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.
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.
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