RVbyOwner

Maryland RV title transfer guide

Everything you need to buy or sell an RV privately in Maryland — sales tax, registration, inspection requirements, and a step-by-step walkthrough.

Sales tax

6%

Rank #30 lowest

Registration

$128–$300/year

Inspection

Required

Lemon law

Does not cover RVs

Maryland — key facts

Maryland requires a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate before a used vehicle can be titled in a private sale. Higher registration fees. 6% excise tax collected at registration.

Requirements at a glance

Title requiredYes
Sales tax rate (state)6%
Registration fee range$128–$300/year
Safety inspection requiredYes — required before title transfer
Lemon law covers RVsNo — most states do not cover RVs
Bill of sale requiredYes — required for title transfer
Odometer disclosureRequired (state law)

Private RV sale in Maryland — step by step

1

Agree on price and arrange an inspection

Look up the RV on NADA Guides and compare active listings on RV Trader for Maryland and nearby states. Budget for a certified inspection ($300–$600) — it's the best money you'll spend on a used RV.

2

Run a VIN check

Order a CARFAX or NMVTIS report on the VIN. Confirm there are no active liens, no salvage/rebuilt title history, and no odometer rollback flags. The VIN on the dash must match the title.

3

Complete a Maryland bill of sale

Include: both parties' full names and addresses, make, model, year, VIN, odometer, sale price, date, and an as-is clause. Both parties sign. Maryland requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Keep a copy for your records.

4

Complete the odometer disclosure

Federal law requires odometer disclosure for vehicles under 16,000 lbs GVWR. Many states, including Maryland, require it for heavier vehicles as well. The seller certifies the odometer reading on the title or a separate disclosure form.

5

Seller signs over the title

The seller completes the assignment section on the back of the title: buyer's name, sale price, date, and odometer (if applicable). Both parties typically sign. Do not accept a blank signed title or a title with alterations.

6

Get a Maryland safety inspection

Maryland requires a safety inspection before a vehicle can be titled or registered. Schedule this before completing the sale — the seller typically covers it, or the cost is negotiated into the price.

7

Visit the Maryland DMV

Bring: signed title, bill of sale, proof of insurance, and a valid ID. Pay the title transfer fee and 6% sales tax based on the sale price. Apply for a new title in your name.

8

Register the RV and get plates

Registration fees in Maryland run approximately $128–$300/year. You'll receive new plates and a registration certificate. The registration is annual unless you qualify for a multi-year or permanent option.

9

Get RV insurance

Most states require proof of liability insurance to register. Get a dedicated RV policy (not your auto policy) before driving the unit home. Good Sam and Progressive both specialize in RV coverage.

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