Maryland SB 125: Vehicle Laws - Transfer of Used Vehicles - Repeal of Notarized Bill of Sale Requirement
Status: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 119 (as of 2026-04-14)
State: Maryland · Session: 2026 · Bill: SB 125
Sponsors: Chair, Judicial Proceedings Committee
Bill Text
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 119
– 1 –
Chapter 119
(Senate Bill 125)
AN ACT concerning
Vehicle Laws – Transfer of Used Vehicles – Repeal of Notarized Bill of Sale
Requirement
FOR the purpose of repealing the requirement that a notarized bill of sale be submitted to
the Motor Vehicle Administration when transferring ownership of a certain used
vehicle; and generally relating to the transfer of used vehicles.
BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
Article – Transportation
Section 13–809
Annotated Code of Maryland
(2020 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement)
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
Article – Transportation
13–809.
(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) “Fair market value” means:
(i) As to the sale of any new or used vehicle by a licensed dealer, the
total purchase price, as certified by the dealer;
(ii) Except as provided in item (iv) of this paragraph, as to a used
vehicle that is sold by any person other than a licensed dealer and that has a designated
model year that is 7 years old or older, the greater of:
1. The total purchase price; or
2. $640;
(iii) Except as provided in item (iv) of this paragraph, as to any other
used vehicle that is sold by any person other than a licensed dealer:
1. The total purchase price, if the total purchase price is less
than $500 below the retail value of the vehicle as shown in a national publication of used
car values adopted for use by the Department; or
Ch. 119 2026 LAWS OF MARYLAND
– 2 –
2. If the total purchase price is $500 or more below the retail
value of the vehicle as shown in a national publication of used car values adopted for use
by the Department[:
A. The total purchase price, if verified to the satisfaction of
the Administration by a notarized bill of sale submitted in accordance with subsection (d)(2)
of this section; or
B. The valuation shown in the national publication of used
car values, if the Administration finds that the documentation submitted under subsection
(d)(2) of this section fails to verify the total purchase price], THE VALUATION SHOWN IN
THE NATIONAL PUBLICATION OF USED CAR VALUES;
(iv) As to a used trailer, a motor scooter, a moped, or an off–highway
recreational vehicle that is sold by any person other than a licensed dealer, the greater of:
1. The total purchase price; or
2. $320; and
(v) In any other case, the valuation shown in a national publication
of used car values adopted for use by the Department.
(3) (i) Subject to subparagraphs (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph, “total
purchase price” means the price of a vehicle agreed on by the buyer and the seller, including
any dealer processing charge, less an allowance for trade–in but with no allowance for other
nonmonetary consideration.
(ii) As to a person trading in a nonleased vehicle to enter into a lease
for a period of more than 180 consecutive days, “total purchase price” means the retail value
of the vehicle as certified by the dealer, including any dealer processing charge, less an
allowance for the trade–in of the nonleased vehicle but with no allowance for other
nonmonetary consideration.
(iii) As to a person trading in a leased vehicle to enter into another
lease for a period of more than 180 consecutive days with a different leasing company or to
purchase a vehicle, “total purchase price” means the retail value of the vehicle as certified
by the dealer, including any dealer processing charge, less an allowance for the trade–in of
the leased vehicle but with no allowance for other nonmonetary consideration.
(4) “Trailer” has the meaning stated in § 11–169 of this article.
(b) (1) Except as otherwise provided in this part, in addition to any other
charge required by the Maryland Vehicle Law, an excise tax is imposed:
WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 119
– 3 –
(i) For each original and each subsequent certificate of title issued
in this State for a motor vehicle, a trailer, a semitrailer, a moped, a motor scooter, or an
off–highway recreational vehicle for which sales and use tax is not collected at the time of
purchase; and
(ii) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, for each
motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer that is in interstate operation and registered under §
13–109(c) or (d) of this title without a certificate of title.
(2) (i) An excise tax of $50 is imposed for the registration of a trailer
exempt from the titling requirement under § 13–102(12) of this title.
(ii) In a case where the fair market value as defined in subsection
(a)(2)(iii)2A of this section applies, the excise tax imposed under this part may not be less
than $View Maryland SB 125 on LegisTrack → — full text, sponsors, votes, campaign finance, and cross-state matches.