Frequently Asked Questions

Are there times I won’t be allowed to renew registration?

In order to avoid facing any penalties or late fees, it is important to renew car registration before its expiration date. You can complete this process in the manner that is most convenient for you, whether it is online, in person or by mail. You can renew your car registration up to 60 days before it expires.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maryland

Can somebody else renew my registration for me?

The state of Maryland provides a number of convenient methods for renewing car registration. You can choose to complete this process online, by phone, using an eMVA kiosk, with a title service agent, at a county treasurer s office or by mail. To avoid any issue, make sure that you renew your registration with one of these aforementioned options.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maryland

Do boats need to be registered?

By law, boats in Maryland must be titled. A boat must also be registered if it holds a primary or auxiliary mechanical propulsion, and is mainly used in Maryland waters for a good portion of the year. When registering your boat, you will also be required to pay vessel excise tax. You must complete your boat registration within 30 days of purchase. To learn more, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland

Do I need to file a police report if my registration was lost or stolen?

Yes, if you have a lost car registration or a stolen car registration, venture to your nearest police station to complete the process of filing a report. When requesting duplicate registration, it is important to carry this police report with you to your local MVA branch or tag and title office. Whether or not your duplicate fee is waived is to the discretion of the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Maryland

Do I need to return my license plate if I move out of the state?

Yes, the state of Maryland makes it mandatory to surrender your license plate when you are moving elsewhere. There are various ways in which you can complete this task:

  • Drop off your license plate at any local MVA branch.
  • Drop off your license plate at any MVA return drop box.
  • Drop off your license plate at any authorized tag and title service center.
  • Send them by mail to MVA, 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062

When surrendering your license plate, you will also be required to turn in your registration card in order to avoid any penalties or consequences.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland

Do I need to turn in my damaged registration?

If your car registration was damaged or mutilated, turn it in to your nearest MVA branch. While there, you can take advantage to request a duplicate registration by using a MVA Self-Service Kiosk. Make sure to have your valid Maryland drivers license with you, as well as payment for the duplicate fee. Fees will vary, depending on whether you are requesting duplicate plates with stickers, a duplicate sticker or a registration car.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Maryland

Does a motorized scooter need to be registered?

The state of Maryland requires drivers who operate a motor scooter or moped to have it tiled and insured. Additionally, you must wear a helmet and protective eyewear at all times. In order to drive a motor scooter or moped, you must have a valid MD drivers license of any class.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland

Does my vehicle qualify for a smog inspection?

The state requires all drivers to present a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate when getting car registration. This crucial document certifies that your vehicle has met all the safety regulations and standards imposed by the state. A certificate of inspection is issued by any licensed inspection station or specialized car service center. You will have 90 days to present this certificate at the MD MVA once it has been issued.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland

How can I renew my vehicle registration?

The state of Maryland allows drivers to renew car registration in one of six ways: online, by phone, using an eMVA kiosk, with a title service agent, at a county treasurer s office or by mail.

Online To renew car registration online, have your license plate number and vehicle title on hand, as well as payment for the necessary fee. The Maryland MVA accepts either credit cards or debit cards as payment.

By Phone To renew over the phone, call 1-410-768-7000 and have a credit card or debit card on hand to process your payment transaction.

eMVA Kiosk A Maryland driver can renew his or her car registration at any eMVA Kiosk, which is located at all MVA branches.

Title Service Agent You can renew your registration with a title service agent that works anywhere in Maryland.

County Treasurer s Office When renewing your registration at a country treasurer s office, an additional fee will be charged for its services. Plates can be renewed only from Monday to Friday.

By Mail Send your renewal notice, along with a check or money order payable to Motor Vehicle Administration, to the address listed on your notice. Make sure to add your drivers license number and a daytime phone number.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maryland

How can I transfer my registration to another state?

To register a car out of state, contact the DMV of the new state you are moving to, and further abide by their rules and regulations. A DMV agent will be able to provide you with proper instructions with how to proceed. Make sure to have your car registration, car title and current drivers license on hand.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland

How do I apply for a disabled person parking placard or plates?

