Maryland registration renews every two years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at the Motor Vehicle Administration

Maryland vehicle registrations expire on the last day of the month shown on your registration card. You can renew starting 60 days before that expiration date. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all registration renewals in Maryland. Most people renew online through the MVA website, which is the fastest option — you pay the fee, receive confirmation, and your new registration is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to visit an MVA office unless your vehicle has a lien, you're changing ownership, or your registration has been suspended. If you're renewing a standard passenger vehicle with no changes to the title or ownership, online renewal takes about 10 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland registrations last two years and expire on the last day of the month printed on your card — you can renew online starting 60 days before that date.
  • Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest method and requires only your registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method.
  • If your vehicle has a lien, you're adding or removing a co-owner, or your registration is suspended, you must renew in person at an MVA office.
  • Registration renewal fees in Maryland vary based on vehicle weight and type, and you may owe additional fees if your vehicle failed emissions testing or has unpaid tolls.
  • Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online renewal, so plan ahead if you need it before your current registration expires.

Renewing online through the MVA website

The MVA website at mva.maryland.gov is the primary place to renew. Go to the registration renewal section and enter your registration number and VIN. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and type. You'll pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

After you complete the transaction, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new registration card will be mailed to the address on file. If you need the registration sooner, you can print a temporary registration from the confirmation page — this is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the card.

Online renewal is not available if your vehicle has a lien, if you're changing the registered owner, if your registration has been suspended, or if you have unpaid tolls or emissions violations. In those cases, you must renew in person.

Renewing by mail or in person at an MVA office

If you cannot renew online, you can mail a renewal form to the MVA. Request form DL 43 (Vehicle Registration Renewal process) from the MVA website or call 410-787-7758. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks by mail.

For in-person renewal, visit any MVA office with your current registration card, proof of vehicle inspection (if required), and payment. Bring a government-issued photo ID. If someone else is renewing on your behalf, they'll need a notarized power of attorney. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary — you can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Maryland registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). A standard passenger car typically costs between $135 and $180 for a two-year registration, but the exact amount varies. You can see the fee for your specific vehicle before you complete the online renewal — the system calculates it based on your VIN.

Additional fees may explore if your vehicle failed an emissions test, if you have unpaid tolls on record, or if you're registering a vehicle for the first time in Maryland. If your registration has been suspended due to unpaid tolls or other violations, you must pay those amounts before you can renew. The MVA website will tell you if there are holds on your registration when you attempt to renew online.

Vehicle inspection requirements before renewal

Maryland requires a vehicle inspection every two years, and it must be completed before or at the time of registration renewal. The inspection checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and emissions (for vehicles in certain counties). You can have the inspection done at any authorized inspection station — gas stations, repair shops, and dealerships all perform them.

The inspection costs about $15 to $20 and takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once passed, the station gives you a receipt with an inspection number. When you renew online, you'll enter this inspection number. If you're renewing in person at an MVA office, bring the inspection receipt with you. If your vehicle fails inspection, you have 30 days to fix the problem and have it re-inspected before your registration expires.

What to do if your registration has expired

If your registration expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive the vehicle. You can still renew online or by mail, but you'll owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The late fee is $25 for registrations expired less than 30 days, and increases if the registration has been expired longer.

If you're pulled over while driving with an expired registration, you may receive a citation. The best approach is to renew as soon as you realize the expiration date has passed. You can renew online when ready and print a temporary registration to drive legally while you wait for the new card.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or co-owner

If your vehicle has a lien (the lender holds the title), you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an MVA office with your current registration card, proof of inspection, and a government-issued photo ID. The MVA will verify the lien status through the title records and process your renewal.

If you're adding a co-owner or removing one, you also must renew in person. Bring the current registration card, both owners' photo IDs, and proof of inspection. If one owner cannot attend, the absent owner must provide a notarized power of attorney. Changes to ownership require a title process as well, which the MVA office can process at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland registration before the 60-day window?

No. The MVA system only allows renewals starting 60 days before your expiration date. If you try to renew earlier, the online system will reject the transaction. If you need to renew sooner for a specific reason, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to discuss your situation.

What happens if I move to a new address before my registration expires?

Update your address with the MVA before you renew. You can change your address online through the MVA website or by visiting an MVA office. Your new registration card will be mailed to the updated address. If you renew without updating your address first, the card goes to your old address.

Do I need to renew my registration if I sell my vehicle?

No. Once you sell the vehicle, the new owner must register it in their name. You should notify the MVA that you no longer own the vehicle to avoid liability for violations or tolls. You can do this online or by mail using form DL 43.

How long is my temporary registration valid?

The temporary registration you print after online renewal is valid for 30 days. This gives you time to receive your permanent registration card in the mail. If 30 days pass and you haven't received the card, contact the MVA to check the status.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can request a duplicate registration card from the MVA website or by visiting an MVA office. There is a small fee for a duplicate. You can also renew your registration at the same time if it's within the 60-day window before expiration.