When a vehicle is originally titled in Maryland, the Certificate of Title is mailed to the owner with the lien recorded on the front. If a lien was recorded, the lien holder is mailed a Notice of Security Interest Filing (their half of the Maryland title). Maryland actually prints two (2) "Titles" the original for the owner and the Notice of Security Interest Filing for the lien holder.
There are two scenarios to consider regarding a lien release:
- If the lien holder submitted the lien filing electronically, the lien will be electronically released. The customer will receive a letter stating the lien was released and they are eligible for a "Gratis Duplicate Title." The vehicle record will reflect this notification. See how to request your clear title below.
Please Note: The MVA does not automatically print a duplicate title after a lien is released electronically. You may request a clear title at no additional cost online, using your myMVA account, at a kiosk, or tag and title office. Please note: This is a one-time gratis title, you will need to pay for subsequent duplicate titles.
- If the lien was not electronically filed, the MVA is not notified. When a lien is satisfied, the lienholder releases the lien and sends the necessary paperwork to the customer. When you have paid off your vehicle lien in full, the lien holder, usually a financial institution, is obligated to send you a properly completed Maryland Notice of Security Interest Filing (SIF) for your vehicle, and/or a letter from the lien holder stating that the debt has been repaid in full. Retain the SIF and lien release along with your certificate of title until the vehicle ownership changes or you apply for a clear title. These documents together constitute a clear title. If the vehicle is then sold or otherwise transferred, the owner would provide the transferee with both documents.
The lien release letter must include: - The secured party's name imprinted on it (if a business entity)
- If the lien holder is not a financial institution, the lien release letter must be notarized.
- If a lien release letter on the lien holder's letterhead is submitted, a photocopy must be made of the driver's license or state issued ID of the owner of the vehicle.
- Contact telephone number of the secured party
- The name of the debtor (customer)
- If someone other than the owner is submitting the release a copy of the person submitting the letter's ID must also be submitted.
- A description of the vehicle to include the year, make, model and vehicle identification number
- The date and amount of the original lien
- The date lien was released
- The printed name, signature and capacity of the secured party's representative.
How do I request a clear title?
The easiest way to request a clear Duplicate Title is through myMVA Online Services. Click here to get started.
You may apply for a clear title in person at any of the MVA's full-service branch offices, by making an appointment to submit the documents in person, but the title will be mailed. You can schedule your appointment here under the "Vehicle, Tag and Titling Services" option, then "Add or Remove a Vehicle Lien."
Apply by mail to the MVA's title file unit, address below. You must submit the Maryland Notice of Security Interest Filing (SIF) and/or the lien release letter you received, plus the current title for your vehicle. No other special application form is needed.
If you do not have your Maryland title, you may submit a completed 
Application for Duplicate Title (VR-018) along with the lien release and required fee for the duplicate title to obtain a "clear" title. Make sure it is signed by all vehicle owners, with a copy of your driver's license or Identification card, and provide your current (out-of-state) address on the form, and a copy of the gratis title letter.
If you want the title mailed to an alternate address, please be sure to check the box that states that this is a new address.
Fees:
- There is a fee for printing a duplicate title. However, if the customer returns the existing Maryland title, there is no fee for the duplicate title.
Contact Information:
MVA
Title File Unit, Room 202
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
