How To Sign Your Maryland Title
This guide walks you through the correct way to sign your Maryland vehicle title so you can donate your car quickly and without setbacks. It provides step-by-step instructions showing where to write and sign your name, along with annotated images of actual Maryland titles for clarity. You’ll also learn what to do if multiple owners are listed on the title and how to avoid common errors that could delay the process. Always use a blue or black ink pen and take care not to make stray marks or damage the document. To make things even easier, we’ve included pictures as well as useful state resources and contact details to help guide you smoothly from start to finish.
The person (or persons)* listed on the front of the title must follow these steps, unless otherwise noted:
- Print your name (or names)* on the title where it says “Hand Printed Name(s) by Seller(s)”.
- Sign your name (or names)* on the title where it says “Signature(s) of All Seller(s)”.
To help with your donation, we have showcased the various Maryland vehicle titles below as well as annotated on each title where to print and sign your name. To enlarge an image, simply click on the image. Questions? Give one of our friendly Title Clerks a call at (866) 233-8586.
Note: Actual title designs may vary slightly from the images shown above.
Official Maryland Government Links & Contact Info
Access convenient links and contact details here to simplify the process of transferring your Maryland vehicle title. These resources will connect you with the right forms, provide quick answers to common questions and direct you to the appropriate offices for assistance.
- County Title Offices
- Obtain Vehicle Specific Information
- Unclaimed/Abandoned Vehicles
- Vehicle Title FAQs
- Vehicle Title Forms
Contact Maryland Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Administration: 1-410-768-7000
Contact Maryland Department of Transportation – Motor Vehicle Administration – Title Division: 1-410-768-7000
Missouri Vehicle Titles: How To For Multiple Owners
If there is more than one owner listed on the title, one or both must sign it depending on how the names appear. See the below chart for details.
Remember, the name used to sign the title must match the name shown on the title exactly. Therefore, always remember to print/sign your name exactly as it is shown on the title.
|
John Doe OR Jane Doe |
If “OR” is present between the names, only one of the owners must sign the title. |
|
John Doe AND/OR Jane Doe |
If “AND/OR” is present between the names, both owners must sign the title. |
|
John Doe AND Jane Doe |
If “AND” is present between the names, both owners must sign the title. |
|
John Doe Jane Doe |
If there is nothing present between the names, both owners must sign the title. |
Please take note to adhere to the below instructions so as not to void your title.
- Do not use markers or pencils. Only blue or black pen are allowed.
- Do not cross out or strikethrough any text or writing.
- Do not use white-out or similar substances.
- Do not rip, tear, or tape the title.
- Do not doodle on the title.
Still have questions? Find your answer below!
To transfer a vehicle title in Maryland, you will need the current Maryland Certificate of Title signed by both buyer and seller. If the car is financed, a lien release from the lender must also be provided. You’ll also need a completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form VR-005), proof of valid auto insurance and a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate if the vehicle is being sold. Both parties should have valid government-issued photo IDs for verification at the time of signing.
When you sell a car in Maryland, you must collect payment, provide a bill of sale and ensure the title transfer is real and complete with the buyer. Donating a vehicle, on the other hand, is simpler. Organizations like Goodwill Car Donations handle most of the paperwork for you, including processing the title transfer. Instead of receiving cash, you gain the potential for a tax deduction based on the value of your donated car. Donating also eliminates the stress of advertising, negotiating with buyers or repairing the car before transfer.
If your Maryland vehicle title has been lost, stolen or damaged, you must apply for a duplicate title before completing a transfer. This is done by submitting an Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title (Form VR-018) to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). There is a small replacement fee and processing usually takes several days. Once you receive the duplicate, you can sign and transfer it as you would with the original.
Title transfer times can vary depending on whether you visit an MVA branch in person or submit your documents by mail. In-person transfers are generally processed immediately, and you may receive a new registration and plates the same day. Mail-in applications typically take two to four weeks. Using an MVA-licensed tag and title service can also expedite the process.
Several common errors can delay or invalidate a vehicle title transfer in Maryland. These include signing in the wrong section, failing to have required signatures notarized, using white-out or cross-outs to correct mistakes or leaving out key details like the odometer reading. Another frequent oversight is not removing license plates before handing over the vehicle. To prevent these issues, carefully read all instructions on the title and when in doubt, ask the MVA or donation program for guidance before signing.
If you have questions about signing your Maryland vehicle title or need assistance with a donation, contact Goodwill Car Donations today. Our friendly team is ready to guide you through the process and make sure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.
Last Updated: August 29th, 2025