In this subtitle, “certificate of origin” means a certification by the manufacturer, on a form that the Administration approves, that: Certifies that the vehicle described in it has been transferred to the dealer or other person named and that the transfer is the first transfer of the vehicle in ordinary trade and commerce; and Describes the vehicle by including: Its make, model, year, vehicle identification number, type of body, number of cylinders, and engine number; and Any other information that the Administration requires.

Except as provided in § 13-102 of this subtitle, the owner of each vehicle that is in this State and for which the Administration has not issued a certificate of title shall apply to the Administration for a certificate of title of the vehicle.

A certificate of title is not required for: A vehicle owned and used by the United States, unless it is registered in this State; A new vehicle owned by a manufacturer or dealer and held for sale, even though incidentally moved on the highway or used for purposes of testing or demonstration or used as allowed under § 13–621 of this title; A vehicle used by a manufacturer only for testing; A vehicle owned by a nonresident of this State and not required by law to be registered in this State; A vehicle regularly engaged in the interstate transportation of people or property and for which a currently effective certificate of title has been issued in another state; A vehicle moved only by human or animal power; A bicycle, except for a moped; A vehicle in which interest has passed to a secured party on default of the owner; Farm equipment; Special mobile equipment; A self–propelled invalid: Wheelchair; or Tricycle; A trailer, other than a camping trailer, rated by the manufacturer as having a gross vehicle weight of 2,500 pounds or less; or An off–highway recreational vehicle purchased before October 1, 2010.

The owner of farm equipment or special mobile equipment may apply for and obtain a certificate of title for the farm equipment or special mobile equipment. All of the provisions of this title are applicable to a certificate of title issued under this section, except that: A person who receives a transfer of an interest in the vehicle without knowledge of the certificate of title is not prejudiced by reason of the existence of the certificate; and The perfection of a security interest under Subtitle 2 of this title is not effective until the secured party has complied with the applicable law that otherwise relates to the perfection of security interests in personal property.

The application for a certificate of title of a vehicle shall be made by the owner of the vehicle on the form that the Administration requires. Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, an application for a certificate of title of an off–highway recreational vehicle, a motor scooter, or a moped shall be made by electronic transmission under § 13–610 of this title. The owner of a motor scooter or moped shall certify at the time of titling that the motor scooter or moped is covered by the required security described in § 17–103 of this article. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Administration may not issue a certificate of title to any individual who is not at least 18 years old. The Administration may issue a certificate of title to an individual under the age of 18 years if the individual submits an application for a certificate of title that is cosigned by: A parent or guardian of the applicant; or If the applicant has no parent or guardian or is married, an adult employer of the applicant or any other responsible adult. The individual cosigning the application of a minor under this subsection shall certify that the statements made in the application are true to the best of the cosigner’s knowledge, information, and belief. The application shall contain: The full name and Maryland address of the owner, including: If the owner is an individual, the owner’s Maryland residence and mailing addresses; If the owner is a business firm, association, or corporation, its federal identification number and: Its business address in this State; or The name and address of its resident agent in this State; If the owner is a partnership or joint venture, the name of each partner or joint venturer; If the owner is an unincorporated association, joint stock company, or other group described in § 6–406 of the Courts Article, the name and address of a resident agent on whom service may be made in any lawsuit arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of the vehicle; and If the owner is a trustee, the address of the trust in this State and the name and address of a person in this State on whom service may be made in any lawsuit arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of the vehicle; If the owner is an individual, the owner’s date of birth; and If the owner is a partnership or joint venture, the date of birth of each partner or joint venturer; A description of the vehicle, including: To the extent that the information exists, its make, model, year, vehicle identification number, type of body, and number of cylinders; If the vehicle is a two–stage vehicle: The make and year of the first stage; and The make, model, and year of the second stage; If the vehicle is a motorcycle with an engine manufactured on or after January 1, 1977, the identifying number of the engine; and Any other information that the Administration requires; A statement of: The applicant’s title to and each security interest in the vehicle; and The name and address of each secured party with any security interest in the vehicle and the nature and order of priority of that interest; If the sole individual owner of a motor vehicle designates a transfer–on–death beneficiary under § 13–115 of this subtitle, the name and mailing address of the beneficiary; and Any other information that the Administration reasonably requires to determine if the owner is entitled to a certificate of title. The application shall be signed by: Each owner who is an individual; The individual cosigning the application on behalf of a minor in accordance with subsection (b) of this section; An officer or authorized agent of the owner, if the owner is a business firm, association, or corporation; A partner or joint venturer, if the owner is a partnership or joint venture; An officer or authorized agent, if the owner is an unincorporated association, joint stock company, or other group described in § 6–406 of the Courts Article; or A trustee, if the owner is a trust. The application shall be accompanied by each certificate of title of the vehicle that previously may have been issued by this or any other state and still is outstanding.

