-768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired:                    1-301-729-4563


How do I add an individual as a co-owner of a corporation owned vehicle?

You can apply for a title and registration in person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices. You also can mail the documents to the MVA’s Mail-in Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office, or go to an MVA licensed tag and title service where they will assist you in applying.

Typically, the title application documents needed (along with payment for taxes and fees) include:

  • Proof of ownership – You must submit the vehicle’s current title that has been properly assigned to you. A representative of the corporation should sign as both “buyer” and “seller,” while the individual being added should sign as another “buyer.” For out-of-state titles, the appropriate assignment section on that title must be properly completed and signed.
  • Application – If the vehicle’s current title was issued in Maryland, use it as your application form by completing the section entitled Application for Title and Registration. If not, use the Application for a Certificate of Title. Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
  • Odometer disclosure statement – If the vehicle has a Maryland title, the odometer reading can be recorded and attested to in the section entitled Assignment of Ownership. You also can submit the MVA’s Odometer Disclosure Statement.

Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:

  • Lien information – If you borrowed money to buy the vehicle, the lien information may need to be recorded on the application. The MVA form entitled Security Interest Filing (SIF) must be used if a second lien is placed against the title.
  • Lien release – If the existing title indicates that a lien was placed against it, you must submit a lien release. For a vehicle that was titled in Maryland, this could be a properly completed and signed Maryland SIF or a signed letter from the lien holder specifically identifying the vehicle and stating that the lien has been released.  If the vehicle is currently titled in another state, you may submit a signed letter of release from the lien holder or you may have the lien holder sign the title indicating that the lien has been released.
  • Power of attorney - If someone other than you, the new owner, is signing the titling forms, this document is required.

The MVA assumes that all owners named on the Maryland title own an equal share of the vehicle; therefore, the excise tax charged is based on only 50% of the vehicle’s value.

Note that if you also intend to register the vehicle (most cases) additional forms may be needed. Registration requirements vary greatly by the type and intended use of the vehicle. The requirements for most vehicles can be found in Registration – Common Vehicles. If your vehicle is unusual, access the infoMVA homepage to find the applicable registration description.

Your title will be mailed to you regardless of how you apply for it. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.

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How do I transfer ownership of a vehicle owned by a corporation (including a Limited Liability Corporation) after the corporation is converted to a new Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?

You need to apply for a new Maryland title for the vehicle. You may mail your application documents to the MVA’s mail-in title unit in the Glen Burnie office or you may apply in-person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices or you may mail your application documents to the MVA’s Mail-in Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office or in-person to any MVA authorized tag and title service. Typically, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • Proof of ownership – You must submit the vehicle’s current title that has been properly assigned to you. A representative of the original corporation should sign as the “seller,” while a representative of the new Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) should sign as the “buyer.” For out-of-state titles, the appropriate assignment section on that title must be properly completed and signed.
  • Application – If the vehicle’s current title was issued in Maryland, use it as your application form by completing the section entitled Application for Title and Registration. If not, use the Application for a Certificate of Title. Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
  • Odometer disclosure statement – If the vehicle has a Maryland title, the odometer reading can be recorded and attested to in the section entitled Assignment of Ownership. You also can submit the MVA’s Odometer Disclosure Statement.
  • Letter from a Maryland licensed attorney representing the corporation - The letter must state that the corporation has been converted into a LLC / LLP and it must identify all members of the LLC / LLP.

Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:

  • Lien information – If you borrowed money to buy the vehicle, the lien information may need to be recorded on the application. The MVA form entitled Security Interest Filing (SIF) must be used if a second lien is placed against the title.
  • Lien release – If the existing title indicates that a lien was placed against it, you must submit a lien release. For a vehicle that was titled in Maryland, this could be a properly completed and signed Maryland Security Interest Filing (SIF) or a signed letter from the lien holder specifically identifying the vehicle and stating that the lien has been released. If the vehicle is currently titled in another state, you may submit a signed letter of release from the lien holder or you may have the lien holder sign the title indicating that the lien has been release.
  • Lien transfer letter – On occasion, the lien holder may be willing to allow you to transfer the lien from the current title to the new one, instead of paying off the lien and placing a new lien against the new title. A letter must be submitted on the lien holder’s letterhead allowing the lien to be transferred.
  • Power of attorney - If someone other than you, the new owner, is signing the titling forms, this document is required.

