Maryland vehicle registration renews every two years, and you can complete it online, by mail, or in person at your local MVA office

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sends renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. You have three ways to renew: online through the MVA website (the fastest option), by mail using the renewal notice, or by visiting an MVA office in person. Online renewal typically takes minutes and your new registration arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Your registration expiration date appears on your current registration card and on your license plate sticker. Maryland uses a two-digit sticker system — the first digit shows the month, the second shows the year. If you miss the expiration date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee and cannot legally drive until the new registration is active.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the MVA website is fastest and requires only your registration number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method.
  • Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before expiration and includes the exact fee you owe, which depends on your vehicle's weight class.
  • Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total, while online renewal delivers your new registration within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you renew after your registration expires, you will owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost.
  • You must have your new registration card and updated license plate sticker before driving legally.

What information and documents you need to renew online

To renew online, gather your current registration card, your vehicle's VIN, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). You will also need the renewal notice the MVA mailed you, though you can renew without it if you have your registration number. The online system at mva.maryland.gov walks you through each step and shows your renewal fee before you pay.

If your vehicle information has changed — such as a new address, owner name, or lien holder — you cannot renew online. Instead, mail the renewal notice with a letter explaining the change, or visit an MVA office. Changes to vehicle ownership require additional documents, such as a bill of sale or title transfer form.

How to renew by mail

Mail renewal uses the renewal notice you received from the MVA. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice, sign the back of the notice card, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Include your current registration card if you are renewing early or if your address has changed. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope.

Do not mail cash. If your renewal notice is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visiting an office. The duplicate notice will show the same fee and expiration date as the original.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Bring your current registration card, proof of vehicle inspection (if required), and a valid payment method to any MVA office. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. In-person renewal is useful if your information has changed, if you need to add or remove a vehicle owner, or if you want your new registration when ready. Most offices issue a temporary registration card on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 days.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the week or early in the morning typically means shorter lines. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go. Some offices offer appointment scheduling, which reserves your place and reduces wait time.

Vehicle inspection requirements and timing

Maryland requires a vehicle inspection every two years. Your inspection must be current (not expired) before you renew your registration. If your inspection expires before your registration, you must get a new inspection first. Inspections are performed at any authorized inspection station — gas stations, repair shops, and dedicated inspection centers all perform them. An inspection takes about 15 minutes and costs around $20 to $30, though prices vary by station.

Your inspection sticker shows the month and year it expires. If you are renewing online and your inspection is expired, the system will not allow you to complete the transaction. You will need to get a new inspection, then return to the online renewal system. Plan ahead if your inspection expires near your registration renewal date.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Maryland registration fees are based on your vehicle's weight class, not its age or value. The MVA groups vehicles into weight brackets, and each bracket has a set fee. Your renewal notice shows your specific fee. Passenger cars typically cost between $135 and $180 every two years, while heavier vehicles or commercial registrations cost more. Motorcycles and trailers have different fee structures.

If you renew after your registration expires, you will owe the standard renewal fee plus a late fee. The late fee is typically $25 to $50 depending on how long you have been driving with an expired registration. Some vehicles may have access to for fee reductions — for example, disabled veterans and certain nonprofit organizations may be may be able to access for reduced rates. Check the MVA website or ask at an office if you think you may have access to.

What to do if your registration expires before you renew

If you drive with an expired registration, you can be stopped and cited. You are not legally permitted to drive until your new registration is active. If you miss your renewal date, renew when ready — either online (fastest), by mail, or in person. When you renew late, you will owe the late fee on top of your standard renewal cost. The MVA does not extend your expiration date to account for the time you were expired; your new registration will expire two years from your original expiration date, not two years from the renewal date.

If you are renewing online and your registration is already expired, the system may require you to renew by mail or in person instead. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to confirm whether online renewal is still available for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if I just bought the vehicle?

No. You must first register the vehicle with the MVA using the title and bill of sale, then wait for your initial registration card to arrive. Only after you receive that card can you renew. If you buy a vehicle close to a renewal date, you may be able to renew it when ready after registration, but you cannot renew before the initial registration is complete.

What happens if I move to a different address before renewing?

Update your address with the MVA before renewing. You can change your address online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person. Once your address is updated, renew your registration. If you renew before updating your address, your new registration card will be mailed to your old address, and you will need to request a duplicate sent to your new address.

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

No. Once you sell the vehicle, you should notify the MVA by submitting a Notice of Sale form. You do not renew a registration for a vehicle you no longer own. The new owner will register the vehicle in their name and will receive their own renewal notice on their schedule.

How long does my registration last after I renew it?

Maryland registrations are valid for two years from the expiration date on your previous registration. Your new registration card and license plate sticker will show the new expiration date. You will receive your next renewal notice 60 days before that date expires.

Can I renew online if I have a lien on my vehicle?

Yes. A lien does not prevent online renewal. The MVA has your lien holder's information on file, and renewal proceeds normally. If your lien holder information has changed, you will need to renew by mail or in person and include documentation of the change.