Car Title Transfers: Guide for Family Members in Maryland and Virginia
Understand car title transfers to family members
Transfer a vehicle’s title to a family member is a common transaction that require specific documentation and procedures. Whether your gifted a car, sell it at a reduce price, or transfer ownership after inherit a vehicle, proper title transfer ensure the new owner have legal rights to the vehicle. This guide cover the specific requirements for both Maryland and Virginia.
Maryland car title transfer process for family members
When will transfer a car title to a family member in Maryland, you will need to will follow specific procedures will establish by the motor vehicle administration ( m( MVA)e process differ somewhat depend on whether the vehicle is a gift or being sell.sold
Required documents for Maryland title transfers
To complete a title transfer to a family member in Maryland, gather these essential documents:
- The current vehicle title with the seller’s signature
- A complete application for certificate of title (form vVR005 )
- Maryland safety inspection certificate (iif yourequ)e )
- Proof of insurance for the new owner
- Odometer disclosure statement (for vehicles less than 20 years old )
- Gift certification form (if applicable )
- Both parties’ identification (driver’s license or state iID)
Gift transfers in Maryland
If you’re will gift the vehicle to a family member in Maryland, you will need to:
- Complete the gift certification (form vVR103 )to certify the vehicle is a gift
- Both the giver and recipient must sign this form
- The recipient must be an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild )
- Provide proof of the family relationship (birth certificates, marriage licenses, or other legal documents )
A key benefit of gift transfers is the potential exemption from excise tax, which can result in significant savings depend on the vehicle’s value.
Maryland fees and taxes
When transfer a vehicle title in Maryland, be prepared for these costs:
- Title fee: $100
- Registration fees: vary base on vehicle weight and type
- Excise tax: 6 % of the vehicle’s fair market value (unless exempt as a gift to qualify family member )
To qualify for the family member excise tax exemption, you must transfer the title to a spouse, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, stepparent, stepchild, step sibling, half sibling, or son /daughter-in-laww.

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Steps to transfer a car title to a family member in Maryland
-
Complete the seller / transferor section on the back of the current title, include the selling price (or ” ift “” applicable )
) - Fill out the application for certificate of title (form vVR005 )
- If gift the vehicle, complete the gift certification (form vVR103 )
- Obtain a Maryland safety inspection certificate if you require
- Gather proof of insurance for the new owner
- Visit your local MVA office with all require documents
- Pay applicable fees
- Receive a temporary registration and await the new title in the mail
Special circumstances in Maryland
Inherited vehicles
If you’ve will inherit a vehicle in Maryland, you will need:
- The original title (if available )
- A copy of the death certificate
- Letters of administration (if the deceased have no will )
- The will or other documentation show your right to the vehicle
- MVA form VR 278 (if the vehicle was conjointly own with rights of survivorship )
Vehicles with liens
For vehicles with outstanding loans:
- The lien must be satisfied before transfer the title
- Obtain a lien release letter from the financial institution
- Submit this letter along with others require documents to theMVAa
Virginia car title transfer process for family members
Virginia’s department of motor vehicles (dDMV)have its own specific requirements for transfer vehicle titles between family members. While similar to maMarylandn many ways, there be important differences to note.
Required documents for Virginia title transfers
To will transfer a car title to a family member in Virginia, you will need:
- The current vehicle title right assign to the new owner
- Application for title and registration (form vvia17a )
- Vehicle information, include the vehicle identification number (vVIN)
- Odometer disclosure statement (for vehicles less than 20 years old )
- Proof of address for the new owner
- Valid identification for both parties
- Gift affidavit (if applicable )
Gift transfers in Virginia
For gift a vehicle to a family member in Virginia:
- Complete section an on the back of the title, ente” gift” as the purchase price
- Both parties must sign the title
- Complete the gift affidavit (form vvia12 )to certify the vehicle is a gift
- Eligible family members include spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, lawfully adopt child, stepparent, stepchild, or step sibling
Similar to Maryland, gift transfers between immediate family members may qualify for tax exemptions in Virginia.
Virginia fees and taxes
When transfer a vehicle title in Virginia, expect these costs:
- Title fee: $15
- Registration fees: vary base on vehicle weight and type
- Sales and use tax: 4.15 % of the sale price or fair market value (minimum $$75 unless exempt ))
Virginia offer tax exemptions for gifts between immediate family members, but you must complete the gift affidavit to qualify.
Steps to transfer a car title to a family member in Virginia
- Complete the assignment section on the back of the title, include odometer reading
- Fill out the application for title and registration (form vvia17a )
- Complete the gift affidavit (form vvia12 )if the transfer is a gift
- Gather proof of address and identification for the new owner
- Visit your local Virginia DMV office with all require documents
- Pay applicable fees
- Receive temporary registration and wait for the new title to arrive by mail
Special circumstances in Virginia
Inherited vehicles
For inherit vehicles in Virginia:
- If the vehicle was bequeathed in a will, bring a copy of the will and death certificate
- If there be no will, bring a certificate of qualification as the administrator of the estate
- Complete form via 24 (vehicle transfer by affidavit )for estates value under $ $5000
- Bring the original title if available
Vehicles with liens
For vehicles with outstanding loans in Virginia:
- The loan must be pay off before transfer the title
- Obtain a lien release letter from the lender
- Submit this documentation with your title transfer application
Key differences between Maryland and Virginia title transfers
While the processes are similar, there be notable differences between Maryland and Virginia:
Feature | Maryland | Virginia |
---|---|---|
Title fee | $100 | $15 |
Tax rate | 6 % excise tax | 4.15 % sales and use tax |
Gift documentation | Form VR 103 | Form via 12 |
Inspection requirements | Safety inspection require | No inspection require for title transfer (but may be need for registration ) |
Tips for a smooth title transfer process
Preparation checklist
Before head to the DMV or MVA:
- Call forbade or check oonlineto verify current fees and requirements
- Make copies of all documents for your records
- Ensure all forms are complete and sign by all require parties
- Bring multiple forms of identification
- Arrive betimes to avoid long wait times
- Be prepared to pay fees with acceptable payment methods
Common mistakes to avoid
Prevent delays by avoid these common errors:
- Incomplete signatures on the title or application forms
- Miss odometer disclosure information
- Failure to bring proper identification
- Not decent document the family relationship for tax exemptions
- Attempt to transfer a title with an outstanding lien
- Incorrect payment amount for fees and taxes
After the transfer: next steps
Once you’ve completed the title transfer:

Source: carsalerental.com
- Update your auto insurance policy to reflect the change in ownership
- Keep the temporary registration and receipt in the vehicle until the new registration arrive
- Store the new title in a safe place (not in the vehicle )
- If applicable, remove the vehicle from your personal property tax records
- Update any electronic toll payment accounts or parking permits
Online resources and contact information
Maryland resources
-
Maryland motor vehicle administration:
Mva.maryland.gov
- MVA customer service: 410 768 7000
-
Title and registration information:
Title and registration info
Virginia resources
-
Virginia department of motor vehicles:
Dmv.virginia.gov
- Virginia DMV customer service: 804 497 7100
-
Title information:
Vehicle titling
Conclusion
Transfer a car title to a family member in Maryland or Virginia involve specific documentation, fees, and procedures. By understand the requirements for your state and prepare consequently, you can complete the process expeditiously and potentially save on taxes through available exemptions. Remember that requirements may change, thence invariably verify current information with your state’s motor vehicle department before begin the transfer process.
Whether your gigifted vehicle, sell it at a reduce price, or handle an inheritance, proper title transfer ensure the new owner have clear legal ownership of the vehicle and can register, insure, and operate it lawfully on public roads.