If an application for a certificate of title is for a new vehicle, the application also shall be accompanied by: The manufacturer’s certificate of origin for the vehicle, assigned by the transferor to the transferee; or If the vehicle was acquired in another state or country the laws of which do not provide for a manufacturer’s certificate of origin, a certified bill of sale or other documents required by law in the other state or country, showing any security interest retained by the seller or created at the time of sale to secure the payment of the purchase price.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Essential parts” means all integral and body parts, whether new or used, the removal, addition, alteration, or substitution of which would tend to conceal the identity of the vehicle or substantially alter its appearance, model, type, or mode of operation. “Reconstructed vehicle” means any vehicle that: Is of a type required to be registered under this title; and Has been materially altered from its original construction by the removal, addition, alteration, or substitution of essential parts. “Specially constructed vehicle” means any vehicle that: Is of a type required to be registered under this title; Was not originally constructed under a distinctive name, make, model, or type by a generally recognized manufacturer of vehicles; and Has not been materially altered from its original construction. If an application for a certificate of title is for a foreign vehicle previously titled or registered in another state or country, for a reconstructed vehicle, or for a specially constructed vehicle, the application also shall be accompanied by: Any information or documents the Administration reasonably requires to establish the ownership of the vehicle and the existence or nonexistence of security interests in it; Either: The certification of a person authorized by the Administration stating that the vehicle identification number of the vehicle has been inspected and found to conform to the description given in the application; or Any other proof of the identity of the vehicle that the Administration reasonably requires; and As to a foreign vehicle previously titled or registered in another state or country: Any certificate of title issued by the other state or country; or If the other state or country does not issue a certificate of title for vehicles of the type to which the application refers, a certified bill of sale and any registration documents issued by that state or country.

On receiving an application for a certificate of title, the Administration shall check the vehicle identification number shown in the application for the vehicle: Against the records of vehicles required to be kept by § 13-106 of this subtitle; and Against the records of stolen vehicles required to be kept by § 14-105 of this article.

The Administration shall: File each application for a certificate of title that it receives; and Issue a certificate of title of the vehicle if: It finds that the applicant is entitled to the certificate of title; and It has received the required fees. The Administration shall keep a record of all certificates of title that it issues, as follows: Under a distinctive title number assigned to the vehicle; Under the vehicle identification number of the vehicle or, if a distinguishing number has been assigned to it, under the distinguishing number; and Under any other method that the Administration determines. Upon receipt with the application for a certificate of title, the Administration shall maintain a record of the following documents as a part of its certificate of title records for a motor vehicle: A notice from a dealer under § 14–1502(f)(1) of the Commercial Law Article; A notice from a manufacturer or factory branch under § 14–1502(f)(2) of the Commercial Law Article; and A manufacturer’s disclosure form provided to the Administration under § 14–1502(g) of the Commercial Law Article. The Administration shall issue a permanent decal to the owner of a motor scooter or moped for which a certificate of title is issued. An owner of a motor scooter or moped for which a certificate of title is issued shall display the decal on the vehicle as prescribed by the Administration. A decal shall display a unique number sequence assigned by the Administration. The Administration: Shall establish a fee of $5 for a decal; and May adopt regulations to implement this section.

