Vehicle Registration Guide In Maryland State

Before driving your car in Maryland, you must first register it. To register a car in Maryland, the Maryland Vehicle Administration is an active department investigating car titling, registration, and all aspects of car insurance in Maryland. Whether you've recently moved to Maryland from another state or purchased a new car, you'll need to register it with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

Registering Your Vehicle

To register your vehicle in Maryland, you must go to your local MVA office with your driver's license, vehicle title, bill of sale, and payment for the registration fee. You may also be required to provide additional paperwork depending on whether your vehicle is new or used or if you are a new Maryland resident. How you register your vehicle is determined by whether the vehicle was purchased from:
  • A dealership.
  • A private party.

Registering Vehicle From Dealership

When you buy a car, the dealer will usually handle the registration and titling paperwork for you. You'll be given a bill of sale and either temporary or permanent tags/license plates. Your title will be mailed to the address you provide. If your car dealer does not handle the paperwork for you (for example, if you bought your vehicle from an out-of-state dealer), you must go to a local MVA branch office and submit the following documents:
  • A completed Certificate of Title Application (form VR-005). This form is used for the title as well as registration.
  • Insurance information.
  • Documents of ownership (title, certificate of origin, etc.)
  • Purchase agreement (form VR-181).
  • Statement about the odometer.
  • If the vehicle is used, a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate is required.
    • The certificate is only valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
  • If applicable, lien and lienholder information.
  • All applicable fees and taxes must be paid.
  • If someone other than you is registering and titling your vehicle, you must have power of attorney.
Your title will be mailed to you, but you should get your registration, tags, and license plates immediately.

Registering Vehicle From Private Party

When you buy a car or truck from a private seller, you must title and register the vehicle yourself. Go to your nearest MVA branch office and submit:
  • The current title has been transferred to you.
    • If you have a Maryland title, you should use it as the application form.
  • A licensed Maryland inspection station issues the Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate.
    • The certificate is only valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
  • A completed Certificate of Title Application (form VR-005). This form is used for titling as well as registration.
  • Auto insurance in Maryland.
  • A notarized bill of sale (form VR-181) is required if:
    • The car is less than seven years old.
    • The price is $500 or less than the vehicle's book value.
    • You want to pay the excise tax based on the sale price rather than the book value.
  • Odometer disclosure statement.
    • You can fill out the odometer statement on the back of the title or use the Odometer Disclosure Statement (form VR-197).
After you have submitted all paperwork and fees, you will receive your license plates and registration certificate. Your book will be sent to the address you provide.

Registration Options And Requirements

There is a 60-day grace period for registration after settlement in the state to get your car registered in Maryland. To begin registration, you can mail your documents to the Maryland Vehicle Administration or visit their service branch. The following items are required to begin the process:
  • A completed car application for a title certificate
  • Vehicle insurance information
  • Documents of ownership
  • Ownership documentation
  • Certificate of inspection
  • Information on liens
  • Information on odometer readings
  • Maryland certificate of safety inspection
  • Legal Authority
Additional documents such as car insurance and leases are sometimes required. If you want to refinance your car, look for car finance in Maryland, and the top used cars in Columbia, Maryland. Before you begin the application, double-check the details of your vehicle. Bring all the documents to your local MVA tag and title service office if you want to plan the registration in person. If you want to register your vehicle in Maryland by mail, send all required documents to the MVA out-of-state office at the following address: 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E. Glen Burnie, MD 21062 Your title will be mailed to you whether you apply in person or by mail. If you apply by mail, your registration card, license plates, and stickers will be mailed along with your title; otherwise, if you register in person, they will be issued to you immediately.

Vehicle Registration Fees

Maryland registration fees are determined by the type and weight of the vehicle.
  • Passenger/multi-use vehicles 3,700 lbs. or less: $135
  • Passenger/multi-use vehicles over 3,700 lbs.: $187
  • Historic vehicles: $51.
  • Street rod vehicles: $50
  • Motorcycle/low-speed vehicle: $104
  • Registration transfer: $10.

Vehicle Inspection In Maryland

To remain on the road in Maryland, vehicles must pass emissions and safety inspections. The MVA will notify you before the deadline to have your vehicle inspected.

Safety Inspection

A safety inspection is required if you register a used vehicle or bring a vehicle into the state. The safety inspection must be performed at a licensed Maryland inspection station. Fees vary by the station but must be displayed at all stations. The certificate is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

Emissions Inspection

Although Maryland has an emissions program, you are not required to have your vehicle inspected before registering it. After registering your vehicle, the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) will contact you a few months later to let you know when it needs to be inspected.