Before registering a car in Maryland it is important that you know the following information:
- The entity in charge of car registration in Maryland is the Motor Vehicle Administration of the Department of Transportation (MDOT MVA).
- New residents have 60 days to register a car in Maryland. Residents must do so immediately upon purchasing the vehicle.
- When buying a car from a dealer, the dealer will probably take care of all the paperwork. If you buy a car from a private individual, you will have to manage the car registration yourself.
- When you register your car in Maryland you receive the registration certificate, your new plates (since the plates stay with the seller) and the sticker. Front license plates are required in this state.
- If you leave Maryland, or simply no longer need your plates, you must return them to the MVA.
- Car registration must be renewed every two years if done at the MVA, however, it is possible to obtain a license plate sticker for one year through an authorized agent.
Requirements to obtain license plates in Maryland
Below we show you the requirements and documents you need to register a car in Maryland:
- Certificate of safety inspection carried out at a station authorized by the MVA. The certificate cannot be more than 90 days old.
- Emissions Inspection (if required in the county).
- Registration application (VR-008 format).
- Maryland auto insurance that meets the minimum coverage requirements in the state.
- Proof of vehicle ownership (title, previous registration or manufacturer's certificate of origin).
- Sales invoice (if applicable).
- Odometer reading (if applicable).
- Proof of identity and residence in the state.
- Payment of the corresponding fees.
Important: to register a car in Maryland you must be solvent with traffic fines and taxes in the state.
How to register a car in Maryland?
You can register a car in Maryland in person or by mail, sending the receipts to the following address:
MD MVA
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062
How to register a car in Maryland if you are a resident of the state?
To register a car in Maryland personally if you are a resident of the state, you must do the following:
- Visit an MVA office. Some offices work by appointment, check this link for the offices closest to your place of residence, their address, opening hours, etc. Go to this page if you need to request an appointment.
- Present all the information required by state law.
- Pay any applicable county registration fees and taxes.
You can also register your car in Maryland through an authorized agent.but you need to pay additional fees.
You should register the car in Maryland as soon as you can after you buy it.
How to register a car if you are moving to Maryland?
To register your car with the Maryland MVA in person if you are moving to the state, you must do the following:
- Visit an MVA office. Some offices work by appointment, find a vehicle registration near you and request an appointment if required.
- Present all the necessary information.
- Pay any applicable county registration fees and taxes.
You can register your car in Maryland through an authorized agent.but you need to pay additional fees.
You have 60 days to register your car in Maryland after you officially move to the state.
Temporary license plates in Maryland
You can obtain temporary plates if you are waiting for the approval of a legal document related to your car.For example, if you fail the safety inspection and need to make some repairs to the car.
The temporary license plate is valid for 30 days and can be removed only once.
How much does it cost to get license plates in Maryland?
Generally, passenger vehicles weighing less than 3,700 pounds pay a $135 registration fee.those that exceed that weight can cost $187.
Additionally, you must pay the fees and taxes of the county where you register the car. If you are transferring plates you already have to your new vehicle (they must be from the state and the same type of vehicle) there is a $10 transfer fee.
How to renew car registration in Maryland?
There are several methods to renew your car registration in Maryland: online, by phone, by mail or in person.
You can renew your license plate sticker in Maryland up to two months before it expires.when the county authority sends you the vehicle registration renewal notice (not all counties send it).
How do I renew my car registration online?
To renew your Maryland license plates online you must go to the official MVA website and create an account. (if you don't already have one). Then log in with your username and password.
Then, choose the “Registration Renewal” option and follow the instructions on the page. You must have your renewal notice, a valid form of payment, and insurance information on hand. Print your receipt when finished.
Retrieved from mymva.maryland.gov/TAP/IND/_/
How to renew car registration in Maryland over the phone?
To renew your car registration in Maryland by phone call 410-768-7000 and follow the instructions given by the operator.
You must have a Mastercard, American Express, Visa or Mobile Wallet Pay credit card, renewal notice, Maryland driver's license, insurance policy and registration card.
How to renew car registration in Maryland by mail?
Sign and send the registration renewal notice in the envelope, along with the corresponding payment (with a check or money order), to the address printed on the notice.
You must put your driver's license number and a contact phone number on the check.
How to renew car registration in Maryland in person?
You can renew your license plate sticker at an MVA office, the County Treasurer's offices, an authorized agent (they charge an additional fee), or at an eMVA kiosk.
You must have the renewal notice, car insurance information, and a valid form of payment. If you do not have the notice, request it at an MVA office.
Can a car be registered without inspection in Maryland?
No, a car inspection in Maryland is a requirement for the registration of any new or used car. Once the inspection is passed, a certificate is obtained that must then be presented for the registration of the car.
How long does it take to get a car title in Maryland?
Typically, it can take up to eight weeks to ship a car title in Maryland.
How to change car registration address in Maryland?
To change the address on the car registration in Maryland you can go to an MVA office with a valid identification document, registration certificate and car title. You can also do it online through myMVA on the official website.