If the vehicle identification number on a vehicle is destroyed or obliterated, the Administration may assign a distinguishing number to the vehicle and issue to its owner a stamped or special plate bearing the distinguishing number. The plate shall be affixed to the vehicle in the position that the Administration determines.

Each certificate of title issued for a vehicle by the Administration shall contain: The date issued; The name and Maryland address of the owner of the vehicle; The names and addresses of all secured parties, in the order of their priority as shown on the application or, if the application is based on a certificate of title, as shown on the certificate; The title number assigned to the vehicle; A description of the vehicle including, to the extent that the information exists, its make, model, year, vehicle identification number, and type of body; In the case of a vehicle returned to the manufacturer or factory branch under Title 14, Subtitle 15 of the Commercial Law Article and subsequently retitled in the State, a permanent notation that informs all subsequent transferees that: Prior to its sale to the transferee, the vehicle was returned to the manufacturer or factory branch under the Automotive Warranty Enforcement Act; and A history of the vehicle is on file with the Administration; The classification or weight for which the vehicle is registered; A notation indicating a beneficiary added under § 13–115 of this subtitle; and Any other information that the Administration determines. The certificate of title: Shall contain forms for: Assignment and warranty of title by the owner; and Assignment and warranty of title by a dealer; and May contain forms for: An application for a certificate of title by a transferee; The naming of secured parties; and The assignment or release of security interests. A certificate of title issued by the Administration is prima facie evidence of the facts appearing on it. A certificate of title for a vehicle is not subject to garnishment, attachment, or execution, but this subsection does not prevent a lawful levy on the vehicle.

Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, when the Administration issues a certificate of title of a vehicle, it shall deliver the certificate of title by mailing it to the owner of the vehicle. Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section, where a vehicle has been repossessed by a lessor, lender, or credit grantor, the lessor, lender, or credit grantor or a title service agent on behalf of the lessor, lender, or credit grantor may request delivery by hand at a facility of the Administration of the certificate of title of the repossessed vehicle or a duplicate of the certificate of title.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, the Administration may develop and implement an electronic system for the issuance of certificates of title and shall develop and implement an electronic system for the recording and releasing of security interests. The electronic system: May provide for recording titling and registration data without the issuance of a certificate of title; and Shall provide for recording and releasing liens without the issuance of a security interest filing. The electronic system may provide for the electronic transmission of: Vehicle data to and from service providers, as defined in § 13–610 of this title; and Publicly available electronic vehicle records. This subsection does not apply to a lienholder that is not regularly engaged in the business or practice of financing motor vehicles. A motor vehicle lienholder shall file electronically with the Administration: Each of its liens; and When a lien is paid in full, the lien release. The Administration shall adopt regulations to govern the electronic transmission of records as authorized or required under this section.

If the Administration is not satisfied as to the ownership of the vehicle or that every security interest in it has been disclosed, the Administration may register the vehicle, but shall either: Withhold delivery of a certificate of title until the applicant presents documents reasonably sufficient to satisfy the Administration as to the applicant’s ownership of the vehicle and that every security interest in it has been disclosed; or As a condition to issuing and delivering a certificate of title, require the applicant to execute and file with the Administration a bond in the form that the Administration approves, either accompanied by a deposit of cash with the Administration or executed also by a person authorized to conduct a surety business in this State. If a bond is required by the Administration under this subsection, the bond shall be in an amount equal to one and one-half times the value of the vehicle, as determined by the Administration, and conditioned to indemnify any former owner or person with a security interest in the vehicle and any subsequent buyer or person acquiring any security interest in the vehicle, and their respective successors in interest, against any expense, loss, or damage, including reasonable attorney’s fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title of the vehicle or by reason of any defect in or undisclosed security interest in the right, title, and interest of the applicant in and to the vehicle. Each of these interested persons has a right of action to recover on the bond for any breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of any surety to all persons may not exceed the amount of the bond. Unless the Administration has been notified that an action to recover on the bond is pending, the bond and any deposit accompanying it shall be returned either at the end of 3 years or, if the vehicle is no longer registered in this State, on the earlier request of the owner and the surrender to the Administration of the certificate of title of the vehicle. If a person has obtained a used vehicle outside of this State and, except for the fact that a certificate of inspection has not been obtained for the vehicle as required by Title 23 of this article, is entitled to register the vehicle and receive a certificate of title for it in this State, the person may apply for a certificate of title and for temporary registration of the vehicle as provided in § 23-107(b) of this article. If a certificate of title has been issued by another state for a vehicle engaged in interstate operation or if a vehicle engaged in interstate operation is registered in another state, the Administration, if it determines that it is necessary or desirable to do so, may register the vehicle in this State, without delivering a certificate of title, on submission to the Administration of the documents and supporting statements that the Administration reasonably requires and on payment of the required fees. The Administration may register a trailer, other than a camping trailer, rated by the manufacturer as having a gross vehicle weight of 2,500 pounds or less without requiring a certificate of title or an application for a certificate of title.

