Maryland Vehicle Registration

Registering Used Vehicles

To register a used vehicle, the vehicle owner may follow these steps:

Prepare Documentary Proofs

When registering a used vehicle, the vehicle owner must submit all of the following documents:

Proof of Ownership

The current title of the vehicle has to be assigned to the new owner. If it is a Maryland title, it can be the owner's application for registering the vehicle. If the vehicle is from out of state with no title, the vehicle owner must submit the vehicle's registration document and a bill of sale.

Application Form

If the vehicle has a current Maryland title, the vehicle owner can use it as their application form. They just need to fill out the Application for Title and Registration section. If not, they should use the Application for Certificate of Title (VR-005).

Bill of Sale

Submit a notarized bill of sale signed by the buyer and the seller under these conditions:

• The vehicle is newer than seven years old.
• The vehicle price is at least $500 less than the book value.
• The buyer wants the excise tax calculation to be based on 6% of the sale price instead of the book value.

Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate

All used cars titled and registered in Maryland must undergo a safety inspection. A licensed Maryland inspection station must inspect these vehicles. Vehicle owners can use the Maryland State Police (MSP) e-Inspection Search & Station Locator service.

Vehicle owners registering a used vehicle must submit a Safety Inspection Certificate, usually issued by the MSP. This certification is valid up to 90 days after issuance. The vehicle owner must confirm that the vehicle identification number (VIN) cited on the certificate matches the VIN of the car they are registering.

If a person purchases a used vehicle and cannot transport it to an inspection station for inspection, they may request a 30-day temporary registration when titling their vehicle. They must apply for the temporary license plate by completing the Maryland Temporary State Inspection Waiver (VR-129) and paying the $20 fee.

Odometer Disclosure Statement

The vehicle's mileage can be documented and verified in two ways: within the Assignment of Ownership section on the Maryland title or by submitting the MVA's dedicated Odometer Disclosure Statement (VR-197).

Lien Release

When financing is involved in the vehicle purchase, the application may need to include lien details. The MVA's Security Interest Filing Statement (VR-217) is mandatory for secondary liens, with a $20 filing fee.

If the title shows an existing lien, proof of its release is necessary. For Maryland-titled vehicles, it can be a completed Form VR-217 or an official letter from the lien holder confirming the lien's release. A release letter or the lien holder's signature on the title will suffice for out-of-state titles.

There may be instances where the vehicle owner doesn't have their title during registration as the lienholder is from out of state. The MVA can give the vehicle owner an Out-of-State Lienholder Letter (VR-056) to the lienholder to request that the vehicle's out-of-state title be sent to the MVA.

Upon receipt of the title document, the MVA will notify the vehicle owner in writing or by phone to confirm receipt of the title. The notification will include the excise tax due and request they send their completed Form VR-005, Safety Inspection Certificate, and payment to the MVA.

Payment should be made by check or money order, payable to the MVA, and must cover the title fee, lien fee (if applicable), excise tax, and tag fees.

Power of Attorney

A Restricted Power of Attorney (VR-470) may be required if someone else will be signing the titling documents. It must be accompanied by copies of state-issued IDs for the registered owner(s) and the person submitting the forms.

Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin

If necessary, the vehicle owner may also be required to submit a Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin. The MCO is the initial ownership document issued by the vehicle's manufacturer.

Initiate the Titling and Registration Process

Vehicle owners can title and register their vehicles at any MVA office. They can also register online via MVA's dedicated Title & Registration Pre-Application tool in the myMVA services portal.

Pay Excise Tax and Other Fees

The vehicle owner must pay all the taxes and fees to register their used vehicle. Note that these fees are usually the contents of the bill of sale and will depend on whether the purchase was made with a dealer or a private seller.

Dealer Purchase

When a vehicle is acquired from a dealership, the excise tax is calculated using the agreed-upon price of the vehicle. This price calculation incorporates any dealer processing charges while accounting for trade-in value.

