From Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration:
Titling - Homemade, Two-Stage or Reconstructed Vehicle
Explained below are the requirements for titling a “homemade” vehicle, a vehicle that was
constructed by more than one manufacturer (i.e., two-stage), and a reconstructed vehicle.
These vehicles are unusual in that they were built either by (or under the direction of) the
vehicle’s owner or by more than one manufacturer. In most cases, the Maryland State Police
must inspect the vehicle before it can be titled. Inspections are performed at the MVA’s Glen
Burnie garage.
Fees:
• The fee for titling a vehicle typically includes a title fee, excise tax, and a security interest
(lien) filing fee if required.
• The fee for registration varies by the type of vehicle, its weight, and/or its intended use.
See Fees for Registration Plates for more information.
Contact Information:
MVA
Mail In Title Unit
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
MVA
Glen Burnie Branch Office
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
For telephone questions:
MVA Customer Service Center: 1-410-768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired: 1-301-729-4563
How do I title a glider kit?
A glider kit consists of a truck frame, cab, front axle steering system and related accessories
which are intended for assembly with an engine, transmission drive line, rear suspension, rear
axle and related accessories from another vehicle. The completed vehicle has the outward
appearance of a new truck.
You can apply for a title in person at the Glen Burnie branch office. Typically, you will need to
submit the following documents:
• Proof of ownership – The ownership document must be for the vehicle frame used in
building the glider kit:
o If the frame is new (kits usually have a new frame included), the certificate of
origin included with the kit is required.
o If the frame is from a used vehicle, a title for the vehicle in your name or a title
that has been properly assigned to you is required.
o If the frame is from a salvaged vehicle, a salvage certificate in your name or a
certificate that has been properly assigned to you is required.
o Other documents that may establish ownership are:
▪ Registration document and bill of sale – ONLY if the state from which the
frame was obtained did not issue a title (usually because of the vehicle’s
age).
• Application – You may use either the back of the Maryland title, if applicable, or the
Application for Certificate of Title to request the new title (and registration, if
applicable). When the Maryland title is used as the application form, complete the
section entitled Application for Title and Registration.
• Proof of purchase price – You must submit the bills of sale and/or receipts for all parts
and labor.
• Odometer disclosure statement - You may use the manufacturer's certificate of origin
or the title to document the mileage of the vehicle. A separate odometer disclosure
statement may also be submitted.
• Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number - A new vehicle identification
number (VIN) will be assigned to the completed vehicle. The Maryland State Police will
install the new VIN plate after they have inspected it.
• Maryland safety inspection certificate - A safety inspection is required if the vehicle is
being registered at the same time (most cases).
Your title will be mailed to you. If you also register the vehicle (most cases), your registration
card, license plates and expiration date stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in
person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.
How do I title a homemade trailer?
A "homemade" trailer is a trailer that is built by someone other than a licensed manufacturer.
You can apply for a title for a trailer that will carry 5,000 pounds or less in person at any of the
MVA’s full service branch offices. You also can mail the documents to the MVA’s Mail In Title
Unit in the Glen Burnie office, or go to an MVA licensed tag and title service where they will
assist you in applying.
If the trailer will carry 5,001 pounds or more, you can apply for a title in person at the Glen
Burnie branch office. In either case, you will need to submit the following documents:
• Proof of ownership – The ownership document must be for the vehicle frame used in
building the trailer (if any):
o If the frame is new, the certificate of origin included for the frame is required.
o If the frame is from a used vehicle, a title for the vehicle in your name or a title
that has been properly assigned to you is required.
o If the frame is from a salvaged vehicle, a salvage certificate in your name or a
certificate that has been properly assigned to you is required.
o Other documents that may establish ownership are:
▪ Registration document and bill of sale – ONLY if the state from which the
frame was obtained did not issue a title (usually because of the vehicle’s
age);
▪ Sales receipts.
• Application – You may use either the back of the Maryland title, if applicable, or the
Application for Certificate of Title to request the new title (and registration, if
applicable). When the Maryland title is used as the application form, complete the
section entitled Application for Title and Registration.
• Proof of purchase price – You must submit the bills of sale and/or receipts for all parts
and labor.
• Odometer disclosure statement - Not required for a trailer.
• Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number - A new vehicle identification
number (VIN) will be assigned to the completed trailer. If the trailer is rated to carry
more than 5,000 pounds, the Maryland State Police (MSP) also must inspect the
completed trailer, at which time they will install the VIN plate. For lighter weight trailers
(5,000 pounds or less), an MSP inspection is not required. However, in both cases you
must submit a Maryland inspection certificate when registering the vehicle.
• Certified Statement of Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - The statement, signed by
you, must declare the maximum weight to be carried by the trailer.
• Photographs of the trailer - Both side and rear view photographs of the trailer are
required. The photos must show the full length of the trailer and include the trailer’s
tongue (opposite angles), safety chains, license plate bracket, and taillights. Note that
the wheels must be covered with fenders or the body of the trailer.
• Maryland safety inspection certificate - A safety inspection is required if the vehicle is
being registered at the same time (most cases).
Your title will be mailed to you. If you also register the vehicle (most cases), your registration
card, license plates and expiration date stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in
person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.
How do I title a kit car?
A kit car consists of a body, steering system, frame, and related accessories intended for
assembly with an excess or salvage engine, transmission drive line, rear suspension, rear axle
and related accessories. A kit car has the outward appearance of a Historic or Street Rod
vehicle (though it is not titled as such).
You can apply for a title in person at the Glen Burnie branch office. Typically, you will need to
submit the following documents:
• Proof of ownership – The ownership document must be for the vehicle frame used in
building the kit car:
o If the frame is new (kits usually have a new frame included), the certificate of
origin included with the kit is required.
o If the frame is from a used vehicle, a title for the vehicle in your name or a title
that has been properly assigned to you is required.
o If the frame is from a salvaged vehicle, a salvage certificate in your name or a
certificate that has been properly assigned to you is required.
o Other documents that may establish ownership are:
▪ Registration document and bill of sale – ONLY if the state from which the
frame was obtained did not issue a title (usually because of the vehicle’s
age).
▪ Sales receipts
• Application – You may use either the back of the Maryland title, if applicable, or the
Application for Certificate of Title to request the new title (and registration, if
applicable). When the Maryland title is used as the application form, complete the
section entitled Application for Title and Registration.
• Proof of purchase price – You must submit the bills of sale and/or receipts for all parts
and labor.
• Odometer disclosure statement - You may use the manufacturer’s certificate of origin
or the title to document the mileage of the vehicle. A separate odometer disclosure
statement may also be submitted. Usually the mileage is “0” unless the frame was
taken from a used/salvaged vehicle
• Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (if applicable) - A new vehicle
identification number (VIN) may be assigned to the completed vehicle. The Maryland
State Police will install the new VIN plate after they have inspected it.
• Maryland safety inspection certificate - A safety inspection is required if the vehicle is
being registered at the same time (most cases).
Your title will be mailed to you. If you also register the vehicle (most cases), your registration
card, license plates and expiration date stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in
person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.
How do I title a kit trailer?
A kit trailer is a trailer that is assembled from a kit by someone other than a licensed
manufacturer.
You can apply for a title at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices. You also can mail the
documents to the MVA’s Mail In Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office, or go to an MVA licensed
tag and title service where they will assist you in applying. Typically, you will need to submit the
following documents:
• Proof of ownership – Since the frame is new, the certificate of origin included with the
kit is required.
• Application – The Application for Certificate of Title must be submitted to request the
new title (and registration, if applicable).
• Proof of purchase price – You must submit the bills of sale and/or receipts for all parts
and labor.
• Odometer disclosure statement - Not required for a trailer.
• Maryland safety inspection certificate - A safety inspection is required if the vehicle is
being registered at the same time and the kit was assembled by someone other than an
authorized trailer dealer (most cases).
Your title will be mailed to you. If you also register the vehicle (most cases), your registration
card, license plates and expiration date stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in
person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.
How do I title a two-stage vehicle?
A two-stage vehicle is a vehicle that has been built by two separate manufacturers. The result is
a standard, complete vehicle capable of performing its intended function.
You can apply for a title at any of the MVA’s full service branch offices. You also can mail the
documents to the MVA’s Mail In Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office, or go to an MVA licensed
tag and title service where they will assist you in applying. Typically, you will need to submit
the following documents:
• Proof of ownership – The certificates of origin from both the first and second stage
manufacturers are required.
• Application – The Application for Certificate of Title must be submitted to request the
new title (and registration, if applicable).
• Proof of purchase price – You must submit the bills of sale and/or receipts for all parts
and labor.
