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Every vehicle in Maryland has to have a car title. When you buy or sell a car, you will be involved in a title transfer. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MMVA) holds a copy of every title issued in Maryland. As your Nissan dealer in College Park, MD, we'd like to tell you more about your title and why it's essential. Your Title Proves Ownership Your title document contains a variety of information. This information covers the identification of the vehicle and the identification of the owner. When you look over your title, you'll see that it shows the make, model, color, and weight of your car together with other information. It also includes the VIN, the unique number assigned to your car when it's built. more The form also has information about the owner of the vehicle. If you have a lien, the lienholder's details and address will be marked on the form and listed as the legal owner. You will be listed as the registered owner. When the lien is discharged, or if you don't have a lien, you'll be listed as the registered and legal owner. You Need a Title To Transfer Ownership of the Vehicle If you want to sell, gift, transfer, or donate your vehicle, you will need to have the title. The MMVA maintains the records for the history of every vehicle in Maryland, and they must be informed of any transfer. The back of the title is used for all transfers; the only difference is what's filled in under the purchase price section. If you sell a car, the purchase price will be the sale value you achieved. When you gift a car to someone, you'll need to fill in "Gift" in the purchase price section. If you donate a car to a charity, you'll fill in "Donation" instead of a purchase amount. Once the forms are signed by you and the other party, they need to be sent to the MMVA to update the title. You Can Get a Replacement Your title can get lost, damaged, or worn. If anything happens to it, all is not lost as you can get a replacement from the MMVA. The MMVA gives you three ways to apply for a replacement title: online, by mail, or in person. In all three options, the fee is $20. An online application is quicker, and you only need your driver's license number and your vehicle title number. If you apply by mail or in person, you need to complete Form VR-018 Application for Duplicate Certificate of Title and provide a copy of your driver's license. The MMVA will mail a replacement copy of your title on the next business day. Now you know the importance of your title. You'll also be pleased to know that we'll help you with your title application when you buy a vehicle from us at DARCARS Nissan of College Park. Whether you wish to continue your journey with learning helpful facts about vehicle ownership or if you want to see our cars for sale online now, we have you covered.

College Park, MD, is a family community, so generosity is a fixture of the region. If you're thinking about going big and gifting a car to a family member, keep these valuable tips in mind. Qualifications By Maryland statutes, vehicle gifts to families typically apply to the most immediate family members. Parents can gift cars to their children, and children can gift vehicles to their parents. In the case of children, the gift-giving can also extend to in-laws (a son-in-law or daughter-in-law). Step relationships and relationships made through adoption also are included. more Spouses can gift vehicles to each other, too, as can siblings and grandparents, and grandchildren. Aunts and uncles may potentially gift a car as well, provided they are at least 65 years old. In all of the above cases, the gift-giver cannot receive compensation in any form or the transfer will not be considered a gift. In addition, the vehicle must not have any outstanding tickets or violations associated with it. Proof of Relationship All involved parties will need to establish that they are related. If the last names of the gift-giver and giftee are the same, this situation is usually enough proof. If the last names are different, however, the documented proof is required. Official documents might include a marriage certificate or a birth certificate. If both the parties prove they are either spouses or parent and child, the tags of the auto can be transferred. For all other applicable family relationships, a new license plate will need to be purchased. Other Documentation Formal filing and transfer of ownership will take place at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The MVA might ask for the following documents during this process: driver's license, car insurance information, auto's mileage (or odometer disclosure), security interest filing, lien release statement (if applicable), registration card (for tag transfers), and safety inspection certificate. Two additional documents are crucial to the transfer. For one, the car's current title will need to be provided, and this document is essentially a certificate of ownership for the auto. Further, the gift-giver should sign and submit a gift certification form, which can be obtained from the MVA. If an aunt or uncle is gifting the vehicle, he or she should enclose a Certified Statement form with the gift certification. Taxation and Fees In most cases, a gift to a qualified family member will not be subject to taxes. If the vehicle has a Maryland title, it will not be taxed. A car that has been out-of-state but still has a title history in Maryland will also not fall under taxation guidelines. If the vehicle has always been titled outside of Maryland, or if the family relationship does not fall into the aforementioned categories, the giftee will probably pay an excise tax. In Maryland, this tax constitutes six percent of what the vehicle is worth. The new owner will still have to pay the title fee and the registration fee for the car in any case. Are you planning to give the gift of a new car in College Park, MD, soon? If so, be sure to get to know the Nissan lineup today! Our dealership guarantees to have the perfect vehicle for your loved one and our sales team is here to help you find it!

