Are you looking to sell or give your ride to someone else? Or perhaps you’re a buyer who wants to ensure the new car is legally yours after the transaction. Find out how to transfer vehicle ownership quickly and conveniently in Rockville, MD.
Locate Title
The title is the most crucial element for transferring any vehicle from one party to another. This document is your proof of ownership, and it should have been given to the vehicle’s current owner when that person took possession. It will usually be labeled as a Certificate of Title and includes information about the vehicle itself, the current owner, and potentially previous owners.
Title transfers must occur regardless of whether the transfer is a financial transaction, a gift, a donation, or an inherited item.
Bring Necessary Documentation
As mentioned, all transfers require a title signed by both the party who currently owns the car and the prospective new owner. If the original title cannot be found, the person with ownership of the vehicle can request a duplicate title from the MVA. Titles may contain an updated odometer reading. If this information is not present on the document, the current owner will need to provide an odometer disclosure statement.
Other documents might be needed, such as a bill of sale if the car was purchased from a private seller. In addition, sellers should provide buyers with a safety inspection certificate no older than 90 days. For their part, new owners will need to offer proof that they have a valid and updated car insurance policy.
Fill Out Relevant Applications
If the new owner is purchasing the vehicle, in general, an application for a new title must be submitted. Once the new owner completes this application and hands it over to the MVA, a new title will be mailed to the recipient once approved, which will replace the old title.
In the event the vehicle is gifted, the involved parties may be able to simply transfer the initial title. This process still must go through the MVA, though, with the new owner likely submitting a gift certification application instead of a new title application.
Complete Registration
Even if ownership of a vehicle is secured, a new owner will not be able to drive it on Maryland’s roads unless the auto is also registered. Since many of the same documents are needed for both titling and registration (such as safety inspection and car insurance proof), individuals can typically complete these processes at the same time. If a dealership is not handling this process for the new owner, a registration form can be filled out at the MVA office.
Pay Fees
Associated costs with transferring car ownership in Maryland include the title fee of $100. A registration fee applies as well, either $135 or $187, depending on the weight of the vehicle.
Let a qualified dealer ease your paperwork load when purchasing a new Toyota. Contact DARCARS 355 Toyota of Rockville to speak with our finance team today! Take advantage of our car deals & specials with an efficient auto-buying process.
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