Private Seller Purchase

When a vehicle is bought from a private seller, Maryland imposes a 6% tax on the purchase price. To validate the transaction, a notarized Bill of Sale (VR-181) is required. The buyer and the seller must sign the bill of sale and clearly state the actual amount paid for the vehicle on the document.

For vehicles at least seven years old, the tax is calculated based on the purchase price or a minimum book value of $640, with the higher amount being used.

Receive the Title and Other Registration Documents

After titling, the title will be mailed to the vehicle owner. If the owner also registers the vehicle, their registration card, license plates, and expiration stickers will also be mailed. However, if the vehicle owner registers in person at any MVA office, they will receive these items immediately.

Registering Brand New Vehicles

In Maryland, it is common for dealers to take care of the registration process for vehicle buyers. Upon purchase, the dealer will provide the buyer with a bill of sale and temporary or permanent license plates.

The official Maryland title will be generated and sent to the buyer at a later time. If there is a lien placed against the title, Form VR-217 will also be sent simultaneously to the lien holder.

However, there may be instances where the dealer does not handle the titling and registration process. This can occur if the vehicle is sold by an out-of-state dealer. In such cases, the buyer is responsible for submitting the necessary application documents at any MVA office.

Registering Vehicles of New Maryland Residents

New residents of Maryland must register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to the state. Delaying beyond 60 days will result in ineligibility for a tax credit on any titling tax paid in another state. It may subject the owner to a citation for an out-of-state registration. (See the "Tax Credit" section below for more information.)

Vehicle owners can apply for a Maryland title and registration at any of the MVA's offices. Alternatively, they can mail the documents to the MVA's Out-of-State Title Unit at 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062, or visit the list of MVA-licensed tag and title services in the myMVA services portal for assistance with the application.

Typically, the following documents are required:

• Proof of ownership
• Application form
• Safety inspection certificate
• Bill of sale
• Lien release document
• Power of attorney (if someone else will register in place of the owner)

Check this guide's "Registering Used Vehicles" section for more information about these documents.

The vehicle may also be required to submit the following documents:

Proof of Vehicle's Value

If the MVA cannot identify the vehicle's value, the owner may need to submit a bill of sale. A lease agreement may also be acceptable for leased vehicles.

Lease Agreement (For Leased Vehicles Only)

If the owner has paid or is paying excise tax to another state through their lease payments, these documents may be needed to determine the excise tax credit they may receive.

Tax Credit

If a vehicle owner qualifies for the tax credit by titling in Maryland within 60 days of residency, vehicle(s) in a state with a tax rate equal to or higher than Maryland's 6% tax rate will cost $100.

Vehicles from a state with a lower tax rate than Maryland's 6% will be taxed the difference between the two states. For example, If Maryland's rate is 6% and Virginia's is 4%, the difference is a 2% tax rate. The minimum tax is $100. When the vehicle's value is less than $2,000, the 6% rate will apply. A State Tax Rate Chart is available for reference.

If the vehicle is registered in a state that imposes no tax or the owner has been a resident for over 60 days, the tax will be assessed at 6% of the vehicle's value.

Obtaining New or Transferring Existing License Plates

The type of license plate will depend on the vehicle. When getting a new license plate, the vehicle owner must check the type of vehicle indicated in the registration or title.

If the vehicle owner wishes to transfer an existing license plate, they can do so under these requirements:

• If a vehicle is jointly owned by a married couple, it can be transferred to the name of either spouse.
• If a vehicle is owned by one spouse, it can be transferred to the joint names of both spouses.
• If a vehicle is jointly owned by a parent and a child, it can be transferred to the individual name of either party.
• If a vehicle is owned by an individual, it can be transferred to the parent and/or child of that individual.

If the vehicle owner wants to transfer their plates to a new vehicle, the new vehicle must be in their name. It must also meet the following requirements:

• The original vehicle must have been sold, traded, junked, or discarded.
• The new vehicle's ownership must match the name on the original license plates.
• Both vehicles must have the same registration classification. The owner should complete the relevant sections of the transfer application.