The Administration shall refuse to issue a certificate of title of a vehicle if: The application contains any false or fraudulent statement; The applicant has failed to furnish information or documents required by statute or regulations adopted by the Administration; Any required fee has not been paid; The applicant is not entitled to a certificate of title under the Maryland Vehicle Law; or The Administration has reasonable grounds to believe: That the applicant is not the owner of the vehicle; That the issuance of a certificate of title to the applicant would be a fraud against another person; or That the vehicle does not comply with Title 2, Subtitle 11 of the Environment Article or any regulation adopted under that subtitle.

If a certificate of title is lost, the owner or the legal representative of the owner named in the certificate, as shown by the records of the Administration, promptly shall apply for and, after furnishing information satisfactory to the Administration and payment of the required fee, obtain a duplicate certificate of title. If a certificate of title is stolen, the owner or the legal representative of the owner named in the certificate, as shown by the records of the Administration, promptly shall apply for and, after furnishing information satisfactory to the Administration and payment of the required fee, obtain a duplicate certificate of title. If a certificate of title is damaged to the extent that the certificate of title is illegible, the owner or the legal representative of the owner named in the certificate, as shown by the records of the Administration, promptly shall apply for, and after furnishing information satisfactory to the Administration and payment of the required fee, obtain a duplicate certificate of title. The duplicate certificate of title shall contain the legend “This is a duplicate certificate and may be subject to the rights of a person under the original certificate.” If a person recovers an original certificate of title for which a duplicate has been issued, the person promptly shall surrender the original certificate to the Administration.

Except as provided in § 13-113 of this subtitle, if an owner transfers his interest in a vehicle, other than by the creation of a security interest, the owner shall, at the time of the delivery of the vehicle, execute an assignment and warranty of title to the transferee, with a statement of each security interest, lien, or other encumbrance on the vehicle, in the space provided for that purpose on the certificate. Except as provided in § 13-113 of this subtitle, if an owner transfers his interest in a vehicle, other than by the creation of a security interest, the owner shall, at the time of the delivery of the vehicle, deliver the certificate of title to the transferee. Except as provided in § 13-113 of this subtitle, promptly after delivery to the transferee of the vehicle, the transferee shall: Complete an application for a new certificate of title, either in the space provided for that purpose on the certificate or as the Administration otherwise requires; and Mail or deliver the certificate and application to the Administration. If the Administration does not receive the certificate and application within 30 days after delivery of the vehicle to the transferee, the Administration, in its discretion, may assess the applicant with an additional service fee established by the Administration for making the transfer of title. A person may not knowingly sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any vehicle that has been used as a taxicab unless the person attaches to the certificate of title a signed statement to the effect that the vehicle has been used as a taxicab. On receipt of a certificate of title to which is attached the information required by this subsection, the Administration shall place on the new certificate of title it issues a notation appropriate to convey this information to the new owner of the vehicle. No person other than a dealer may buy in this State and no person may sell in this State any used vehicle of a type for which a certificate of title is required under this subtitle unless: A certificate of title of the vehicle has been issued by the Administration or by another state or country; or A certificate of registration of the vehicle has been issued by a state or country that does not issue certificates of title of such vehicles.