The ownership transfer of a vehicle in this transaction is tax-exempt if:

  • The vehicle is currently titled in Maryland; and
  • The corporation that currently owns the vehicle is being converted to a LLC or LLP

OR

  • The vehicle is currently titled in Maryland; and
  • The vehicle is currently titled in the name of a member of the original LLC, and that person will remain part of the new LLC or LLP.

Note that if you also intend to register the vehicle (most cases) additional forms may be needed. Registration requirements vary greatly by the type and intended use of the vehicle. The requirements for most vehicles can be found in Registration – Common Vehicles. If your vehicle is unusual, access the infoMVA homepage to find the applicable registration description.

Your title will be mailed to you regardless of how you apply for it. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.

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How do I transfer ownership of a vehicle from a corporation that is/has been liquidated to a principal stockholder in that corporation?

You need to apply for a new Maryland title for the vehicle. You may mail your application documents to the MVA’s Mail-in Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office or you may apply in-person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices or an MVA authorized tag and title service. Typically, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • Proof of ownership – You must submit the vehicle’s current title that has been properly assigned to you. A representative of the corporation being liquidated should sign as the “seller,” while the principal stockholder in the liquidated corporation (i.e., new owner) should sign as the “buyer.” For out-of-state titles, the appropriate assignment section on that title must be properly completed and signed. For out-of-state titles, the appropriate assignment section on that title must be properly completed and signed.
  • Application – If the vehicle’s current title was issued in Maryland, use it as your application form by completing the section entitled Application for Title and Registration. If not, use the Application for a Certificate of Title. Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
  • Odometer disclosure statement – If the vehicle has a Maryland title, the odometer reading can be recorded and attested to in the section entitled Assignment of Ownership. You also can submit the MVA’s Odometer Disclosure Statement.
  • Verified Statement – You must certify that the corporate liquidation is tax-exempt in accordance with Maryland law Transportation Article 13-810 c7).

Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:

  • Lien information – If you borrowed money to buy the vehicle, the lien information may need to be recorded on the application. The MVA form entitled Security Interest Filing (SIF) must be used if a second lien is placed against the title.
  • Lien release – If the existing title indicates that a lien was placed against it, you must submit a lien release. For a vehicle that was titled in Maryland, this could be a properly completed and signed Maryland Security Interest Filing (SIF) or a signed letter from the lien holder specifically identifying the vehicle and stating that the lien has been released. If the vehicle is currently titled in another state, you may submit a signed letter of release from the lien holder or you may have the lien holder sign the title indicating that the lien has been release.
  • Lien transfer letter – On occasion, the lien holder may be willing to allow you to transfer the lien from the current title to the new one, instead of paying off the lien and placing a new lien against the new title. A letter must be submitted on the lien holder’s letterhead allowing the lien to be transferred.
  • Power of attorney - If someone other than you, the new owner, is signing the titling forms, this document is required.

The ownership transfer of vehicle in this transaction is tax-exempt if:

  • The vehicle is currently titled in Maryland; and,
  • The vehicle is part of the property being liquidated by the corporation but is not a principal or substantial asset of the corporation as determined by the comptroller of the corporation; and,
  • The new owner is a principal stockholder of the liquidated corporation (owned at least 50% of corporation).

Note that if you also intend to register the vehicle (most cases) additional forms may be needed. Registration requirements vary greatly by the type and intended use of the vehicle. The requirements for most vehicles can be found in Registration – Common Vehicles. If your vehicle is unusual, access the infoMVA homepage to find the applicable registration description.

Your title will be mailed to you regardless of how you apply for it. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.

