Posted on 1/20/2026

Buying a car from a private seller in Maryland can save you some money, but the title transfer process can be confusing. If paperwork is missing or filled out incorrectly, it can delay your registration or even result in fines. If you have recently bought a car from a private seller, this guide can help walk you through how to transfer a car title in Maryland, what documents you need, and how Trout’s Tag and Title can help make the process quick and stress-free. Step 1: Make sure the Maryland Title is filled out correctly The most important part of a private sale is the Maryland title. Before you leave make sure that: The seller signed the title in the “Seller’s Signature” section The buyer’s name is printed clearly The sale date is correct The purchase price is written in The odometer reading is written in Any lien release paperwork is attached if they have not received a title Tip: cross-outs, white-out, or missing signatures can cause the MVA to ... read more