Despite action by MD legislators to freeze fees on rental car titles, the rate goes from $50 to $100, July 1

Despite action by MD legislators to freeze fees on rental car titles, the rate goes from $50 to $100, July 1

Dealers with rental car companies in Maryland need to know that the MVA fees for certificate of title on rental cars jumps from $50 to $100, effective this week, July 1, 2014. This increase, which was legislated by the Maryland General Assembly at the same time a few years ago when the maximum dealers could charge for processing fees was raised to $300 and made effective this July, was reversed by the General Assembly this past 2014 session, effectively leaving the title fee for rentals at $50. Lawyers for the executive branch, however, determined the legislation reversing the rental title fee increase was unenforceable on the technical grounds i.e., because it was included in legislation that violated the General Assemblyês –single subject rule.”

Recognizing that the legislature is likely to reinstate the measure it thought it passed in 2014 in the 2015 session next January, the extra $50 per rental vehicle title will be set aside in an escrow- style fund so the government can readily and easily refund the overage to rental car companies paying the extra fare in the meantime.

And, yes, the new rate for rental car titles as of last Tuesday, and going forward until further notice, is now $100 per certificate. WANADA dealers with rental car operations are advised to review the fee increase with the appropriate personnel accordingly.

Maryland MVAês recent dealer Bulletin on this topic and others is available by clicking here.