Maryland Boat, RV & Powersports Guide

Private-party title transfer, registration, lien search, sales tax, and USCG documentation rules for Maryland.

Title Required

✅ Yes

State issues boat title

Bill of Sale

✅ Required

For all transfers

Sales Tax

5.00%

On boat purchases

State Agency

Official Site ↗

Title & Registration in Maryland

Maryland requires a certificate of title for boats and personal watercraft. When you purchase a vessel, the seller must sign the title over to you. You then have a limited window to apply for a new title in your name.

Title at an MVA branch or the DNR Service Center. Maryland charges a 5% excise tax capped at $15,000 for recreational boats.

Lien Search in Maryland

Before completing any private-party purchase, run a lien search to confirm the vessel has no outstanding loans or encumbrances.

Maryland Official Lien Search ↗

For USCG-documented vessels, also search the National Vessel Documentation Center (NVDC).

Bill of Sale Requirements

Maryland requires a bill of sale to transfer title. Your bill of sale should include:

Hull Identification Number (HIN) or VIN
Make, model, and year of the vessel
Full legal names and addresses of buyer and seller
Purchase price and date of sale
Odometer reading (motorhomes/RVs)
Signatures of both parties
Notarization if required by Maryland

Sales Tax on Boats & Powersports in Maryland

Maryland charges 5.00% sales tax on boat and powersports purchases. Sales tax is typically collected when you register the vessel with the state. Some counties add additional local taxes. Check with your local Maryland agency for the full rate.

USCG Documentation in Maryland

The Chesapeake Bay is home to thousands of USCG-documented vessels. Documentation is common for sailboats and powerboats over 26 ft.

USCG-documented vessels carry a Certificate of Documentation (COD) issued by the National Vessel Documentation Center. This is recognized internationally and is preferred by lenders for boats over 26 ft. Even with USCG documentation, Maryland may still require state registration for operation on in-state waters.

Apply for USCG Documentation →

Frequently Asked Questions — Maryland

Does Maryland require a boat title?▾

Yes — Maryland requires a certificate of title for boats and personal watercraft. Apply at: https://dnr.maryland.gov/boating/Pages/default.aspx

What is the boat sales tax rate in Maryland?▾

The sales tax rate on boats in Maryland is 5.00%.

Is a bill of sale required in Maryland?▾

Yes — Maryland requires a bill of sale to transfer boat ownership.

How do I search for liens on a boat in Maryland?▾

Use the official Maryland lien search at https://mdot.maryland.gov/mva/Pages/default.aspx. For USCG-documented vessels, also check the NVDC at nvdc.uscg.mil.