If you are an individual with a disability, you can request an MD handicap placard or plate by filling out the proper paperwork and submitting payment for any required fees. Follow these steps below:

  • Complete the Maryland Parking Placards/License Plates for Individuals with a Disability application. Make sure to have your licensed physician fill out the Disability Certification Information section. However, you can skip this section if you are self-certifying.
  • Submit the application, along with any necessary fees, to the Maryland MVA in person. Or, send it to MVA, Disability Unit, Room 202, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, Maryland, 21062. You can also apply in person at any MVA office except for Oakland.

Your physician can also submit your application by fax to 410-787-7840.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland

How do I file a police report if my car registration was stolen?

If you have a MD stolen car registration, visit your nearest police station to file a police report. By taking this course of action, you will reduce the chances of any fraudulent activity occurring on your drivers license. Once you have obtained a copy of your police report, make sure to bring it with you to a local MVA branch.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Maryland

How do I obtain a duplicate car registration?

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration allows drivers to obtain a duplicate car registration in person, online or by mail.

In Person Visit any nearby MVA branch and present a completed Application for Substitute Plates/Stickers/Duplicate Registration to request replacement registration.

Online You will be required to visit the MVA Fast Track website to complete the online transaction.

By Mail Send a completed Application for Substitute Plates/Stickers/Duplicate Registration and proper payment, in the form of a money order or check to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Administration Attn: Registration Renewal Section 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E. Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Maryland

How do I obtain car registration?

If your car was purchased from a dealer:

Most dealerships will automatically submit your new car registration paperwork to the Maryland MVA so you don t have to. You will be provided with a temporary tag and registration document until your permanent one arrives in the mail.

If your car was purchased from a private party:

You will be required to apply for used car registration at a local MVA full branch office. Before making your visit, make sure you have gathered your car title, a filled out Application for Certificate of Title, proof of car insurance, a Bill of Sale (must be notarized if the car is less than seven years old), Odometer Disclosure Statement and a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate. Your inspection certificate can be obtained at any licensed inspection station in the state.

If you are new to the state of Maryland:

In addition to the aforementioned documentation, you will also need to present lien information if it applies. If there is a second lien against your title, you must fill out a Security Interesting Filing form.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland

If I do not renew on time, will there be an additional fee?

Failure to complete MD car registration renewal on time may result in late fees. You can renew your registration up to 60 days before its expiration date. For passenger vehicles that are less than 3,700 lbs, the renewal fee is $135. For passenger vehicles that are more than 3,700 lbs., the renewal fee is $187. These fees are subject to change without notice.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maryland

Is there a different process I must follow if I lost personalized plates?

If you lost your vehicle s personalized plates and would like to obtain regular plates, you will need to follow the process of obtaining standard duplicate plates. You can visit either your local MVA branch or a tag and title service office to submit your request. Make sure to bring your drivers license with you.

If you would like to submit your request by mail, send a completed Application for Substitute Plates/Stickers/Duplicate Registration with your registration card and proper payment to the address below:

MVA – Mail In Registration Unit 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E. Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Maryland

Should I carry the registration on me or in the car?

Keep your MD DMV car registration safely secured in the glove compartment of your vehicle. You will also want to place a copy of your registration either in your wallet or at home. In the event that you are pulled over by a police officer, it is important to have immediate access to your car registration documents. Make sure that your registration tag is unexpired and up to date.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland

What are the most common reasons why I would need to replace my registration?

There are a few reasons why you may find you need to replace car registration. They may include any of the following:

  • Your vehicle registration was damaged.
  • Your vehicle registration was stolen.
  • Your vehicle registration was lost.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Maryland

What are the required fees for my vehicle registration?

Maryland car registration fees vary, depending on the weight of the vehicle. For example, passenger vehicles that weigh 3,700 lbs or less have a $135 registration fee. If you are registering a motorcycle, your fee drops down to $104. These numbers are subject to change without notice.

The state of Maryland also has a six percent excise title tax.

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland

What are the required fees to get replacement registration?