Both registering a new license plate or tag and transferring an existing one will incur a $10 fee.

How To Obtain Vanity License Plates in Maryland?

In Maryland, people can get vanity license plates with personalized messages. These plates can have two to seven characters, including letters and numbers, depending on the vehicle.

To obtain these plates, a person can visit an MVA full-service branch office, apply online through the myMVA website, or mail their application to the MVA's Specialty Tag Unit in Glen Burnie. Another option is to get help from an MVA-licensed tag and title service.

The MVA reviews all requests and may reject messages that have already been taken or deemed inappropriate. After applying, it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for the plates to arrive.

24-Hour Registration

The MVA may issue 24-hour temporary electronic or digital registration to vehicle owners. It allows individuals who have purchased a vehicle to legally operate it on Maryland highways. Note that only one 24-hour registration can be issued per vehicle sales transaction.

The 24-hour registration option specifically applies to passenger cars, multipurpose sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and motorcycles. Vehicles with salvage certificates are not eligible to receive 24-hour registration.

In such cases, the MSP must inspect the vehicle before any registration can be issued. If necessary, the vehicle may need to be towed. For more detailed information on the inspection process for salvaged vehicles, refer to the MVA website's "Salvaged Vehicle Inspection" page.

Insurance Requirements

All Maryland vehicles must have continuous insurance coverage from a licensed vehicle insurance company in Maryland. The insurance coverage should meet the following minimum requirements:

• $30,000 for bodily injury
• $60,000 for two or more people
• $15,000 for property damage

Note that if the vehicle does have insurance after registration, it can incur different fines and penalties.

Converting Out-of-State Title and Registration

If the owner of a vehicle, which was originally titled in Maryland, acquires a title for the same vehicle in another state using the same name and subsequently returns to Maryland, they are required to surrender their foreign title. Then, they must obtain a duplicate Maryland title online or by visiting any MVA office in person.

Renewing Through myMVA Services

Online renewal is available through the myMVA services. Vehicle owners must not change the registration renewal notice's name, address, insurance, and vehicle information.

They must have their vehicle title and license plate numbers ready. Telephone renewal is also an option. Vehicle owners can call 1-410-768-7000 and follow the instructions provided. This method is suitable if there are no name, address, insurance, or vehicle information changes on the renewal notice.

Accepted payment methods include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card, or Mobile Wallet Pay.

Renewing Through the eMVA Kiosk

Use the self-service eMVA kiosk conveniently located at all MVA locations. This option is suitable if there are no name, address, insurance, or vehicle information changes on the renewal notice.

Before visiting the kiosks, the vehicle owner must prepare their current registration card or renewal notice, insurance information, and payment.

Renewing by Mail

Review the information on each renewal notice and make any necessary corrections or changes in the provided gray area. Only one owner is required to sign each notice.

If someone other than the vehicle owner is renewing the registration, they must present Form VR-470 along with the renewal notice. A copy of the registered owner(s) state-issued ID with the form and the person's state-issued ID is required.

Check the insurance information and fill it out if it is not printed on the renewal notice. Complete any required certifications included with the renewal notice.

The person or the vehicle can pay by check or money order payable to MVA only. The envelope must indicate a preprinted name and address. If the payment is via check, the driver's license number and the vehicle owner's home or work phone number must be added.

Renewing at County Treasurer's Offices

Some County Treasurer's offices offer the option to renew plates Monday through Friday, with an additional fee. Check the "Country Treasurer's Office" section on the MVA website's "Renewing Your Vehicle Registration" page for a list of these offices.

Renewing at Title Service Agents

Vehicle registration renewal can also be done at title service agents throughout Maryland. Additional fees will apply. These agents also provide titling services. For more information, check the "Renewing Your Vehicle Registration" page on the MVA website.