5 Things to Know About Gifting a Car to a Family Member in Maryland

February 13, 2025 · 3 min read

Gifting a car to a family member in Maryland means that you can likely avoid the 6% excise duty that would normally be paid. Here’s our handy checklist of things to keep in mind as you embark on the process.

Guide to Gifting a Car in Maryland for 2025

1. Can you Gift Family a Car?

According to Maryland law, a car is defined as “a gift” as long as no money, valuable commodities, or services are expected in return for it. A relationship must also fit the criteria of “immediate family.” Relationships that qualify are as follows:

Spouse
Parent, stepparent, and parent-in-law
Son and daughter, including stepchild, adopted child, and in-law
Grandparent
Grandchild
Siblings, including half-siblings

Aunts and uncles who are aged over 65 years old may also transfer a car to a niece or a nephew. You will need to provide documentation that proves your relationship.

2. Does Your Car Qualify to Be a Gifted?

In order to transfer their car to a family member, the owner must be able to prove that any lien on the car has been released, either with a signed letter by the lien holder, or a Maryland Security Interest filing. The car must also be titled in Maryland. If it originated out of state, it must have been titled in Maryland by the person planning to gift it.

3. Gather Your Documentation to Gift a Car in MD

In order to gift a car in Maryland in 2025 and get a title for the vehicle you will need certain documentation including things like:

The title of the car
An Application for Maryland Gift Certification (VR-103)
A Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate if it’s Needed
The Lien Release if it’s Needed
Proof of the Relationship if it’s Needed

Are you an aunt or uncle 65 or older? You will also need the:

Gift Title Transfer – Certified Statement

4. Fill In the Paperwork

You will need to fill in the flipside of the title document, and a copy of the form VR-103 (or V-299 if the transaction involves an aunt or uncle) for both the giver and recipient of the car. The name of the giver is written under “seller”, and the recipient is named as the “buyer.” In the section that asks for the price, write “gift.”

5. Head Down to the MVA

Take the documents, along with your vehicle license, proof of insurance, and the titling fee, to the Maryland Vehicle Administration and complete the transaction.

Ready to Shop for a New Car in Rockville, MD?

Now that you've cleared some space in your driveway, you have the perfect reason to start looking for your next vehicle. Stop by and see us at DARCARS Nissan of Rockville or browse our inventory for a new car that matches your lifestyle exactly. Looking for more helpful tips and advice as a Maryland driver? Click here to check out more related blog posts from us today!

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