Aug. 20, 2024

Does a Seller Remove License Plates in Maryland

1. Remove License Plates Before the Sale

When selling a vehicle in Maryland, you are required to remove your license plates before handing the vehicle over to the buyer. This is because license plates stay with the owner, not the vehicle.
Maryland MVA Vehicle Sale Information

 

2. Return or Transfer Plates

After removing the plates, you have two options:

  • Return the Plates: You can return the license plates to any Maryland MVA branch or mail them to the MVA for cancellation.
  • Transfer the Plates: If you plan to purchase another vehicle, you can transfer your existing plates to the new vehicle.

Return or Transfer Plates - Maryland MVA

 

3. File a Notice of Sale

To protect yourself from future liabilities, you should file a Notice of Sale with the Maryland MVA once the transaction is complete and the plates have been removed. This ensures that you are not held responsible for any incidents involving the vehicle after the sale.
File a Notice of Sale - Maryland MVA

 

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