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How do I transfer ownership of a corporation owned vehicle when the corporation has merged with one or more corporations to create a new corporate entity?

You need to apply for a new Maryland title for the vehicle. You may mail your application documents to the MVA’s Mail-in Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office or you may apply in-person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices or an MVA authorized tag and title service. Typically, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • Proof of ownership – You must submit the vehicle’s current title that has been properly assigned to you. A representative of the pre-existing company that owned the vehicle should sign as the “seller,” while a representative of the new corporate entity created by the merger should sign as the “buyer.” For out-of-state titles, the appropriate assignment section on that title must be properly completed and signed.
  • Application – If the vehicle’s current title was issued in Maryland, use it as your application form by completing the section entitled Application for Title and Registration. If not, use the Application for a Certificate of Title. Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
  • Odometer disclosure statement – If the vehicle has a Maryland title, the odometer reading can be recorded and attested to in the section entitled Assignment of Ownership. You also can submit the MVA’s Odometer Disclosure Statement.
  • Letter from a Maryland licensed attorney representing the corporation - The letter must state that the merger is tax-exempt under Maryland Annotated Code, Transportation Article 13-810 c8. The letter also must state the relationship between the original corporation and the new corporate entity created by the merger.
  • Merger papers - certified copies from the Department of Assessment and Taxation must be submitted.

Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:

  • Lien information – If you borrowed money to buy the vehicle, the lien information may need to be recorded on the application.  The MVA form entitled Security Interest Filing (SIF) must be used if a second lien is placed against the title.
  • Lien release – If the existing title indicates that a lien was placed against it, you must submit a lien release. For a vehicle that was titled in Maryland, this could be a properly completed and signed Maryland Security Interest Filing (SIF) or a signed letter from the lien holder specifically identifying the vehicle and stating that the lien has been released. If the vehicle is currently titled in another state, you may submit a signed letter of release from the lien holder or you may have the lien holder sign the title indicating that the lien has been released.
  • Lien transfer letter – On occasion, the lien holder may be willing to allow you to transfer the lien from the current title to the new one, instead of paying off the lien and placing a new lien against the new title. A letter must be submitted on the lien holder’s letterhead allowing the lien to be transferred.
  • Power of attorney - If someone other than you, the new owner, is signing the titling forms, this document is required.

The ownership transfer of a vehicle in this transaction is tax-exempt if the vehicle is currently titled in Maryland. In this case, the vehicle also does not have to receive a Maryland Safety Inspection in order to register it. Note that if the companies involved did not “merge” (i.e., one company simply bought out another company) or if the vehicle is not currently titled in Maryland, excise tax must be paid.

Note that if you also intend to register the vehicle (most cases) additional forms may be needed. Registration requirements vary greatly by the type and intended use of the vehicle. The requirements for most vehicles can be found in Registration – Common Vehicles. If your vehicle is unusual, access the infoMVA homepage to find the applicable registration description.

Your title will be mailed to you regardless of how you apply for it. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.

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How do I transfer ownership of a vehicle from an individual to a newly formed corporation in which that individual is a principal stockholder?

You need to apply for a new Maryland title for the vehicle. You may mail your application documents to the MVA’s Mail-in Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office or you may apply in-person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices or an MVA authorized tag and title service. Typically, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • Proof of ownership – You must submit the vehicle’s current title that has been properly assigned to you. The individual who owned the vehicle and is now a principal stockholder in the new corporation should sign as the “seller.” A representative of the new corporation should sign as the “buyer.” For out-of-state titles, the appropriate assignment section on that title must be properly completed and signed.
  • Application – If the vehicle’s current title was issued in Maryland, use it as your application form by completing the section entitled Application for Title and Registration. If not, use the Application for a Certificate of Title. Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
  • Odometer disclosure statement – If the vehicle has a Maryland title, the odometer reading can be recorded and attested to in the section entitled Assignment of Ownership. You also can submit the MVA’s Odometer Disclosure Statement.
  • Articles of Incorporation - The Articles of Incorporation for the new company can be obtained from the Department of Assessment and Taxation.
  • Certified statement – You must certify in writing that the current owner is a principal stockholder in the newly formed corporation.

Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:

  • Lien information – If you borrowed money to buy the vehicle, the lien information may need to be recorded on the application. The MVA form entitled Security Interest Filing (SIF) must be used if a second lien is placed against the title.
  • Lien release – If the existing title indicates that a lien was placed against it, you must submit a lien release. For a vehicle that was titled in Maryland, this could be a properly completed and signed Maryland Security Interest Filing (SIF) or a signed letter from the lien holder specifically identifying the vehicle and stating that the lien has been released. If the vehicle is currently titled in another state, you may submit a signed letter of release from the lien holder or you may have the lien holder sign the title indicating that the lien has been released.
  • Lien transfer letter – On occasion, the lien holder may be willing to allow you to transfer the lien from the current title to the new one, instead of paying off the lien and placing a new lien against the new title. A letter must be submitted on the lien holder’s letterhead allowing the lien to be transferred.
  • Power of attorney - If someone other than you, the new owner, is signing the titling forms, this document is required.

The ownership transfer of a vehicle in this transaction is tax-exempt if the vehicle is currently titled in Maryland.

Note that if you also intend to register the vehicle (most cases) additional forms may be needed. Registration requirements vary greatly by the type and intended use of the vehicle. The requirements for most vehicles can be found in Registration – Common Vehicles. If your vehicle is unusual, access the infoMVA homepage to find the applicable registration description.

Your title will be mailed to you regardless of how you apply for it. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.

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How do I transfer ownership of a vehicle from a corporation that has gone through reorganization to the reorganized corporation?

You need to apply for a new Maryland title for the vehicle. You may mail your application documents to the MVA’s Mail-in Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office or you may apply in-person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices or an MVA authorized tag and title service. Typically, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • Proof of ownership – You must submit the vehicle’s current title that has been properly assigned to you. A representative of the original corporation should sign as the “seller.” A representative of the reorganized corporation should sign as the “buyer.” For out-of-state titles, the appropriate assignment section on that title must be properly completed and signed.
  • Application – If the vehicle’s current title was issued in Maryland, use it as your application form by completing the section entitled Application for Title and Registration. If not, use the Application for a Certificate of Title. Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
  • Odometer disclosure statement – If the vehicle has a Maryland title, the odometer reading can be recorded and attested to in the section entitled Assignment of Ownership. You also can submit the MVA’s Odometer Disclosure Statement.

Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:

  • Lien information – If you borrowed money to buy the vehicle, the lien information may need to be recorded on the application. The MVA form entitled Security Interest Filing (SIF) must be used if a second lien is placed against the title.
  • Lien release – If the existing title indicates that a lien was placed against it, you must submit a lien release. For a vehicle that was titled in Maryland, this could be a properly completed and signed Maryland Security Interest Filing (SIF) or a signed letter from the lien holder specifically identifying the vehicle and stating that the lien has been released. If the vehicle is currently titled in another state, you may submit a signed letter of release from the lien holder or you may have the lien holder sign the title indicating that the lien has been released.
  • Lien transfer letter – On occasion, the lien holder may be willing to allow you to transfer the lien from the current title to the new one, instead of paying off the lien and placing a new lien against the new title. A letter must be submitted on the lien holder’s letterhead allowing the lien to be transferred.
  • Power of attorney - If someone other than you, the new owner, is signing the titling forms, this document is required.

The ownership transfer of a vehicle in this transaction is tax-exempt if:

Note that if you also intend to register the vehicle (most cases) additional forms may be needed. Registration requirements vary greatly by the type and intended use of the vehicle. The requirements for most vehicles can be found in Registration – Common Vehicles. If your vehicle is unusual, access the infoMVA homepage to find the applicable registration description.

Your title will be mailed to you regardless of how you apply for it. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.

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How do I establish ownership of a vehicle acquired by a newly formed partnership from one of the partners?

