Types of Special License Plates in Maryland

Read below for more information about types of specialty license plates in Maryland.

NOTE:

• Already picked your plate? Visit Applying for Specialty License Plates for application instructions.
• Looking for disability parking details? See our Disability Placards & Plates page to learn more about disability parking permits.

Personalized Plates in MD

Personalized license plates are available from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

Most vehicles can have custom tags, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Some specialty license plates can also be personalized.

Personalized plate numbers must meet the MD MVA's criteria for approval:

• 2 to 7 characters.
• Made ONLY of letters and/or numbers.
• NOT already in use.
• NOT objectionable.

The Maryland MVA can refuse plate numbers that do not meet the above criteria.

The fee for personalized license plates is $50 per year PLUS standard registration fees. You'll also pay $50 per year PLUS renewal fees when you renew your plates.

Visit Applying for Specialty License Plates to learn how to apply.

What are the Types of Specialty License Plates in Maryland?

The Maryland MVA offers a wide range of specialty license plates. Some plates are available to anyone, while others have membership requirements.

Most specialty plates have additional fees.

When you've picked your license plate, see Applying for Specialty License Plates.

Organizational License Plates

The Maryland MVA offers a wide selection of organizational plates to choose from.

Some plates have the organization's logo and name, while others feature only the organization's name at the bottom of the plate.

Some examples include plates for:

• Non-profits and charities, including:
  • Family Resource Information Education Network for Down Syndrome.
  • Cure Autism Now.
• Entertainment and recreation, such as:
  • Ferrari Club of America, Mid-Atlantic Region.
  • Crescent Yacht Club.
• Religious organizations, for example:
  • Faith United Baptist Church.
  • Calvary Baptist Church.
• Colleges and universities, including:
  • Duquesne University Alumni Association.
  • East Carolina Alumni Association.
• Fraternities and sororities, for example:
  • Alpha Phi Alpha.
  • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Other schools, such as:
  • DeMatha Catholic High School.
  • Boys Latin School of Maryland, Inc.
• Occupational groups, for example:
  • Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
  • Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company.

You'll pay a fee for organizational plates IN ADDITION to regular registration fees:

• $30 for a plate with a logo.
• $20 for a plate without a logo.

You may also be required to pay extra renewal fees.

Organizational plates are available from the organization that sponsors the plate. You'll find more information on our Applying for Specialty License Plates page.

For a complete list of plates and fees, see the MD MVA's lists of logo plates and non-logo plates.

Commemorative Car Tags

The MD MVA issues special commemorative license plates that help support non-profit organizations:

• The Agricultural license plate benefits the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation.
• The Chesapeake Bay plate benefits the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Additional fees apply to Agriculture and Chesapeake Bay plates:

• Initial fee: $25 PLUS usual registration fees.
• Renewal fee (every 2 years): $25 PLUS registration renewal fees.

You can personalize commemorative license plates for an extra fee.

Military License Plates in Maryland

The MD MVS offers several military service and combat plates.

Some examples include plates for:

• Veterans and current members of all branches of the military.
• Military campaigns, such as:
  • The Kosovo Campaign.
  • World War II Veterans.
• Awards and honors, including:
  • The Combat Action Medal.
  • The Soldier's Medal.

You will need to present proof of your eligibility for your desired plate, such as:

• Your discharge papers.
• Your certification of a medal.
• Proof in writing from the National Personnel Records Center.

Fees for military plates are $25 IN ADDITION to Maryland vehicle registration and renewal fees. You may also be subject to additional renewal fees.

For more information about available plates and eligibility requirements, see the MD MVA website.

Classic Car Tags

The MD MVA offers special registration and license plates for classic cars.

Historic vehicles must meet the following criteria:

• The vehicle must retain the manufacturer's original design AND be:
  • A passenger vehicle, a motorcycle, or a truck up to 10,000 lbs. AND at least 20 years old (calendar years).
    OR
  • A truck over 10,000 lbs., a tractor, or motor home AND at least 25 years old.
• It must be insured as a historic vehicle, show vehicle, or antique vehicle.
• Its primary use must be for club activities, events, and exhibition, NOT for regular transportation.

Street rods also have special registration and license plates. To be considered a street rod, your vehicle must be:

• At least 25 years old.
• Changed or redesigned so that it varies from the original design.
  AND
• Used primarily for car collector activities and events, NOT for daily use.

The fees for classic car plates in Maryland (valid for 2 years) are:

• $45 for historic license plates.
• $45 for street rod vehicle plates.

See our page on Applying for Specialty License Plates for application details.