License Plate FAQs

Sometimes you have to do more with your license plates than attaching them to your vehicle and walking away.

Below are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about Maryland license plates.

What do I do if I've lost my plates or someone stole them?

You'll need to report the theft to your local police department and obtain a copy of the police report. Call your local MVA office to let them know about the theft.

If your plates can't be recovered, you can obtain substitute plates by completing an application. Take the completed form to any MVA office with the appropriate fees, or mail all materials to the following address:

• Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

• Attn: Registration Renewal Section

• 6601 Ritchie Hwy.

• Glen Burnie, MD 21062

Can I get substitute plates if my current ones are damaged?

Yes. Download an application for substitute plates and make sure to include your reason for applying.

You can take the completed materials, along with the appropriate fees to your local MVA office, or mail them to the address above.

What happens if I don't return my plates before my insurance expires?

You want to avoid this situation if possible. Try to return your plates before you cancel your insurance coverage because if you don't, you will violate the mandatory insurance coverage law and have to pay a hefty fine.

To return your plates, include a copy of your vehicle registration card and write down a reason for plate return. If your plates have more than one year to go before they expire, MVA will refund you money.

Complete the application for registration plate refund, then return all materials to the following address:

• Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

• Attn: Tag Return

• 6601 Ritchie Hwy.

• Glen Burnie, MD 21062

You can also return your tags to your local MVA office, put it in a drop box at specific locations (Glen Burnie, Gaithersburg, Columbia, Essex, Waldorf, and Salisbury offices), or take them to an authorized tag and title service.

I've just moved out of Maryland. Do I need to return my plates?

MVA does require you to surrender your plates if you move out of the state and get your vehicle registered elsewhere. You'll have to take the following five steps:

1. Copy your vehicle registration card.
2. Write down your out-of-state address.
3. Write a reason for plate return.
4. If you're eligible for a refund, download the application for registration plate refund and complete it.
5. Mail all materials to the address above.

You can also return your plates in person at your local MVA station or at a drop box at certain MVA offices (Glen Burnie, Gaithersburg, Columbia, Essex, Waldorf, and Salisbury offices). Or, take them to an authorized tag and title service, though this often costs an additional fee.

How can I get vanity plates for my vehicle?

MVA makes it pretty easy to get personalized or "vanity" plates. Fill out the application, copy your registration card, and mail them with the $25 fee (check or money order payable to "MVA") to the following address:

• Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

• Attn: Vehicle Registration

• 6601 Ritchie Hwy.

• Glen Burnie, MD 21062

Note: the $25 fee is a yearly fee.

Are there any other specialty plates that I can get?

Variety is a spice of life, which is why the MVA offers different types of specialty plates, including background plates, county pride stickers, amateur radio operator plates, and organizational plates.

Visit our page on license plates and placards for more information.

Does the MVA offer plates for antique vehicles?

Yes. See our License Plates & Placards section for details on how to apply, and to learn which vehicles qualify for the plates.