Yes, you can expedite a car title in Maryland, primarily through the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA)'s same-day title service. This process is designed for situations where you need the physical title immediately, such as for an out-of-state sale or to secure a loan. The key is to visit an MVA full-service branch office in person with all required documents and payment for the expedited fee. The standard mail-in processing can take several weeks, but the in-person expedited service typically results in you receiving the title before you leave the building, assuming there are no issues with your application.
The most critical step is ensuring your paperwork is complete. You will need the current title properly assigned to you, a completed Application for Certificate of Title, a valid form of identification, and proof of Maryland insurance. If there is a lien on the vehicle, the lien must be satisfied, and the lienholder’s information must be correctly noted. Any errors or missing information will delay the process, negating the benefit of the expedited service. The MVA also charges specific fees for the title itself and the expedited service.
The following table outlines the key data points for this process:
| Fee Type | Standard Cost | Expedited/Additional Cost | Processing Time (In-Person Expedited) | Required Form |
|---|
| Title Fee | $100 | - | Same Day (at branch) | VR-005 |
| Expedited Service Fee | - | $50 | Same Day (at branch) | - |
| Security Interest Filing (Lien) | $20 | - | Included in same-day service | - |
| Duplicate Title (if lost) | $20 | $50 for same-day | Same Day (at branch) | VR-018 |
| Overnight Mailing Fee (if offered) | - | ~$20 | Shipped next business day | - |
It's highly recommended to check the official Maryland MVA website before your visit to confirm the latest fee schedule and to see if you can schedule an appointment to reduce wait times. Third-party tag and title services, known as MVA licensed tag and title services, can also handle this process for an additional fee, which can be a convenient alternative if you cannot visit an MVA branch yourself.
