Maryland License Plate Renewal: What You Need to Know

Maryland renews your registration and license plate together through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office, and the process takes about 10 days by mail or when ready online if you choose electronic delivery of your new registration card.

The cost depends on your vehicle type and weight. Standard passenger vehicles typically cost between $135 and $200 for a two-year renewal, though commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles over a certain weight class pay different amounts. You will pay the same fee whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Maryland registration online through the MVA website, by mail using the renewal notice you receive, or in person at an MVA office.
  • Online renewal is the fastest option and gives you an when ready registration card on your phone; by mail takes about 10 days to receive your new plate and card.
  • You must renew before your expiration date shown on your current registration card, and driving on an expired registration can result in a citation.
  • If your vehicle information has changed — such as a new address, owner name, or lien holder — you may need to visit an MVA office or submit additional documents by mail.
  • Maryland sends renewal notices 60 days before expiration, so check your mail or your online MVA account if you do not receive one.

Renewing Online Through the MVA Website

Online renewal is available at mva.maryland.gov and is the quickest option. You will need your current registration card, driver's license number, and the last four digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee before you pay.

Once you complete payment online, you receive an when ready registration card that you can display on your phone or print when ready. Your physical plate and mailed registration card arrive within 10 days. You are legal to drive with the when ready digital card right away, so you do not have to wait for the physical plate to arrive.

Online renewal works only if your vehicle information has not changed and your registration is not suspended or revoked. If you have moved, changed the vehicle's primary use, added or removed a lien holder, or have any registration holds, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by Mail

Maryland sends a renewal notice to the address on file about 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes a form, payment instructions, and an envelope. You fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it back to the address shown on the notice.

Processing by mail typically takes 10 business days from the time the MVA receives your envelope. Your new plate and registration card arrive by mail after processing is complete. During this time, you are still legal to drive on your current plate as long as you mailed the renewal before the expiration date.

If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the MVA at 410-768-7000 or visiting an MVA office. Do not wait until the last week before expiration to mail your renewal, because mail delays can cause your registration to lapse.

Renewing in Person at an MVA Office

You can renew at any MVA office in Maryland by bringing your current registration card, driver's license, and proof of insurance. Visit mva.maryland.gov to find the office nearest you and check current wait times. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

In-person renewal is necessary if your vehicle information has changed — such as a new address, owner name, or lien holder — or if your registration has a hold or suspension. The MVA staff can update your information on the spot and issue you a temporary registration while your new plate is mailed to you.

Bring proof of insurance (your current policy card or declaration page) and any documents related to changes in ownership or vehicle use. Processing at the office is when ready, and you leave with a temporary registration valid for 30 days while your permanent plate is mailed.

When Your Vehicle Information Has Changed

If you have moved to a new address in Maryland, changed the vehicle's primary use, added or removed a lien holder, or changed the registered owner's name, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person at an MVA office.

For address changes, you can update your address through the MVA website before renewing, which may allow you to use online renewal afterward. For ownership changes, lien holder changes, or use changes, you will need to visit an MVA office or submit the appropriate form by mail along with supporting documents.

If you are unsure whether your situation requires a visit to an MVA office, call 410-768-7000 and describe your change. The MVA can tell you whether you can renew by mail or online, or whether you need to come in person.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Maryland registration renewal fees are based on your vehicle's type and gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Standard passenger vehicles typically renew for $135 to $200 for a two-year period. Motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and vehicles over 10,000 pounds have different fee structures.

Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices, though payment methods may vary by location.

If you renew online or by mail and your payment is declined or returned, the MVA will contact you. Your registration will not be processed until payment clears, so respond quickly to any notices from the MVA.

What Happens If Your Registration Expires

Driving on an expired registration is a violation in Maryland and can result in a citation. If you miss your expiration date, you can still renew through any of the three methods, but you should do so when ready. Your registration does not automatically renew, and there is no grace period.

If you are pulled over with an expired registration, you may receive a citation and be required to show proof of renewal before you can continue driving. Renewing as soon as you realize your registration has lapsed is the fastest way to restore your legal status.

If your registration has been expired for a long time or you have unpaid traffic citations or parking tickets, the MVA may place a hold on your registration. Contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to find out whether any holds exist before you attempt to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland registration before the expiration date?

Yes. Maryland allows you to renew up to 60 days before your expiration date. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new registration — your new two-year period begins on the expiration date of your current registration, not on the date you renew.

What if I move out of Maryland before my registration expires?

If you move to another state, you will need to register your vehicle in that state and surrender your Maryland registration. Contact your new state's motor vehicle agency for their registration process. Do not renew your Maryland registration if you no longer live in the state.

Do I need to renew my license plate and registration at the same time?

Yes. In Maryland, license plate renewal and vehicle registration renewal happen together. You cannot renew one without the other. Both expire on the same date shown on your registration card.

How do I check the status of my renewal if I mailed it in?

Visit mva.maryland.gov and log into your account to check your registration status. You can also call 410-768-7000 and provide your vehicle's VIN and registration card number. Processing typically takes 10 business days from receipt.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the renewal notice to renew. You can renew online using your registration card and driver's license, renew in person at an MVA office, or request a new notice by calling 410-768-7000 or visiting an office. The notice is a convenience, not a requirement.