Renewal Of Vehicle Registration In Maryland State

Residents of Maryland register their vehicles for two years, so the registration must be renewed after two years. Anyone with an outstanding insurance violation or an issue with the MVA must come in person. Fees vary, so check the renewal form to see how much your registration renewal will cost.

The Registration Renewal Notice

The MVA will send you a registration renewal notice approximately 60 days before your registration certificate expires. This is true for all vehicles, including motorcycles and company vehicles. The following information can be found on the renewal notice:
  • Your renewal payment.
  • The deadline for renewal.
  • If applicable, emissions testing requirements.
  • If applicable, a list of red flags will prevent the MVA from renewing your registration. This could be due to a lack of car insurance or an unpaid parking ticket.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, contact the MVA at (410) 768-7000. If you are calling from outside the state, please dial (301) 729-4550. Even if you do not receive a notice, you must renew your registration before the expiration date. Notify the MVA of your new address if you move. This will help prevent future registration renewal notices from being misplaced.

The Vehicle Registration

Do not put off renewing your car registration; failing to do so may result in a ticket. Look at your rear license plate to see when it is time to renew your registration. The plate will have a red or green sticker in the upper left corner. Your vehicle's registration will expire this month. Unless you have 30-day temporary tags, your registration always expires on the last day of the month. A white sticker will be located in the upper right-hand corner. This is the year that your registration will expire.

The Renewal Process

You have several options for renewing your registration with the MVA. Before you proceed, double-check the information on your renewal notice. If you notice any errors (incorrect vehicle type, name, incorrect address), don't hesitate to contact the MVA at (410) 768-7000.

Online

The eMVA online portal is the most convenient way to renew your Maryland registration. You can renew your registration online if the information on your current registration is current and correct. This includes the following:
  • Name.
  • Address. If you've moved recently, you can change your address online before you proceed.
  • Vehicle information.
  • Insurance.
After you've double-checked the information on your current registration and renewal notice, go to the eMVA online portal, click "Registration Renewal," and enter your:
  • Vehicle title number.
  • Current vehicle tag number.
  • Email address or phone number.
  • Payment via credit card or electronic check.
    • eMVA accepts American Express, MasterCard Discover Card, or Visa.
    • Check payments require the following information:
      • Bank account number.
      • Routing number.
      • Driver's license number.
      • Date of Birth.
The MVA will mail your new registration card and plate decals once you have completed the transaction.

By Phone

If the information on your renewal notice about your name, address, insurance, and the vehicle is correct, you can renew your vehicle registration over the phone. Call (410) 768-7000 and be prepared to provide the following information:
  • Vehicle registration number
  • Current vehicle identification number.
  • Payment will be made using a credit card. American Express, Discover Visa, and MasterCard are all accepted at the MVA.
After completing the transaction, you will receive your new registration and stickers.

By eMVA Kiosk

You can also renew your MD registration at any MVA service location using an eMVA kiosk. You can only renew at a kiosk if the following information on your registration renewal notice is current and correct:
  • Name.
  • Address. This can also be updated using the eMVA kiosk.
  • Insurance.
  • Vehicle information.
To renew your vehicle registration at a self-service kiosk, enter the following information:
  • Notice of registration renewal or current registration
  • Insurance information.
  • Credit card or check information
  • Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted at kiosks.
  • Payment by check may necessitate the use of your driver's license number.
After you complete the transaction, the kiosk will print your new registration card and plate decals.

By Mail

Another great way to avoid long lines is to renew your vehicle registration by mail. When you renew your registration, you can update the information on your registration card using this method. To renew by mail, go to:
  • Fill out the form and any necessary certifications with your renewal notice. Fill in the gray sections to make any necessary changes.
  • Each document must be signed. Only one owner must sign the renewal notice.
  • If a company owns the vehicle, include your official position title.
  • Include a Power of Attorney form if:
    • You are not an employee of the company.
    • Rent the vehicle.
    • The vehicle is not yours.
  • Include a check or money order for the amount owed with your personal information pre-printed.
    • Write your driver's license and work phone numbers on the check.
    • Send mail to the address on the renewal notice.
The MVA will mail your new registration and stickers once the transaction is completed.

In Person

You can visit any of the four offices listed below:
  • Office of the County Treasurer (charges an extra processing fee).
  • Title service representative (charges an extra processing fee).
  • Mobile MVA office.
  • MVA office with full service. You must visit this office if you have any outstanding issues on your registration renewal notice, such as unpaid traffic tickets or questions about car insurance coverage.
Bring the following items with you when you arrive:
  • If required, a completed emissions test certificate.
  • Your notice of registration renewal. Bring your current registration certificate if you don't have one.
  • Proof of automobile insurance coverage.
  • You may use cash, check, credit card, or debit card to pay the registration renewal fee. Call ahead of time to ensure that credit/debit cards are accepted. They are not accepted in all offices.

Registration Renewal Fees

MD renewal fees are calculated based on your vehicle's weight and classification. As an example:
  • Passenger cars/multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 3,700 pounds: $135
  • Passenger cars/multipurpose vehicles weighing more than 3,700 pounds: $187.
  • $141.50 for a 34-ton truck
  • Motorcycle with low speed: $104
  • Additional charges: check your renewal notice to see how much you must pay.