Heading out on the road for the first time is an exciting thing, but new drivers might also be feeling a little intimidated. But just like any other skill, driving is all about knowing the right skills and when to use them. Here are some tips that anyone new to the road in College Park, MD, can use to stay safe as they're gaining experience as a driver. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Ready Being an attentive driver starts before you even head out onto the road. You'll want to go through your pre-trip checklist to ensure you're ready to go before starting your engine. Adjusting your mirrors to have a clear view behind the vehicle and buckling your seat belt are some of the initial steps you'll need to take. more Maintain a Safe Speed A majority of accidents are caused by vehicles traveling too fast. Your vehicle is harder to keep in control when it starts moving at high speeds. That makes obeying posted speed limits and keeping your vehicle at a reasonable speed even more important when you're still a beginner behind the wheel. Minimize Distractions Distracted driving is another cause of mishaps on the road. To eliminate one of the biggest distractions, stow your phone away when you're in the driver's seat, and pull over if you need to use it for an emergency. You should also minimize distractions from loud music or conversation in your cabin. Leave Space for Other Vehicles Following other vehicles too closely reduces the time that you have to react if they turn or stop short ahead of you. Leave a minimum of two full car lengths between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you to ensure you have time to react to changing situations. Make Use of Your Indicators Signaling your intent to turn to drivers behind you gives them time to adjust accordingly to minimize the risk of an accident. Get familiar with how to signal for a left or right turn and then use those signals a few seconds before turning so that other drivers have ample time to see what you're doing. Ride with an Experienced Driver There's always more to learn as a driver, so if you know someone who's been driving for a while, ask them to come for a ride with you. They'll be able to give you advice they've learned through their experience that can benefit you as well. Keep Up on Your Vehicle's Maintenance You need your vehicle to be as ready for the road ahead as you are, so make sure you're keeping up with your service schedule so that every component of your vehicle is working correctly. Take your vehicle to an experienced mechanic regularly to ensure that any issues that need to be addressed are taken care of. Our service department's expertise and knowledge will help you keep your vehicle in great shape throughout your journey as a driver. Come see us at DARCARS Nissan of College Park for an inspection, and we'll make sure that you're ready for the road! If you are a new driver, we also suggest checking out our other automotive tips & tricks. The better informed you are about your car, the safer you will be in a time of need.

Winter is a beautiful time of year in many ways, but it also brings many risks for drivers. From icy temperatures to slippery snow, getting around in winter can be worrisome for any driver, especially in areas like College Park, where temperatures can get very low. Here are some driving tips to help you navigate the wintry landscapes of Maryland. Slow it Down When icy conditions arrive, and snow starts to fall, your braking times and distances can massively increase. Reducing your average speed will help you compensate for this change and slow down and stop at traffic lights and hazards. more Keep Your Distance It's always a good idea to keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you, but this is especially important in winter. If the car in front skids or comes to a sudden stop, you'll need that extra distance to help you brake safely and avoid a rear-end collision. Consider Winter Tires If a lot of snow is expected to fall, it's usually best to get winter tires fitted to your vehicle. These tires offer superior traction and better control for snowy roads, giving you more confidence and peace of mind behind the wheel. Avoid Distractions Distractions are a significant issue for drivers throughout the year, and it's so easy to let yourself lose focus by looking at your phone or adjusting your car radio. Keep these distractions to an absolute minimum in winter to ensure that your attention stays on the road at all times. Be Aware and Alert Another top tip for safe winter driving is to make sure you're aware and alert of your surroundings at all times. There are higher risks of sudden skids on snowy roads, and visibility can be a problem too. You have to stay focused and alert, ready to respond to any hazards as they arrive. Pack the Essentials If you're planning a long trip, especially out in rural areas, it helps to have some emergency supplies if your car gets stuck in the snow or breaks down. Pack a snow shovel, a bag of salt, a tow strap, and any other vital items you might need. Handling a Skid Even if you drive as carefully as possible, there may come a time when your vehicle starts to slip and skid. If this happens, try not to panic and avoid slamming down on the brakes unless you're inches away from hitting something. Instead, ease gently off the gas and turn into the skid to help your vehicle regain its traction. Driving in winter can be a challenge, but these tips can help you get safely to your destination. It also helps to have a high-quality car with great tires and intelligent safety features. We suggest learning about the 2021 Nissan Rogue if safety is on the top of your list of features for a new car. Contact us at DARCARS Nissan of College Park today if you have any questions. We're here to help you stay safe on the roads this winter!