What a Maryland bill of sale is and why you need one

A bill of sale is a written record that you sold a car to someone else or bought one from them. In Maryland, it documents the sale price, the vehicle details, the names and signatures of both the buyer and seller, and the date of the transaction. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) does not require a bill of sale to transfer a title, but you should create one anyway — it protects both you and the other person by proving what was agreed to and when.

If you are selling a car, a bill of sale shows you no longer own it and shifts responsibility to the buyer. If you are buying one, it proves you paid for it and what condition it was in at handoff. Without one, disputes over price, mechanical problems, or ownership can become difficult to settle.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland does not legally require a bill of sale, but creating one protects both buyer and seller by documenting the sale price, vehicle details, and date.
  • You can use a straightforward template with the seller and buyer names, vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, sale price, and both signatures.
  • The bill of sale is separate from the title transfer — you will still need to file the title process with the MVA within 10 days of purchase.
  • Keep a copy for your records; the buyer should keep one and may need to show it to the MVA when registering the vehicle.

What information to include on a Maryland bill of sale

Your bill of sale should contain the seller's full name and address, the buyer's full name and address, and the date of sale. Include the vehicle's year, make, model, color, and most importantly, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) — this is the 17-character code on the dashboard or door jamb that uniquely identifies the car.

Write down the sale price in both numbers and words to avoid confusion. Record the odometer reading at the time of sale; Maryland law requires this on the title process, so noting it here creates a clear record. If the car is being sold "as-is" with no warranty, state that clearly. Both the seller and buyer must sign and date the document. You do not need a notary, but having one sign it adds an extra layer of proof if a dispute arises later.

Where to find a bill of sale template

The Maryland MVA does not provide an official bill of sale form, but you do not need one — a straightforward document with the information above works just as well. You can write one by hand on plain paper or create one on a computer using a word processor.

Several free templates are available online through legal document sites and the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation website. Search for "Maryland bill of sale template" to find examples. The template should match Maryland's requirements: seller name, buyer name, VIN, sale price, odometer reading, date, and signatures from both parties. Print two copies — one for the seller and one for the buyer.

How a bill of sale fits into the title transfer process

The bill of sale and the title transfer are two separate steps. The bill of sale is your private record of the sale; the title transfer is the official change of ownership filed with the MVA. After you sign the bill of sale, the seller must sign the back of the title certificate and provide it to the buyer. The buyer then takes both the signed title and the bill of sale to the MVA to register the vehicle in their name.

Maryland law gives the buyer 10 days from the date of purchase to file the title process. If the seller does not sign the title or provide it to the buyer, the bill of sale alone will not transfer ownership — the MVA needs the original title document. Keep your bill of sale even after the title is transferred; it serves as proof of the transaction if questions arise later about when you sold the car or what price was agreed to.

What to do if you are buying a used car from a private seller

Before you hand over money, ask the seller to sign a bill of sale. Make sure the VIN on the bill of sale matches the VIN on the title and on the vehicle itself — mismatches can delay registration. Check the odometer reading in person and write it down; this prevents disputes about mileage later. Ask the seller to provide the title certificate at the time of sale, not later.

Once you have signed the bill of sale and received the title, inspect the title for any liens or outstanding loans. If there is a lien, the lender must sign off before the title can be transferred to you. Keep your copy of the bill of sale and the title in a safe place, and bring both to the MVA when you register the vehicle. The MVA will ask for the odometer reading, so having it documented on the bill of sale makes the process faster.

What to do if you are selling a used car

Prepare a bill of sale before the buyer arrives with money. Fill in your name and address, the buyer's name and address (if you know it), the vehicle details, the agreed sale price, and the current odometer reading. Leave the date blank until the actual sale happens, then fill it in and have both you and the buyer sign it. Make two copies — give one to the buyer and keep one for yourself.

After the sale, sign the back of the title certificate and give it to the buyer. Write down the buyer's name and address on your copy of the bill of sale for your records. If the buyer does not show up to register the vehicle within a reasonable time, you may want to contact the MVA to confirm the title transfer has been filed; this protects you from liability if the car is involved in an accident or traffic violation after you sold it.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a bill of sale

Do not leave the VIN blank or write it incorrectly — the MVA will use this to match the bill of sale to the title, and errors can delay registration. Do not forget the odometer reading; Maryland requires it, and leaving it out creates a gap in the record. Do not write the price in words only or numbers only — use both to prevent misunderstandings.

Do not sign the bill of sale before the buyer is present and ready to sign it too. Do not assume a verbal agreement is enough; a written bill of sale is your proof if a dispute arises. Do not hand over the title until the bill of sale is signed by both parties. If you are the buyer, do not pay the seller until you have the signed bill of sale and the title in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maryland require a bill of sale to transfer a car title?

No, Maryland does not legally require a bill of sale. However, creating one is strongly recommended because it documents the sale price, vehicle details, and date — protecting both buyer and seller. The MVA requires a title process and the signed title certificate, but the bill of sale is your private record of the transaction.

Can I write a bill of sale by hand or do I need to type it?

You can write it by hand on plain paper. There is no official Maryland form, so a handwritten bill of sale is just as valid as a typed one as long as it includes the seller name, buyer name, VIN, sale price, odometer reading, date, and both signatures. Keep it legible so there is no confusion later.

What if the seller will not sign a bill of sale?

A seller who refuses to sign a bill of sale is a red flag. You have no written proof of the sale price or condition of the vehicle. Do not hand over money without a signed bill of sale. If the seller insists on a cash-only, no-paperwork deal, walk away — this setup leaves you unprotected if the car has hidden problems or the title is not actually transferred.

Do I need to get the bill of sale notarized?

No, Maryland does not require notarization. A bill of sale signed by both the buyer and seller is legally valid without a notary. However, having a notary witness the signatures adds extra proof if a dispute arises later, so it is optional but can be helpful.

What happens if I lose my copy of the bill of sale after the sale?

If you are the seller, contact the buyer and ask for a copy. If you are the buyer, the MVA has a record of the title transfer once it is filed, so you can request a copy of the title from the MVA. A lost bill of sale is not ideal, but the title transfer itself is the official record of ownership with the state.