The state of Maryland charges the following fees for duplicate vehicle registration:

  • Duplicate plates with stickers – $20
  • Duplicate sticker – $5
  • Moped Motor-Scooter Off-Road Vehicle Decal – $5
  • Duplicate Registration Card only – $5

If submitting payment by mail, only check or money order is accepted. It must be made payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration and include your driver s license number, your name and address and your daytime phone number.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Maryland

What are the required fees to renew my registration?

Your Maryland car registration renewal fees depend on the type of vehicle you drive and its size. Some of these fees are outlined below:

  • Passenger vehicles up to 3,700 lbs. $135
  • Passenger vehicles more than 3,700 lbs. $187
  • Multi purpose vehicle up to 3,700 lbs. $135
  • Multi purpose vehicle more than 3,700 lbs. $187
  • Motorcycles $104
  • Limousine $404
  • Passenger vehicle operated for hire $334

Fees are subject to change without notice, therefore it is important to check with your local MVA about the current amounts.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maryland

What documents do I need to present to get a replacement car registration?

If replacing car registration in person or by mail, submit an Application for Substitute Plates/Stickers/Duplicate Registration. If you have a Maryland stolen car registration and you filed for a police report, make sure to bring that with you. You will also need to present your current drivers license to confirm that you are a Maryland resident.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Maryland

What documents do I need to present to get new registration?

If you have purchased your vehicle through a private seller or are new to Maryland, visit a MVA full service branch and have these documents ready for DMV car registration:

  • Original car title
  • Proof of car insurance
  • Bill of Sale signed by both seller and buyer (must be notarized if the car is less than 7 years old)
  • Odometer Disclosure Statement
  • Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate
  • Your current Maryland drivers license
  • Application for Certificate of Title

For more information: How to Register a Vehicle in Maryland

What documents do I need to present to renew my car registration?

The documents you will need to submit depends on the method you choose for MD car registration renewal. Always have your current Maryland drivers license on hand, as well as your vehicle title. An MVA agent will ask you for this information in order to confirm your identity and locate you in their records. When renewing your car registration, you will also be required to pay any proper fees.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maryland

What should I do if I have not received my registration tags or stickers?

In the event that you have not received your registration documents, contact the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration at 1-410-768-7000 to inquire about its status. If you placed your renewal request online, you can also visit your local county treasurer s office with the payment receipt to avoid any further delays.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maryland

When does my car registration expire?

Most cars in Maryland have a valid registration for two years. You will be required to renew car registration before its expiration date. You can do so online, by phone, using an eMVA kiosk, with a title service agent, at a county treasurer s office or by mail.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maryland

Where can I find a local tax county collector office?

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration allows drivers to get a car registration copy in person at a tag and title service office or at a local MVA branch. When making your request, you will need to gather certain documents, such as your MD drivers license and an Application for Substitute Plates/Stickers/Duplicate Registration. You will also be required to submit payment for the duplicate fee.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Maryland

Will I need to fill out an application to replace my car registration?

Yes, the state of Maryland requires drivers to complete an Application for Substitute Plates/Stickers/Duplicate Registration when requesting a car registration replacement in person or by mail. On the application, you will be asked to enter information such as your address, your drivers license number, your Vehicle Identification Number and the name of your insurance company. In order for it to deemed valid, you must provide your signature at the bottom.

For more information: How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Maryland

Will I receive a renewal registration notice in the mail?

Yes, the state of Maryland sends out a renewal notice up to 60 days before your car registration s expiration date. Once you have received this notice, follow the proper instructions on the form. You will have the option to renew your registration by mail and send back the notice, or use other renewal methods.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maryland

Will my registration expire on my birthday or birth month?

Your car registration expires on the date noted on your registration document which could be on any day during the year. You can expect to receive a renewal notice in the mail 60 days before your registration expires. This renewal notice will explain your options and the instructions you must follow. If you decide to renew vehicle registration by mail, you will be required to submit your renewal notice, along with proper payment in the form of money order or check. Checks must be made payable to Motor Vehicle Administration.

For more information: How to Renew Your Vehicle Registration in Maryland