If the transferee of a vehicle is a licensed dealer who holds the vehicle for sale, the dealer shall, within 20 days of the date of the transfer to the dealer of the vehicle, obtain the certificate of title of the vehicle, which shall contain an assignment and warranty of title executed by the former owner. If the transferee of a vehicle is a licensed dealer who holds the vehicle for sale, the dealer shall retain the certificate of title in his possession until the further sale or transfer of ownership of the vehicle. During business hours, the licensed dealer shall allow any representative of the Administration and any police officer full access to all certificates of title of vehicles held by him for sale. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, if a licensed dealer holds a vehicle for sale and transfers the vehicle to another licensed dealer who holds the vehicle for sale, the transferring dealer, without applying for a new certificate of title, shall: Execute an assignment of title to the transferee dealer in the manner and on the form that the Administration requires; and Include in the assignment a statement certifying each security interest, lien, or other encumbrance on the vehicle. If the certificate of title held by the transferring dealer does not contain an open dealer reassignment section, the transferring dealer shall apply to the Administration for the issuance of a certificate of title. If a licensed dealer holds a vehicle for sale and transfers the vehicle to someone other than another licensed dealer who holds the vehicle for sale, the dealer shall: Execute an assignment and warranty of title to the transferee in the manner and on the form that the Administration requires; and Comply with the provisions specified in this subsection. If the vehicle is a Class A (passenger) vehicle, Class D (motorcycle) vehicle, Class G (trailer) travel trailer or camping trailer, or Class M (multipurpose) vehicle and is to be registered and titled in this State, the transferring dealer shall: Obtain from the transferee a completed application and collect all taxes and fees required for titling the vehicle; and Within 30 days of the date of delivery of the vehicle, send or electronically transmit them, together with every other document or data required by §§ 13–104, 13–104.1, and 13–108.1 of this subtitle, to the Administration. If the vehicle is to be registered and titled in this State, but is not a Class A (passenger) vehicle, Class D (motorcycle) vehicle, Class G (trailer) travel trailer or camping trailer, or Class M (multipurpose) vehicle, the transferring dealer shall, within 30 days of the delivery of the vehicle, either: Deliver the certificate of title to the transferee; or Send or electronically transmit the transferee’s completed application and all taxes and fees required for titling the vehicle, together with every other document or data required by §§ 13–104, 13–104.1, and 13–108.1 of this subtitle, to the Administration. If the vehicle is not to be titled in this State and is to be registered in another state, the transferring dealer shall deliver the certificate of title to the transferee within 30 days of delivery of the vehicle. Notwithstanding any other provisions to the contrary, an automotive dismantler or recycler licensed under Title 15 of this article may transfer a vehicle that he owns, regardless of the type of ownership document issued for the vehicle, to another licensed automotive dismantler or recycler or to a licensed dealer, without applying for a new certificate of title, as provided in this subsection. The automotive dismantler or recycler shall: Execute an assignment of title to the transferee automotive dismantler or recycler or dealer in the manner and on the form that the Administration requires; and Include in the assignment a statement certifying each security interest, lien, or other encumbrances on the vehicle. If an automotive dismantler or recycler licensed under Title 15 of this article owns a vehicle declared as salvage and if a salvage certificate has been issued for the vehicle under §§ 13–506 and 13–507 of this title, the automotive dismantler or recycler may transfer the vehicle to any person, without applying for a new certificate of title, by executing an assignment of ownership on the salvage certificate or on the form that the Administration otherwise requires.

At the time that any manufacturer or distributor transfers a new vehicle to a dealer, the manufacturer or distributor shall give the dealer a manufacturer’s certificate of origin for the vehicle. At the time that any dealer transfers a new vehicle to another dealer, the transferring dealer shall assign the manufacturer’s certificate of origin for the vehicle to the transferee. Unless each of the dealers has a franchise in this State for the particular make of a vehicle, a dealer may not transfer a new vehicle to another dealer. Unless each of the dealers has a franchise in this State for the particular make of a vehicle, a dealer may not accept a transfer of a new vehicle from another dealer.

