Title & Registration for Vehicles Coming from Overseas to Maryland

A vehicle is considered an overseas vehicle if it was:

• Manufactured for sale outside the U.S.
• Imported into the U.S. after purchase or ownership overseas

Overseas vehicles must meet:

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements
• Maryland safety and emissions requirements, if applicable

If the vehicle does not meet these standards, it is considered "non-conforming" and cannot be titled or registered until it is brought into compliance.

• If the vehicle was purchased from a dealer, the dealer may submit the title application.
• If the vehicle was imported or purchased privately, you are responsible for titling the vehicle.

Submit only one application to avoid delays.

Option 1: In person (recommended)

MVA staff can review your documents during your visit. This option helps reduce delays caused by missing or incorrect paperwork. 

This is the recommended option for overseas vehicles.

Option 2: By mail

You may submit your application and documents by mail. All required forms, documents, and fees must be included.

You must submit:

• A completed Application for Certificate of Title, Certificate of Title - Application (VR-005) - PDF - 260.92 KB.
• Proof of ownership - this can be the vehicle's certificate of origin and/or your foreign or military registration documents. If you submit foreign registration documents, you must have them translated into English through the embassy located in the country where the vehicle is registered or by the embassy located in Washington DC. The embassy seal must accompany the translation.
• U.S. DOT Declaration - (US DOT form #HS-7 - PDF) - either box 1 or 2A must be checked, verifying the vehicle meets U.S. specifications. Additional documentation is required if box 2B or 3 is checked. If any other box is checked, additional requirements will be listed on the EPA form #3520.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection import documentation - make sure to print out the digital Cargo Release “1C’”, to include with your: shipment ID, quantity being released, the type of release, as well as clear identification of who presented the release information.
• Compliance documents showing the vehicle meets FMVSS and EPA requirements.
• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate from the Maryland State Police certifying that your vehicle meets Maryland safety standards. The inspection is valid for only 90 days from the date issued. This form is not required if the vehicle is new, meets all US specifications, and has never been registered.
• Valid identification
• Payment for all required fees and taxes
• Additional information may be required.

Do not alter official documents. Missing paperwork may delay processing.

If the vehicle is non-conforming, you may need to:

• Modify the vehicle to meet FMVSS or EPA standards
• Provide certification from a registered importer or manufacturer
• Complete required Maryland inspections

If the vehicle cannot be brought into compliance, the MVA cannot issue a title or registration.