Top1) Determine the Status of Your Registration

Renew MD Registration

You must renew your vehicle's registration every two years and maintain car insurance at all times. If you're in the market for a new carrier, you can compare rates from a variety of companies at our Insurance Center.

"Check Your Renewal Notice" below begins explaining the process to renew your registration.

Register a Vehicle in MD for the First Time

If you just recently moved to the state or purchased a vehicle, you must register with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) for the first time. You can learn what to bring and where to go at our car registration page.

Register a Non-Operational Vehicle

Before taking the vehicle off the road you must turn in the plates and then cancel your insurance coverage. If you cancel the insurance first, you will be fined.

When you're ready to resume driving your vehicle again, you must:

1. Have the vehicle's title.
2. Complete a registration application.
3. Have all fees ready.
4. Visit any full-service MVA office.

Top2) Check Your Renewal Notice

You should receive a registration renewal notice in the mail approximately two months prior to your registration's expiration date. If you don't receive one, call (800) 950-1682.

As part of the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program, the state requires emissions inspections every two years―just like it requires you to renew your registration every two years. Therefore, your renewal notice may include information about an emissions inspection requirement. If it doesn't, you may find the information on your last emissions inspection certificate.

Top3) Calculate Your Fees

Your registration renewal notice includes your fee. If you don't receive a notice, call (800) 950-1682. Registration rates are similar to insurance rates in that the newer and fancier the vehicle, the more you can expect to pay.

Avoid Late Fees and Penalties

There are no late fees if you miss your registration's expiration date. A police officer may ticket you, however, if he stops you while you're driving with an expired registration.

Top4) Renew Online, In Person, By Mail or By Telephone

NOTE: Before going any further, keep in mind in-person renewal is your only option if you have any outstanding tickets or car insurance issues. If this is you, scroll down to "In Person."

Renew Online

1. Look at your renewal notice and make sure you've taken care of any required emissions inspection.
2. Have your eight-digit title number and your license plate number ready to enter.
3. Be prepared to pay the fee with a check or a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit card.
4. Click on the state's e-MVA or visit one of the e-MVA kiosk locations to begin the process.
5. If your registration is close to expiring, print out a receipt. This will serve as your temporary registration certificate until your permanent one arrives in the mail within 10 days.

In Person

1. Have the registration renewal notice, and make sure you're aware of any applicable emission inspection due date.
2. Have proof of insurance.
3. Have the expiring registration certificate.
4. Have payment for the registration fee.
5. Visit any full-service MVA office, title service agent, or your County Treasurer's office.

By Mail

1. Locate your renewal notice.
2. Take note of any information about a required emissions inspection.
3. Enter any corrections or changes, if needed, on the renewal notice.
4. Check the insurance information on the renewal notice. If includes none, be sure to fill it in.
5. Complete, if applicable, any included certifications which must accompany the renewal notice.
6. Mail the renewal notice, certifications (if applicable), and check or money order in the provided envelope. Don't forget to write your phone number and driver's license number on the check.
7. Expect your registration certificate and sticker to arrive in the mail within 10 days.

By Telephone

You can use this option as long as your name, address, insurance, and vehicle information is correct on your renewal notice.

1. Have your vehicle's emissions inspected, if applicable.
2. Locate your renewal registration card.
3. Have an American Express, MasterCard, or Visa to pay the fee.
4. Dial (888) 834-7344 and follow the instructions.
5. Expect your new registration to arrive in the mail within 10 days.

At MVA on Wheels

For schedule information on where and when the MVA on Wheels bus stops, call (800) 950-1682.

Top5) Affix Your Stickers

Affix your registration sticker to the rear plate. Read the included instructions for information about where to exactly place it.

Top6) Get a Tax Deduction

According to MVA officials you cannot claim any of your vehicle registration fee as a tax deduction. For more information on this, you may want to consult with a tax attorney.

Top7) Do Your Part to Keep Our Roadways Safe

Being road-safe takes commitment on your behalf, starting with proper vehicle maintenance. Taking your vehicle in for regular tune ups, changing the oil, and even rotating and replacing the tires are some of more simple measures you can take to assure your vehicle runs in optimal condition.

You can also protect yourself and your wallet when you enroll in a roadside assistance program, take the time to find a mechanic you trust, and even purchase an after-market auto warranty.

Our content is updated based on input from users like you. Help make it better!