In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Completed vehicle” means a two-stage vehicle that does not require any additional manufacturing operation to perform its intended function, except for the addition of readily attachable components or minor finishing operations. “First-stage manufacturer” means: Any person who manufactures an incomplete vehicle; Any person who distributes an incomplete vehicle of that manufacturer; and Any dealer who has a franchise for the particular make of the incomplete vehicle of that manufacturer. “Incomplete vehicle” means an assemblage that: Consists of at least a frame and chassis structure, power train, steering system, and braking system, to the extent that those systems are to be a part of the completed vehicle; and Requires additional manufacturing operations, other than the addition of readily attachable components or minor finishing operations, to become a completed vehicle. “Minor finishing operations” includes painting, upholstering, or other cosmetic modifications. “Readily attachable components” includes any mirror, extra light, or tire and rim assembly. “Second-stage manufacturer” means: A person who performs manufacturing operations on an incomplete vehicle so that it becomes a completed vehicle; and Any person who distributes a completed vehicle of that manufacturer. “Two-stage vehicle” means a motor vehicle that requires manufacturing operations performed by two separate manufacturers to produce a completed vehicle capable of performing its intended function. Transfers of two-stage vehicles by manufacturers shall be made as provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section. At the time that any first-stage manufacturer transfers to a second-stage manufacturer a new incomplete vehicle that is to be sold or registered in this State, the first-stage manufacturer shall give the second-stage manufacturer a manufacturer’s certificate of origin for the incomplete vehicle, assigned to the second-stage manufacturer by the first-stage manufacturer. At the time that any second-stage manufacturer transfers to a dealer a new completed vehicle that is to be sold or registered in this State, the second-stage manufacturer shall give the dealer the manufacturer’s certificates of origin issued by both the second-stage manufacturer and the first-stage manufacturer and assigned to the dealer by the second-stage manufacturer. Transfers of new completed vehicles by dealers shall be made as provided in subsections (f), (g), and (h) of this section. Each dealer who holds a new completed vehicle for sale shall have a franchise in this State for the particular make of at least one stage of that vehicle. If the dealer’s franchise is for the make of only the first stage of the completed vehicle, the dealer may transfer the vehicle, without obtaining a certificate of title, by executing an assignment and warranty of title accompanied by the certificates of origin issued by the first-stage manufacturer and the second-stage manufacturer. If the dealer’s franchise is for the make of only the second stage of the completed vehicle, the dealer may transfer the vehicle, without obtaining a certificate of title, by executing an assignment and warranty of title accompanied by the certificates of origin issued by the first-stage manufacturer and the second-stage manufacturer, if the certificate of origin issued by the first-stage manufacturer is assigned to the second-stage manufacturer. A dealer shall include in a contract for sale of a completed vehicle a notice in writing of: The make and year of the first stage; and The make, model, and year of the second stage.

Except as otherwise provided in this section, if the interest of an owner in a vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued passes to another person other than by voluntary transfer, the transferee shall present to the Administration the last certificate of title for the vehicle, if available. Except as otherwise provided in this section, if the interest of an owner in a vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued passes to another person other than by voluntary transfer, the transferee shall apply for a new certificate of title. The application for a new certificate of title under subsection (b) of this section shall be accompanied by such instruments or documents of authority or certified copies of them as are sufficient in law or required by law to evidence or effect a transfer of title or interest in or to chattels in such case. A written assignment of title or interest is not required if the prior owner’s title or interest has passed to the transferee as a result of a judicial decree, order, or proceeding. If the interest of an owner in a vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued passes to a legatee or distributee as a result of testamentary disposition or intestate devolution: An application for a new certificate of title need not be made until the expiration of the last annual registration in the name of the deceased owner; and The certificate of title need not be submitted to the Administration until the application for a new certificate of title is made. If title is assigned properly by the personal representative of the deceased owner, a certificate of letters testamentary or of administration issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in this State is sufficient authority for the Administration to transfer the title of the vehicle of a deceased owner. The Administration may transfer on its records the ownership of a vehicle that has been repossessed by a secured party, if the secured party submits to the Administration a certification that states: That the secured party has a security interest in the vehicle; That, on the basis of the security agreement or other lawful basis, the secured party has a right to the possession of and title to the vehicle; That the secured party has possession of the vehicle; and Any other information that the Administration requires. On submission of the certification to it, the Administration may issue a new certificate of title if it is satisfied that the secured party is entitled to one. In the case of a vehicle for which a certificate of title has been issued to married individuals as joint owners, if the interest in the vehicle of one of the joint owners who has died passes by operation of law to the surviving spouse: An application for a new certificate of title need not be made until the expiration of the last registration in the name of the joint owners; and The certificate of title need not be submitted to the Administration until the application for a new certificate of title is made.