You need to apply for a new Maryland title for the vehicle. You may mail your application documents to the MVA’s Mail-in Tit​le Unit in the Glen Burnie office or you may apply in-person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices or an MVA authorized tag and title service. Typically, you will need to submit the following documents.

    Proof of ownership – You must submit the vehicle’s current title that has been properly assigned to you. The current vehicle owner who is a partner in the newly formed partnership should sign as the “seller.” A representative of the newly formed partnership should sign as the “buyer.” For out-of-state titles, the appropriate assignment section on that title must be properly completed and signed.
  • Application – If the vehicle’s current title was issued in Maryland, use it as your application form by completing the section entitled Application for Title and Registration. If not, use the Application for a Certificate of Title. Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
  • Odometer disclosure statement – If the vehicle has a Maryland title, the odometer reading can be recorded and attested to in the section entitled em>Assignment of Ownership. You also can submit the MVA’s Odometer Disclosure Statement.
  • Certified Statement – You must certify in writing that the current owner is a partner in the newly formed partnership.

Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:

  • Lien information – If you borrowed money to buy the vehicle, the lien information may need to be recorded on the application. The MVA form entitled Security Interest Filing (SIF) must be used if a second lien is placed against the title.
  • Lien release – If the existing title indicates that a lien was placed against it, you must submit a lien release. For a vehicle that was titled in Maryland, this could be a properly completed and signed Maryland Security Interest Filing (SIF) or a signed letter from the lien holder specifically identifying the vehicle and stating that the lien has been released. If the vehicle is currently titled in another state, you may submit a signed letter of release from the lien holder or you may have the lien holder sign the title indicating that the lien has been released.
  • Lien transfer letter – On occasion, the lien holder may be willing to allow you to transfer the lien from the current title to the new one, instead of paying off the lien and placing a new lien against the new title. A letter must be submitted on the lien holder’s letterhead allowing the lien to be transferred.
  • Power of attorney - If someone other than you, the new owner, is signing the titling forms, this document is required.

The ownership transfer of a vehicle in this transaction is tax-exempt if the vehicle is currently titled in Maryland.

Note that if you also intend to register the vehicle (most cases) additional forms may be needed. Registration requirements vary greatly by the type and intended use of the vehicle. The requirements for most vehicles can be found in Registration – Common Vehicles. If your vehicle is unusual, access the infoMVA homepage to find the applicable registration description.

Your title will be mailed to you regardless of how you apply for it. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.

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How do I transfer ownership of a vehicle from a partnership that has been dissolved to a member of the dissolved partnership?

You need to apply for a new Maryland title for the vehicle. You may mail your application documents to the MVA’s Mail-in Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office or you may apply in-person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices or an MVA authorized tag and title service. Typically, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • Proof of ownership – You must submit the vehicle’s current title that has been properly assigned to you. All members of the partnership, including the partner receiving the vehicle, must sign the Maryland Certificate of Title as “seller.” If one of the partners has died, the surviving partner(s) must submit a certified copy of the partner’s Death Certificate. The partner receiving the vehicle should sign as the “buyer.” For out-of-state titles, the appropriate assignment section on that title must be properly completed and signed.
  • Application – If the vehicle’s current title was issued in Maryland, use it as your application form by completing the section entitled Application for Title and Registration. If not, use the Application for a Certificate of Title. Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
  • Odometer disclosure statement – If the vehicle has a Maryland title, the odometer reading can be recorded and attested to in the section entitled Assignment of Ownership. You also can submit the MVA’s Odometer Disclosure Statement.
  • Proof of Partnership - The document(s) you submit must name all members of the partnership (i.e., letter from a Maryland licensed attorney representing the partnership) in order for an excise tax credit to be issued to the partner retaining the vehicle.

Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:

  • Lien information – If you borrowed money to buy the vehicle, the lien information may need to be recorded on the application. The MVA form entitled Security Interest Filing (SIF) must be used if a second lien is placed against the title.
  • Lien release – If the existing title indicates that a lien was placed against it, you must submit a lien release. For a vehicle that was titled in Maryland, this could be a properly completed and signed Maryland Security Interest Filing (SIF) or a signed letter from the lien holder specifically identifying the vehicle and stating that the lien has been released. If the vehicle is currently titled in another state, you may submit a signed letter of release from the lien holder or you may have the lien holder sign the title indicating that the lien has been release.
  • Lien transfer letter – On occasion, the lien holder may be willing to allow you to transfer the lien from the current title to the new one, instead of paying off the lien and placing a new lien against the new title. A letter must be submitted on the lien holder’s letterhead allowing the lien to be transferred.
  • Power of attorney - If someone other than you, the new owner, is signing the titling forms, this document is required.

The transfer of the vehicle’s ownership is not exempt from excise tax. However, the tax that the buyer is required to pay is pro-rated based upon the number of partners in the dissolved partnership (e.g., if there are three partners, the partner receiving the vehicle is required to pay 2/3 of the excise tax; if there are two partners, the partner receiving the vehicle is required to pay ½ of the tax).

Note that if you also intend to register the vehicle (most cases) additional forms may be needed. Registration requirements vary greatly by the type and intended use of the vehicle. The requirements for most vehicles can be found in Registration – Common Vehicles. If your vehicle is unusual, access the infoMVA homepage to find the applicable registration description.

Your title will be mailed to you regardless of how you apply for it. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.

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How do I transfer ownership of a vehicle from a partnership that has been incorporated to the newly formed Corporation, Limited Liability Corporation (LCC) or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?

You need to apply for a new Maryland title for the vehicle. You may mail your application documents to the MVA’s Mail-in Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office or you may apply in person at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices or an MVA authorized tag and title service. Typically, you will need to submit the following documents:

  • Proof of ownership – You must submit the vehicle’s current title that has been properly assigned to you. All members of the partnership should sign as the “seller.” A representative of the newly incorporated business should sign as the “buyer.” For out-of-state titles, the appropriate assignment section on that title must be properly completed and signed.
  • Application – If the vehicle’s current title was issued in Maryland, use it as your application form by completing the section entitled Application for Title and Registration. If not, use the Application for a Certificate of Title. Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
  • Odometer disclosure statement – If the vehicle has a Maryland title, the odometer reading can be recorded and attested to in the section entitled Assignment of Ownership. You also can submit the MVA’s Odometer Disclosure St​atement.
  • Letter from a Maryland licensed attorney representing the new corporation - The letter must state that the partnership has been incorporated as a corporation, a Limited Liability Corporation (LCC) or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).

Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:

  • Lien information – If you borrowed money to buy the vehicle, the lien information may need to be recorded on the application. The MVA form entitled Security Interest Filing (SIF) must be used if a second lien is placed against the title.
  • Lien release – If the existing title indicates that a lien was placed against it, you must submit a lien release. For a vehicle that was titled in Maryland, this could be a properly completed and signed Maryland Security Interest Filing (SIF) or a signed letter from the lien holder specifically identifying the vehicle and stating that the lien has been released. If the vehicle is currently titled in another state, you may submit a signed letter of release from the lien holder or you may have the lien holder sign the title indicating that the lien has been released.
  • Lien transfer letter – On occasion, the lien holder may be willing to allow you to transfer the lien from the current title to the new one, instead of paying off the lien and placing a new lien against the new title. A letter must be submitted on the lien holder’s letterhead allowing the lien to be transferred.
  • Power of attorney - If someone other than you, the new owner, is signing the titling forms, this document is required.

The ownership transfer of a vehicle in this transaction is tax-exempt if the vehicle is currently titled in Maryland.

Note that if you also intend to register the vehicle (most cases) additional forms may be needed. Registration requirements vary greatly by the type and intended use of the vehicle. The requirements for most vehicles can be found in Registration – Common Vehicles. If your vehicle is unusual, access the infoMVA homepage to find the applicable registration description.

Your title will be mailed to you regardless of how you apply for it. If you also register the vehicle, your registration card, license plates and expiration stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.

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