Titles & Registration for Buses & Motor Coaches

Use this page to learn how to title a church bus, passenger bus or motor coach, or school bus in Maryland.

How to apply

In most cases, you may apply:

• In person at any MVA full-service branch office
• By mail
• Through an MVA-licensed tag and title service

What to expect after you apply

Your title will be mailed to you no matter how you apply. 

If you also register the vehicle in person, you may receive your registration card, plates and stickers the same day. Otherwise, they will be mailed to you.

Title a church bus 

You may title and register a church bus through the MVA using the standard titling process.

What qualifies as a church bus?

A former school bus may be titled as church buses after you:

• Paint it a color other than “international school bus yellow,” and
• Remove its stop sign and roof-mounted flashing lights

Note: Buses used to transport children to or from a school must meet school bus titling requirements—not church bus requirements. This applies even if the school is church-supported.

Documents needed to title a church bus

Typically, you will need:

• Application for Title

  • Use the back of the Maryland title or the Application for Certificate of Title.
  • The Application for Certificate of Title is required if the vehicle is new or titled in another state.
  • Include valid Maryland insurance information (must meet minimum liability requirements).

• Proof of ownership

  • New vehicle: Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
  • Used vehicle with Maryland title: Buyer(s) and seller(s) must complete and sign the Assignment of Ownership on the back of the title
  • Out-of-state title: Complete and sign the assignment section on the title

• Proof of purchase price (bill of sale)

  • Must be signed by both buyer(s) and seller(s)
  • Must be notarized if all of the following apply:
    • The vehicle is less than 7 years old, and
    • The purchase price is at least $500 below book value, and
    • The buyer wants excise tax (6% of vehicle value) calculated using the sale price instead of book value

• Certification for Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle Registration (if applicable)

Additional documents (if applicable)

You may also need to submit:

• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate
  • Required for most used vehicles being registered
  • Valid for up to 90 days from the date of inspection
• Lien Release
  • Required if a lien is shown on the title
  • May be a properly completed Maryland SIF, or
  • A signed letter from the lienholder on official letterhead identifying the vehicle (year, make, VIN) and stating the lien has been released
  • For out-of-state titles, the lienholder may sign the title in the lien release section or provide a letter as described above
• Certification of Lien Satisfaction
  • May be used if the vehicle is titled in Maryland and the lien is over 7 years old and has been satisfied

If you’re also registering the vehicle, you may need additional forms. Registration requirements vary by vehicle type and use. 

Title a passenger bus or motor coach

Get approval before you apply

You must get approval before applying for a title, depending on where the bus will operate:

• Intrastate (within Maryland only): Contact the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) and get approval before applying for a title.
• Interstate (crossing state lines): Meet federal requirements and get approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) before applying.

Documents needed to title a passenger bus or motor coach

Typically, you will need:

• Application for Title (back of Maryland title or Application for Certificate of Title)
• Proof of Ownership (as described above)
• Proof of Purchase Price (Bill of Sale) (notarization rules apply as described above)
• Approval documentation
  • Intrastate: Application for Authority to Operate as a Carrier in Intrastate Commerce in Maryland – Passenger Vehicle List (PSC form showing approval), or
  • Interstate: Interstate Commerce/FHWA Authority Documentation with the appropriate operating number

Additional documents (if applicable)

• Lien Release
• Certification of Lien Satisfaction

If you are also registering the vehicle, you may need additional forms depending on vehicle type and use.

Title a school bus

Documents needed to title a school bus

Typically, you will need:

• Application for Title (back of Maryland title or Application for Certificate of Title)
• Proof of Ownership
• Proof of Purchase Price (Bill of Sale)
  • Must be notarized if the same three conditions listed above apply

Additional documents (if applicable)

• Lien Release
• Certification of Lien Satisfaction

Registering a bus that travels outside Maryland

Buses traveling outside the state must register under the International Registration Plan (IRP) or obtain a 72-hour interstate permit.

Fees

Titling fees typically include:

• Title fee
• Excise tax
• Security interest (lien) filing fee, if applicable

Registration fees vary by vehicle type and intended use.