Title Check: what a Maryland car title really says
No brand, salvage, rebuilt, flood and the other brands this state uses. Each word changes what the car is worth and what you can do with it.
The title is the document that says who owns the car and what serious things have happened to it. Brands and disclosures depend on the issuing jurisdiction’s rules; also review available records from previous states. A branded car can be the right buy at the right price; the problem is paying a no-brand price for one that has a brand.
Title brands and disclosure information in Maryland
| Brand or condition | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No brand | An unbranded title does not establish that there were no accidents, flooding or repairs. Review available records and the car’s condition. | Check odometer and listing history, and get a pre-purchase inspection. |
| Salvage (salvage certificate) | Repairing the car for road use costs more than 75% of its fair market value before the damage, or an insurer took it after paying a claim (§ 11-152). With a salvage certificate it cannot be titled or registered for road use until it passes the police salvage inspection and the safety inspection (§ 13-507(a)). That 75% does not count towing, storage, car rental or cosmetic-only damage (§ 13-506(c)(4)). | Not a car to drive yet; a project. Only at a project price. |
| Rebuilt salvage | It was salvage for damage over 75%, was repaired and passed the county police or State Police inspection plus the safety inspection. The title carries the notation "rebuilt salvage" (§ 13-507(b)(2)). | Can be worth it if the repair was serious. Ask for parts receipts, photos of the original damage and an independent inspection. |
| Flood Damaged | The insurer stated the car had flood damage. The title carries the notation "Flood Damaged" (§ 13-507(b)(3)). Water damages wiring, modules and airbags progressively. | For most buyers: no. If you still consider it, a full electrical inspection. |
| X-Salvage | An insurer took the car after a claim, but repairs cost 75% or less of its value; it is also used when a dismantler acquired it (§ 13-506(c)(2)(ii)5 and § 13-507(b)(4)). | Less damage than a rebuilt, but it still hurts resale value. Ask what happened and check the repair. |
| Parts only · Not rebuildable | The insurer stated the car cannot be rebuilt and is for parts only. The MVA may not issue it a title again (§ 13-506(c)(2)(ii)2 and § 13-507(b)(2)(ii)). | Never as a road car. If someone offers it with a plate, walk away. |
| Taxicab | It was a taxi. The seller must attach a signed statement to the title and the MVA notes it on the new title (§ 13-112(d)). A lot of use in few years. | Price by real use, not by model year. |
| Returned to manufacturer (lemon law) | The maker bought the car back under the lemon law, a judgment or a settlement. The maker must give a written disclosure of the defect, and whoever resells it must give you a copy before the sale (Com. Law § 14-1502(g)). | Ask for that sheet. Ask what the defect was and whether it was fixed. |
The law protects you, if you use it
The brand goes on the title: if the car comes from another state with a brand similar to rebuilt salvage, Maryland carries it over (§ 13-507(d)). Anyone selling a former taxi must attach a signed statement (§ 13-112(d)), and anyone reselling a car returned to the maker must give you the written disclosure before the sale (Com. Law § 14-1502(g)). The consumer protection law also bars merchants from leaving out a material fact when that deceives the buyer (Com. Law § 13-301(3)).
How to review the title and available history
- MDOT MVA: check which title records are available and how to request them.
- NMVTIS: the federal title-history system. Consumer access is through approved providers; report prices and limitations depend on the service.
- NICB VINCheck: thefts and total losses reported by insurers.
- The paper: ask to see the physical title (or the printed electronic one) before handing over money. The VIN on the title must be the car's, and the name the seller's.
Odometer: the other brand
Where an odometer disclosure is required, review the mileage and any notation of unknown mileage or counter limits. Exemptions exist; check current requirements and compare the odometer with maintenance and inspection records.
How much it changes the price
This guide sets no fixed discount and recommends no individual vehicle price. Consider condition, documented repairs, insurance terms and market context, supported by an independent inspection.
From a guide to the individual vehicle
Sources
- Md. Code, Transp. § 11-152 — Definition of salvage (75%)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 13-506 — Salvage certificates
- Md. Code, Transp. § 13-507 — Titles for salvage vehicles (rebuilt salvage, Flood Damaged, X-Salvage)
- Md. Code, Transp. § 13-112 — Transfer of title; taxicab statement
- Md. Code, Com. Law § 14-1502 — Returned-vehicle disclosure
- Md. Code, Com. Law § 13-301 — Unfair, abusive or deceptive trade practices
- NMVTIS — National Motor Vehicle Title Information System
- NICB — VINCheck
- NHTSA — Odometer Fraud
- FTC — Buying a Used Car From a Dealer
This guide informs; it is not legal or financial advice, nor an offer, quote or appraisal. Every figure carries its source and date; check it is still current before you decide.