Maryland License Plates

From decals to paint jobs to bumper stickers, nearly every car owner is interested in customization. Although license plates are important in keeping cars organized and accounted for, they also provide another avenue for drivers to express themselves. Maryland uses license plates to identify vehicles and track them down if they are lost or stolen. Aside from Maryland's standard-issue license plate, a variety of specialty options are available, such as plates for veterans or radio operators. Choosing the right license plate in Maryland can be difficult with many options.

License Plates In Maryland

Registration is an important part of owning a car; states use it to assess taxes and monitor traffic and criminal violations. Aside from that, your license plate number is the simplest way to identify your vehicle, especially if it is a common make or model. If you are involved in an accident, your license plate will be used to determine who is at fault. Of course, without license plates, finding a stolen car would be nearly impossible. Almost every vehicle in Maryland is required to display two individual plates at all times, one in front and one in back. The only vehicles that can have only one are:
  • Motorcycles
  • Trailers
  • Tractors
  • Certain historic cars

Types Of License Plates In Maryland

Maryland has two types of license plates in general:
  • General plates: If you live in Maryland, you've probably seen them a million times. There are no additional fees or requirements associated with these plates.
  • Specialty plates: Some of these plates, such as the Chesapeake Bay Plate, are available for a one-time and annual fee. However, you must have served in the military to obtain something like the Maryland Veteran license plate.

General License Plates

Maryland has changed its license plates dozens of times since they were first introduced in the early twentieth century. Although the plates have changed over the years, their current plate is relatively simple in design. The current Maryland general license plate has been in use since 2016. It has a white background and the state's name in red lettering at the top. A portion of Maryland's state flag can be seen near the bottom.

Specialty License Plates

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration sells a variety of specialty license plates. Some plates are available to anyone, while others require membership. Most specialty plates require an additional fee. If you don't want to stick with Maryland's standard-issue plates, you have several other options:

Organizational License Plates

The Maryland MVA provides a diverse range of organizational plates. Some plates include the organization's logo and name, while others only include the organization's name at the bottom. Plates for: are some examples.
  • 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.

Commemorative Car Tags

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration issues commemorative license plates to benefit non-profit organizations such as:
  • Agricultural plates: with a scenic orange background and a bright red barn, these license plates are ideal for showing your support for Maryland's farmers.
  • Chesapeake Bay license plates: There is no better way to demonstrate your concern for the health of the Chesapeake Bay than with these license plates. They have a bright blue background that depicts both the clear water and the sunny sky.

Military License Plates

The MD MVS provides a variety of military service and combat plates.
  • Veterans and active 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.
  • Combat-related or military plates: If you were a military member and want to be recognized for your achievements, you must provide proof of service to receive these plates. Numerous variations of these plates indicate which branch or operation you worked in.
If your loved one was killed while serving in the U.S. Military, personnel are eligible for Gold Star plates. These plates are beige and have a gold star to the left of the license number. You must show proof of eligibility for your desired plate, such as:
  • You've received your discharge papers.
  • Your medal certification.
  • Written confirmation from the National Personnel Records Center.
Military plates cost $25 extra on top of Maryland vehicle registration and renewal fees. You may also have to pay additional renewal fees.

Classic Car Tags

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration provides classic car registration and license plates. The following criteria must be met by historic vehicles:
  • The vehicle must retain the original design of the manufacturer AND be:
    • A passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or truck weighing up to 10,000 pounds. And you must be at least 20 years old.
    • A truck weighing more than 10,000 pounds, a tractor, or a motor home at least 25 years old.
  • It must be insured as a historic, display, or antique vehicle.
  • It must be used primarily for club activities, events, and exhibitions, not for regular transportation.
Street rods have their registration and license plates. Your vehicle must meet the following criteria to be considered a street rod:
  • You must be at least 25 years old.
  • Changed or redesigned in such a way that it differs from the original design
  • Not for daily use but rather for car collector activities and events.
In Maryland, the fees for classic car plates (valid for two years) are as follows:
  • $50 for historic license plates.
  • $50 for street rod vehicle plates.

Obtaining A Maryland License Plate

To obtain a license plate in Maryland, register your vehicle. If you purchase a new car from a dealership, they will most likely walk you through the process, whereas those moving in from out of state or purchasing from a private seller may have to handle it themselves. To register your vehicle, you must present the following documents to any Maryland Motor Vehicle Association (MVA) office:
  • Ownership documentation
  • Your lease contract
  • The registration fee
  • An application form
If you want to switch your license plates from general to specialty, you can apply online or visit one of the MVD's field offices. If you need to replace a damaged plate, the fee is $20.