Title Transfers for Corporate Vehicles
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Before you start
This page explains how to request a new Maryland title when ownership transfers without a sale and a corporation or partnership is involved.
- Registering the vehicle? Registration may require additional forms or inspections.
- Updating the business name only? If the business name is changing but ownership is not, learn how to correct a name or address on a title or registration.
- Transferring from a person to a business? Use the standard titling process for transfers.
How to apply
You may apply:
- In person at any MVA full-service branch office
- By mail
- Through an MVA-licensed tag and title service
Required documents & information
You must submit:
- Application for Certificate of Title (VR-005)
- Your Federal Employer Identification Number
- Business Entity Submission of Proof for Vehicle Titling (VR-475), if you include a Maryland title with your application
- Proof that your business legally exists (see list below)
Showing proof that your business exists
All businesses must show proof that the business legally exists when titling a vehicle.
Acceptable documents include:
- Articles of Incorporation (Stock, Non-Stock, Closed, Religious, or Tax-Exempt Non-Stock Corporation)
- Articles of Organization (Limited Liability Company)
- Articles of Merger
- Articles of Reorganization
- Business license
- Certificate of Limited Liability Partnership or Partnership Agreement
- Certificate of Limited Liability Company
- Registration and/or Trade Name Application (State Department of Assessments and Taxation)
- Retail Sales Tax Exemption Card
- Sole proprietorship documentation (e.g., business license, registration, trade name application), or an Application for Sole Proprietorship/General Partnership filed with the Business Personal Property Unit
- Trust agreement excerpt naming the trust and trustees
You can get some of these documents from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation website.
What to expect after you apply
Vehicle titles are sent in the mail.
If you apply in person and also register the vehicle, you may receive your registration materials immediately. Otherwise, they will be mailed.
Fees
Titling fees typically include:
- Title fee
- Excise tax
- Security interest (lien) filing fee (if applicable)
Registration fees vary by vehicle type, weight, and intended use. See Fees for Registration Plates for details.
More information for corporations
Find guidance for common vehicle title transfers involving corporations.
Corporate Title How-Tos
What you need
- Proof of ownership
- Current title properly assigned
- Title application
- Maryland title: Complete the Application for Title and Registration section on the back.
- New or out-of-state title: Use the Application for Certificate of Title.
- Odometer disclosure
- Record mileage in Assignment of Ownership, or
- Submit the MVA Odometer Disclosure Statement.
- Insurance information meeting Maryland minimum requirements
- Payment for taxes and fees
Additional documents (if applicable)
You may also need to submit:
- Lien information / SIF (if a lien or second lien applies)
- Lien release (if a lien appears on the title)
- Power of attorney (if someone other than the new owner signs)
Steps
- Submit the current title
- Sign the title
- A representative of the corporation signs as both "seller” and “buyer”
- The individual being added signs as an additional “buyer”
- For out-of-state titles, complete and sign the assignment section
Excise tax
MVA assumes equal ownership. Excise tax is based on 50% of the vehicle’s value.
What you need
- Proof of ownership
- Current title properly assigned (Original corporation signs as “seller.”
- New LLC/LLP signs as “buyer.”)
- Title application and odometer disclosure
- Use the Maryland title back (if applicable) or Application for Certificate of Title.
- Provide odometer disclosure on the title or the MVA form.
- Insurance information
- Letter from a Maryland-licensed attorney stating that the corporation has been converted to an LLC or LLP and and listing the names of all LLC or LLP members
- Payment for taxes and fees, if applicable
Additional documents (if applicable)
You may also need to submit
- Lien information / Security Interest Filing (SIF)
- Lien release
- Lien transfer letter
- Power of attorney
Excise tax
You may qualify for a tax exemption if:
- The vehicle is currently titled in Maryland and the corporation is converting to an LLC or LLP, or
- The vehicle is currently titled in Maryland and is titled to a member who will remain in the new LLC or LLP.
What you need
- Proof of ownership
- Current title properly assigned (Liquidating corporation signs as “seller.”
- Principal stockholder signs as “buyer.”)
- Title application + insurance information
- Odometer disclosure
- Verified statement certifying the liquidation transfer is tax-exempt under Maryland law (Transportation Article 13-810(c)(7)).
- Payment for fees and taxes, if applicable
Additional documents (if applicable)
- Lien information / Security Interest Filing (SIF)
- Lien release
- Lien transfer letter
- Power of attorney
Excise tax
You may qualify for a tax exemption if:
- Vehicle is currently titled in Maryland, and
- Vehicle is part of the property being liquidated but is not a principal/substantial asset (as determined by the Comptroller), and
- New owner is a principal stockholder (owned at least 50% of the corporation).
What you need
- Proof of ownership
- Current title properly assigned (Pre-existing company signs as “seller.”
- New merged entity signs as “buyer.”)
- Title application + insurance information
- Odometer disclosure
- Letter from a Maryland-licensed attorney stating the merger is tax-exempt under Transportation Article 13-810(c)(8), and the relationship between the original corporation and the new entity.
- Certified merger documents (Department of Assessments and Taxation)
Additional documents (if applicable)
- Lien information / Security Interest Filing (SIF)
- Lien release
- Lien transfer letter
- Power of attorney
Excise tax
If the vehicle is currently titled in Maryland, the transfer is tax-exempt and a Maryland safety inspection is not required to register.
If the transaction is not a merger (e.g., one company purchased another), or the vehicle is not currently titled in Maryland, excise tax applies.
What you need
- Proof of ownership
- Current title properly assigned (Individual signs as “seller.” New corporation signs as “buyer.”)
- Title application + insurance information
- Odometer disclosure
- Articles of Incorporation (available from the Department of Assessments and Taxation)
- Certified statement that the seller is a principal stockholder in the newly formed corporation.
Additional documents (if applicable)
- Lien information / Security Interest Filing (SIF)
- Lien release
- Lien transfer letter
- Power of attorney
Excise tax
Tax-exempt if the vehicle is currently titled in Maryland.
What you need
- Proof of ownership
- Current title properly assigned (Original corporation signs as “seller.”
- Reorganized corporation signs as “buyer.”)
- Title application + insurance information
- Odometer disclosure
- Payment for fees (and taxes if applicable)
Additional documents (if applicable)
- Lien information / Security Interest Filing (SIF)
- Lien release
- Lien transfer letter
- Power of attorney
Excise tax
You may qualify for a tax exemption if:
- Vehicle is currently titled in Maryland, and
- The reorganization meets criteria in IRC Section 368(a), or is of the type described in IRC Sections 371 or 374.
More information for partnerships
Find guidance for common vehicle title transfers involving partnerships.