• Odometer disclosure statement - The odometer reading will be certified on the
certificate of origin or you may submit a separate odometer disclosure statement.
• Contract from a board of education - This is needed for titling a school bus only. It
certifies that your vehicle has been approved for use as a school bus.
Your title will be mailed to you. If you also register the vehicle (most cases), your registration
card, license plates and expiration date stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in
person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.
How do I title a reconstructed vehicle?
A reconstructed vehicle is a vehicle that is created by the unique alteration of a standard
vehicle, by someone other than the manufacturer.
You can apply for a title in person at the Glen Burnie branch office. Typically, you will need to
submit the following documents:
• Proof of ownership – The ownership document must be for the vehicle frame used in
building the reconstructed vehicle:
o If the frame is new, the certificate of origin included with the kit is required.
o If the frame is from a used vehicle, a title for the vehicle in your name or a title
that has been properly assigned to you is required.
o If the frame is from a salvaged vehicle, a salvage certificate in your name or a
certificate that has been properly assigned to you is required.
o Other documents that may establish ownership are:
▪ Registration document and bill of sale – ONLY if the state from which the
frame was obtained did not issue a title (usually because of the vehicle’s
age).
• Application – You may use either the back of the Maryland title, if applicable, or the
Application for Certificate of Title to request the new title (and registration, if
applicable). When the Maryland title is used as the application form, complete the
section entitled Application for Title and Registration.
• Proof of purchase price – You must submit the bills of sale and/or receipts for all parts
and labor.
• Odometer disclosure statement - You may use the manufacturer’s certificate of origin
or the title to document the mileage of the vehicle. A separate odometer disclosure
statement may also be submitted.
• Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (if applicable) - A new vehicle
identification number (VIN) may be assigned to the completed vehicle. The Maryland
State Police will install the new VIN plate after they have inspected it.
• Maryland safety inspection certificate - A safety inspection is required if the vehicle is
being registered at the same time (most cases).
Your title will be mailed to you. If you also register the vehicle (most cases), your registration
card, license plates and expiration date stickers can be provided immediately when you apply in
person to the MVA; otherwise, these items also will be mailed to you.
Salvaged Vehicle Inspection
A vehicle with a certificate of salvage, issued by Maryland or any other *state, must undergo a
salvaged vehicle inspection if the vehicle has been repaired and the owner wants to title the
vehicle in Maryland. If the vehicle does not have a certificate of salvage, contact the MVA for
assistance obtaining one. *New York salvage title (form 907a) must be inspected in New York
only.
A certified Maryland State Police (MSP) Salvage Inspector, must perform the salvage
inspection. The inspection is intended to ensure that the vehicle and/or its parts have not been
stolen or its serial numbers illegally removed.
Note: If the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate has been removed from the dashboard
or is damaged, it must be inspected by a member of the Auto Theft unit. The vehicle must be
scheduled for a salvage inspection at the Glen Burnie inspection site only on any Tuesday
(excluding State holidays) between 8:30 - 12:30. If further assistance is needed to schedule an
appointment, please contact msp.salvage@maryland.gov.
What are the procedures involved in a salvaged vehicle inspection?
First, schedule the inspection online by going to www.mdsp.org/ased.
You will receive a printable appointment confirmation once you have entered all information
and paid for your inspection.
On your scheduled inspection date, please bring your vehicle, completed inspection checklist
and the following documents:
• your personal identification (e.g., Maryland driver’s license);
• the vehicle’s certificate of salvage
• proof of ownership (bill of sale, etc...)
The salvage inspector will first review your personal identification and salvage certificate or
other ownership documents. If everything is in order and the vehicle appears to be road
worthy, he then will conduct the required inspection. When the inspection is successfully
completed, the inspector will stamp your certificate of salvage and sign it to indicate approval.
What must I do next to get my vehicle back on the road?
After your vehicle passes the salvaged vehicle inspection, you can apply to the MVA to title the
vehicle and obtain a thirty (30) day temporary registration that will permit you to drive the
vehicle to an authorized inspection station for a safety inspection. If it passes, then you should
be able to register the vehicle. For information about safety inspections, see Vehicle Safety
Inspection. For information about how to title and register your vehicle, check the infoMVA
homepage for the applicable process descriptions.
Fees:
• A $25 inspection fee will be collected at the time the appointment is made.
Contact Information:
Maryland State Police
Automotive Safety Enforcement Division (ASED)
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
msp.salvage@maryland.gov