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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Surviving Spouse Transfers Revision

Bulletin | January 20, 2026

Updated:

Date: July 14, 2023 – Revised June 24, 2024
Bulletin: All Dealers and Title Service Agencies
From: Central Operations Vehicle Services Division 

Effective immediately, the Motor Vehicle Administration is implementing Senate Bill 705 which is due to take effect October 1, 2023 which allows the title transfer of a solely owned Maryland titled vehicle to be transferred to the surviving spouse without charging the $100 title fee. 
 

What should be submitted:

  1. The Application for Exemption from Estate Administration to Transfer a Decedent’s Vehicle (VR-481) or Letter of Administration if an estate has been established. 

    Please note: The VR-481 only applies if the decedent owns no more than 2 vehicles*, is the sole owner of the vehicles and the spouse is the only heir or legatee, and an estate has not been established. 

    * If the decedent owns 3 or more vehicles, MVA will determine how many vehicles are currently registered. 

    If the decedent has 1 or 2 currently registered vehicles, the surviving spouse can use the VR-481 to transfer the vehicles if they meet the qualifying criteria listed on the form. 

    If the decedent has 3 or more currently registered vehicles, the surviving spouse must provide a Letter of Administration to transfer any of the vehicles. If a VR-481 is rejected because of the number of vehicles, MVA can provide the surviving spouse with the number of currently registered vehicles owned by the decedent.
  2. Proof of marriage or Death Certificate showing spousal relationship
  3. If the MVA system is not flagged by the Department of Vital Statistics, a copy of the Death Certificate
  4. Maryland Title
  5. Application for certificate of title (VR-005) or back of the title completed
  6. Lien Release (if applicable)
  7. No inspection is required
  8. Tags may be transferred for $10, plus one year registration fee if tags are valid for less than one year 

This transaction should be submitted via the e-services business portal and should NOT be processed on ERT. 

For any questions, please contact the Vehicles Division, Brian Forde [email protected] or Shanequa Richards-Marks [email protected].