Maryland Bill of Sale
Maryland requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. Notarization is not always required in Maryland, but offices often ask for it, so it is worth doing. Pick what you are selling, fill in the form, and download a free PDF that the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration will accept alongside VR-181.
Seller
Buyer
Vehicle details
Price and terms
Maryland bill of sale forms by item
Each form below asks only for what that item needs, and carries Maryland's notary note and agency details in the footer.
- Maryland Vehicle Bill of SaleProves the sale date, so the seller is off the hook for tickets, tolls and accidents after the handoff.
- Maryland Motorcycle Bill of SaleMotorcycles change hands often and informally; a signed bill of sale settles who owned the bike on which date.
- Maryland Boat Bill of SaleBoats, motors and trailers can be three separate pieces of property; one bill of sale ties them to one sale.
- Maryland Trailer Bill of SaleMany trailers under a certain weight are not titled, so the bill of sale is the ownership record.
- Maryland Firearm Bill of SaleProves the date the firearm changed hands if it later turns up somewhere it should not.
- Maryland Mobile Home Bill of SaleMobile homes are titled like vehicles in most states; the bill of sale supports the title transfer.
- Maryland RV Bill of SaleRVs are high-value and often sold with generators, hitches and furnishings that should be listed.
- Maryland ATV / UTV Bill of SaleOff-highway vehicles are often sold without a title, so the bill of sale is the ownership chain.
- Maryland Dirt Bike Bill of SaleMost dirt bikes have no title; this document is the ownership record.
- Maryland Golf Cart Bill of SaleGolf carts are rarely titled; the bill of sale is proof of ownership.
- Maryland Jet Ski Bill of SaleBoat registration offices want the price for tax and the HIN for the record.
- Maryland Snowmobile Bill of SaleSnow states register snowmobiles and tax the purchase price.
- Maryland Scooter / Moped Bill of SaleScooters over the state's cc limit are titled and registered like motorcycles.
- Maryland Equipment Bill of SaleBusinesses need a bill of sale to book the asset and claim depreciation.
- Maryland Tractor Bill of SaleTractors are not titled; this is the ownership paper.
- Maryland Horse Bill of SaleBreed registries (AQHA, APHA, Jockey Club and others) need it to transfer papers.
- Maryland Dog Bill of SaleProof of ownership for licensing, vet records and microchip registration.
- Maryland Livestock Bill of SaleBrand inspection states will not clear cattle for movement or sale without proof of ownership.
- Maryland General Bill of SaleA written receipt for anything worth arguing about.
- Maryland Business Bill of SaleTransfers the assets at closing in one signed document.
Selling privately in Maryland: what to know
Maryland strongly recommends a bill of sale and requires a notarized VR-181 when the vehicle is 7 years old or newer and the price is used to set excise tax (sold below book value). Buyers submit it with the VR-005 title application and a safety inspection certificate. Plates stay with the seller.
- Bill of sale: required in common cases.
- Notary: notarization recommended.
- Official form: VR-181.
- Agency: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.
- Odometer: federal disclosure applies to vehicles under 20 model years old, on the title or a separate statement.
Want the paperwork finished in one sitting? The $9 ready-to-sign pack adds seller and buyer copies, the odometer statement and a Maryland notary page.
Maryland at a glance
- Bill of sale
- Required in common cases
- Notary
- Notarization recommended
- Official state form
- VR-181
- Where the buyer registers
- Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (mva.maryland.gov)
- License plates
- Stay with seller
Maryland strongly recommends a bill of sale and requires a notarized VR-181 when the vehicle is 7 years old or newer and the price is used to set excise tax (sold below book value). Buyers submit it with the VR-005 title application and a safety inspection certificate. Plates stay with the seller.
Checked October 2026 against the state's own guidance. Rules change; confirm before you file.
Common questions
Does Maryland require a bill of sale?+
Maryland requires a bill of sale in common situations, such as when the title does not show the purchase price. Maryland strongly recommends a bill of sale and requires a notarized VR-181 when the vehicle is 7 years old or newer and the price is used to set excise tax (sold below book value). Buyers submit it with the VR-005 title application and a safety inspection certificate. Plates stay with the seller.
Does a bill of sale have to be notarized in Maryland?+
Notarization is not always required in Maryland, but offices often ask for it, so it is worth doing.
Is there an official Maryland bill of sale form?+
Yes, VR-181, published by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. The PDF generated here contains the same information in the same order and is accepted with it or in place of it in most offices.
What do I need to register a vehicle bought privately in Maryland?+
The signed title, the bill of sale, proof of insurance where required, your ID, and payment for sales or use tax plus title and registration fees, filed with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration within the state deadline.