1. Current Title
You need the original MD title (or out-of-state title if transferring in).
2. Assign Title to the Trust
On the back of the title:
- Seller: You (current owner)
- Buyer: Full trust name
Example:
“John and Jane Doe Revocable Living Trust dated 1/1/2026”
👉 All owners must sign
👉 Signature must be notarized
3. Complete Maryland Title Application (Form VR-005)
This is the main MVA form.
- Owner = Trust name
- You can include trustee designation:
- John Doe, Trustee
4. Submit Through MVA or Tag & Title Service
You can:
- Go to a Maryland MVA office, OR
- Use a licensed tag & title service (often faster/easier)
5. Bring These Documents
- Original title
- Completed VR-005
- Driver’s license
- Certificate of Trust (recommended)
- Odometer reading
- Insurance info
💰 Taxes (Important in MD)
Maryland calls it excise tax (not sales tax).
👉 Usually EXEMPT if:
- Transfer is to your revocable living trust
- You are still the beneficial owner
The agent should code it as:
- “No consideration / exempt transfer”
💵 Fees
- Title fee: ~$100
- Tag/title service fee (if used): varies ($50–$150)
⚠️ Insurance (Don’t Skip This)
Maryland requires active insurance at all times.
Before/after transfer:
- Call your insurer
- Make sure:
- Trust is listed as owner or
- You’re listed properly as driver + trustee
👉 If not updated correctly, you could run into registration issues
⚠️ Registration Impact
- You can usually keep the same plates
- Registration continues, but must match ownership records
🤔 Should You Do This in Maryland?
Same strategic answer as PA/NJ:
Usually NOT necessary
- Vehicles are easy to handle after death
- They depreciate
- Adds administrative complexity
Makes sense if:
- High-value or collectible car
- You want a fully funded trust (no loose ends)
- You’re minimizing all probate involvement
🧩 Maryland-Specific Insight
Maryland is relatively executor-friendly with vehicle transfers after death, so:
👉 Many estate attorneys do NOT prioritize retitling vehicles into trusts here
✅ Bottom Line
- Use title assignment + Form VR-005
- Process through MVA or tag service
- Typically no excise tax
- Update insurance
- Optional—not usually critical for estate planning
