identifying a maryland certificate of title?
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: albany, ny
identifying a maryland certificate of title?
my father is looking to buy a bike that is currently titled in maryland, but i have no idea what a legit maryland title is supposed to look like.
is there a watermark? does it show up if the title is photocopied?
i just want to make sure the title we're getting is legit before we hand over any money.
is there a watermark? does it show up if the title is photocopied?
i just want to make sure the title we're getting is legit before we hand over any money.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 279
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From: Middle River, MD
Don't have mine in front of me now (at work), but it is approximately 5x7, lots of engraving work around the borders (similar to a dollar bill), and the back of the title has places to record odometer readings and purchase price when the owner sells it.
The main thing to watch for is a lein. If there is a leinholder listed on the front of the title, you will also need the lein release from the lending institution to prove that the lein has been satisfied, otherwise MD won't allow the transfer to another owner.
The main thing to watch for is a lein. If there is a leinholder listed on the front of the title, you will also need the lein release from the lending institution to prove that the lein has been satisfied, otherwise MD won't allow the transfer to another owner.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Carroll County, MD
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 35
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From: albany, ny
thanks for the responses guys. i used to work for a certain state's DMV and know that liens are pretty common to every state's vehicle title certificate, and this one is (fortunately) clear of any and all.
i guess what i'm really asking is how to know that the paper itself is a real, valid, maryland certificate. i had the current owner make a photocopy for me so that i didn't have to write all the information down, and it struck me as odd that no watermarks showed up on the copy. with most state's titles, if you photocopy the title the word "VOID" appears on the copy when it comes out of the machine.
maybe maryland just isn't that advanced yet, but i just wanted to make sure.
i guess what i'm really asking is how to know that the paper itself is a real, valid, maryland certificate. i had the current owner make a photocopy for me so that i didn't have to write all the information down, and it struck me as odd that no watermarks showed up on the copy. with most state's titles, if you photocopy the title the word "VOID" appears on the copy when it comes out of the machine.
maybe maryland just isn't that advanced yet, but i just wanted to make sure.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Parkton, Maryland
I just copied mine and the watermark came out so faint that it can barely be found. I'm using a laser copier so I doubt if it would show at all if done on an inkjet or a fax machine. One thing that also did not copy at all is a small circle in the upper right corner of the border which contains a faint picture of the State Seal on the origional.
The document measures 7" x 11"
The document measures 7" x 11"
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: albany, ny
thanks wecroft. i feel a little better now. the copy i have was made on a color inkjet and it looks like there may be a watermark, but like you said. it's faint. you you know what it says by any chance?
i'll have to check for that state seal too. it sounds like i shouldn't be able to see it.
for what it's worth, we also copied a vermont title and the word "VOID" came out clear as day. i'll have to try my new york one just to see what happens.
much appreciation to all who replied here!
i'll have to check for that state seal too. it sounds like i shouldn't be able to see it.
for what it's worth, we also copied a vermont title and the word "VOID" came out clear as day. i'll have to try my new york one just to see what happens.
much appreciation to all who replied here!
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: SoCal
is it possible for you to call the Maryland DMV directly?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Parkton, Maryland
MD MVA won't help you. I tried to find out if a driver had insurance and with what company after our neighbor's mailbox was destroyed in an accident and they would not provide any information.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: albany, ny
i actually emailed MD MVA not expecting a response, but they wrote back telling me what to look for. it's pretty much the same as what you guys said, so i feel better now.
however, i'm sure if i were to ask them to look up the specific title or something they'd tell me to take a flying leap.
however, i'm sure if i were to ask them to look up the specific title or something they'd tell me to take a flying leap.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Maryland
http://mva.state.md.us/Resources/DR-057.pdf
If you specify for research purposes, admit that you are involved in a private purchase of the titled vehicle out of state, and pay the fee - I believe that they will release some info to you. Of course mail is slow.....
If you specify for research purposes, admit that you are involved in a private purchase of the titled vehicle out of state, and pay the fee - I believe that they will release some info to you. Of course mail is slow.....