The Maryland Specialty License Plates

The distribution and issuance of personalized and customized vanity license plates are overseen by the Maryland Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Administration. You cannot look up your personalized plate online in Maryland. Personalized license plates in Maryland can be ordered online through the MVA website and arrive in 2-3 weeks. Only registered owners can order license plates, and the plate you order must be registered to a Maryland vehicle at the time of issuance.

The Vanity Plates

Maryland offers a variety of personalized license plates (also known as vanity plates), ranging from personalized car tags to plates associated with organizations such as universities/colleges, nonprofits, and charities. Maryland also offers military plates and classic car tags for classic vehicles that meet certain criteria if you are eligible. Each category has its fee, and some require renewal fees that recur bi-annually or annually. Personalized (vanity) license plates are imprinted with the customer's special message. Depending on the vehicle, you can request a message with at least 2 and up to 7 characters (numbers and letters). The MVA reserves the right to refuse a requested message if it has already been issued or is objectionable.

Vehicle Types

Vehicles in the following classes may have personalized message license plates:
  • A (passenger car)
  • M (multi-purpose vehicle)
  • D (motorcycle) where applicable
  • EPO (truck with one ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity)
  • G (non-freight trailers)
  • L (historic vehicle)
  • N (street rod).

Fees

In Maryland, a personalized license plate costs $50 in addition to the regular renewal fee.

Number Of Characters

In Maryland, you can have up to 7 characters on your Personalized Plate. You may use any combination of Letters A–Z, Spaces, and Numbers 0–9.

Limitations

The Maryland Department of Transportation: Motor Vehicle Administration must approve personalized vanity license plates. The MVA also prohibits the following actions:
  • Symbols.
  • Objectionable license plates.
  • Duplication of license plate.

How To Get A Personalized License Plate

Do you want to share a glimpse of your fun and creative personality with your Maryland neighbors? When you add a personalized (vanity) license plate to your vehicle, you can. In Maryland, you can get a personalized license plate for as little as $50 per year by applying online, by mail, or in person. While applying online is the quickest and most convenient option, mail and in-person applications are also available if you encounter any technical difficulties.

Online

  • Navigate to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration's online services website. Go to Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website to begin the online application process.
  • Click "Personalized Plate" in the Vehicle Services menu for more information on pricing and requirements for obtaining personalized plates in Maryland.
    • To order vanity plates in Maryland, you must have the vehicle title and the current vehicle tag number.
    • The Maryland MVA charges $50.00 per renewal year for personalized plates and $20.00 for vanity plate replacements.
    • Background scene plates require an additional $10.00 per year renewal fee.
  • Enter your email address or phone number, then click "Next." The online application requires an email address and phone number. The Maryland MVA will use your email address for future communications and renewal notices.
  • Choose a plate background and personalize your plate text. You can have personalized text with at least two and up to seven characters. Only numbers, letters, and spaces can be used as characters. The Maryland MVA reserves the right to reject plates for various reasons, including the presence of curse words, epithets, obscenities, or the possibility that they will be used for fraudulent or deceptive purposes.
  • Click "Accept Plate" and enter your vehicle information. Enter your vehicle's license plate number and the title number. These are mandatory fields. To finish the application, click "Next" and follow the instructions. All required fees can be paid online with a credit card.

By Mail

  • Form VR-164, Application for Special Registration Plates, should be printed. Before completing the application, make sure to read both pages.
  • Check the "Personalized Registration" box for the type of plate you want, and then select your vehicle class. Enter the name, address, and phone number of the vehicle's owner. Include the name of any co-owners if applicable. Provide vehicle information such as the make, year, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), title, tag numbers, sticker number, and year. Include the name of the applicable insurance company, the policy number, and the agent's name.
  • For each option, you can enter up to 7 characters made up of letters, numbers, and spaces. Motorcycle and disability personalized plates are limited to six characters. In the "1st" character box, enter your first choice for your plates. If your first option is already taken or rejected by the Maryland MVA, your second option will be considered.
  • The application must be signed and dated. If a co-owner is listed on the application, they must also sign it.
  • Send your application, along with a check and a copy of your registration card, by mail. Check that your vehicle's registration card is up to date and that your check is for the amount specified on the application. Please send your completed materials to:
Specialty Tag Unit Motor Vehicle Administration 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E. Glen Burnie, Maryland 21062

In Person

  • Find a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration branch office near you.
  • Fill out a personalized plate application. Make a copy of the Application for Special Registration Plates. Complete the application completely, and don't forget to sign it.
  • To submit your application in person, go to the Maryland MVA branch. Bring your Application for Special Registration Plates, a copy of your vehicle's current registration card, and a checkbook.