An individual who is the sole owner of a motor vehicle or multiple individuals who co–own a motor vehicle as joint tenants with right of survivorship or tenants by the entirety may apply to the Administration to designate a beneficiary to take ownership of the motor vehicle on the death of the sole owner or the last surviving co–owner. The designation of a beneficiary may be shown by the words “transfer–on–death” or the abbreviation “TOD” after the name of the registered owner on a certificate of title. The designation of a beneficiary for a motor vehicle does not affect the ownership of the motor vehicle until the death of the sole owner or the last surviving co–owner of the motor vehicle. The designation of a beneficiary may be revoked or changed at any time before the death of the sole owner or the last surviving co–owner without the consent of the beneficiary by applying to the Administration. The designation of a beneficiary is not required to be supported by consideration, and the certificate of title of the motor vehicle for which the designation is made is not required to be delivered to the beneficiary in order for the designation to be effective. On the death of the sole owner or the last surviving co–owner of a motor vehicle who has designated a beneficiary, ownership of the motor vehicle shall pass to the beneficiary if the beneficiary survives the sole owner or the last surviving co–owner. A designated beneficiary who survives the sole owner or the last surviving co–owner shall apply to the Administration for a new certificate of title for the motor vehicle. An application for a certificate of title by a beneficiary following the death of the sole owner or last surviving co–owner shall include: The original certificate of title designating the beneficiary; A death certificate for the deceased sole owner or each deceased co–owner; Proof of the identity of the beneficiary; and Any applicable taxes or fees. If a designated beneficiary does not survive the death of the sole owner or last surviving co–owner, the motor vehicle is part of the estate of the deceased sole owner or last surviving co–owner. This section does not limit the rights of creditors of motor vehicle owners against beneficiaries and other transferees under other laws of this State. The Administration may charge a fee, not to exceed its costs, for issuing a certificate of title under this section. The Administration may adopt regulations to carry out this section.

On receipt of a properly assigned certificate of title, an application for a new certificate of title, the required fee, and any other documents and information required by law, the Administration shall issue a new certificate of title in the name of the transferee as owner and mail it to him. The Administration shall: File each surrendered certificate of title; and Maintain the file to permit the tracing of title of any vehicle designated in it.

If the vehicle information is changed from that set forth in its certificate of title, the owner of the vehicle immediately shall notify the Administration of the change on the form that the Administration requires. If the vehicle information is changed from that set forth in the certificate of title for the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle immediately shall apply for a corrected certificate of title on the form that the Administration requires and pay any required fee. On receipt of the application, the Administration may issue a corrected certificate of title. The Administration may adopt regulations necessary to govern the issuance of corrected certificates of title.

If the name of any individual who has applied for or obtained a certificate of title is later changed by marriage or by court order, or if the name of any other person who has applied for or obtained a certificate of title is later changed as provided by law, the person shall, within 30 days of the change, notify the Administration of the former name and the new name on the form that the Administration requires. If the name of any individual who has applied for or obtained a certificate of title is later changed by marriage or court order, or if the name of any other person who has applied for or obtained a certificate of title is later changed as provided by law, the person shall, within 30 days of the change, apply for a corrected certificate of title on the form that the Administration requires. On receipt of the application, the Administration shall issue a corrected certificate of title for a fee established by the Administration.

An exclusion or modification from implied warranties of a motor vehicle under § 2-316.1(4) of the Commercial Law Article shall be on a form provided by the Administration.