How to become a Maryland Title Service Agent

The Business Licensing and Consumer Services (BL&CS) division of the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is the licensing department to become a Maryland Title Service Agent, sometimes referred to as an auto tag distributor. Below are the steps necessary to become a licensed agent:

• Complete an Application for Title Service Agent. The application can be found here. 
• Have a zoning official sign the application form – A zoning official from the jurisdiction where your office will be located must sign the form confirming that the property is zoned appropriately for a Title Service Agent’s office.
• Provide a $50,000 Surety bond. The bond must include the full names and signatures of all officers, partners, and/or owners, exactly as shown on the application. Apply for your surety bond here. 
• Criminal background check – A background check from a private company will be accepted if the Maryland State Police licenses the company as a Private Investigation Agency. A criminal Background check is required for all officers, partners, owners (licensees) and others who have a financial interest in the Maryland Title Service Agency.
• Trader’s License (copy) – This License can be obtained from the Circuit Court in the jurisdiction where the Title Service is located.
• Business Registration letter – This document can be obtained from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). It verifies that your Title Service is licensed to do business in the State of Maryland. You must have this before applying to become a Maryland Title Service Agent.

What happens next?

Prior to becoming licensed, an MVA investigator will visit your office location and conduct an inspection of the location to ensure compliance with the Maryland Code of Regulations (COMAR).  If your site is approved, the investigator will initial your application and will check that your location either passed or failed the inspection.  Once your Title Service Agent License has been approved, the BL&CS will contact you about how to pay for and obtain the License, photo ID cards for you and your employees, and other forms and items needed to operate a Title Service Agent’s office. Once you pay the fees, provide the $50,000 surety bond and your application has been approved, you are a Maryland Title Service Agent!