What changed with Maryland registration fees
Maryland increased vehicle registration fees effective January 1, 2025. The base registration fee for most passenger vehicles rose from $135 to $151 per year — a $16 increase. This applies to standard passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks registered for the first time or renewed after the effective date.
The increase affects all vehicle types differently. Motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and specialty registrations have their own fee schedules, and each category received its own adjustment. If you renew your registration after January 1, 2025, you will pay the new rate regardless of when your current registration expires.
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) implemented this increase to fund road maintenance and transportation infrastructure projects across the state. The fee had not increased since 2009, so this represents the first adjustment in 16 years.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland's base passenger vehicle registration fee increased from $135 to $151 per year starting January 1, 2025.
- The new fee applies to all renewals processed after January 1, 2025, even if your current registration has not yet expired.
- Motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and other specialty registrations have separate fee increases that you can view on the MVA website.
- You can renew your registration online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office.
- If you renew before January 1, 2025, you will pay the old fee of $135.
How the fee increase affects your renewal
When you renew your vehicle registration in Maryland, the fee you pay depends on the date you complete the renewal, not the date your current registration expires. If your registration expires in February 2025 but you renew it in January 2025, you pay the old $135 fee. If you wait and renew in February, you pay the new $151 fee.
The increase also applies to new vehicle registrations. If you register a vehicle for the first time after January 1, 2025, you will pay $151 for the first year, plus any applicable county or local fees and the $100 title fee if you are obtaining a new title.
Vanity plates, personalized plates, and other optional registration enhancements have their own fees that remain separate from the base registration fee. Those fees did not change with this increase.
Fee breakdown for different vehicle types
Maryland's registration fee structure varies by vehicle category. The $151 base fee applies to standard passenger vehicles. Here is what changed for other common vehicle types:
| Vehicle Type | Previous Annual Fee | New Annual Fee (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger car | $135 | $151 |
| Motorcycle | $41 | $46 |
| Commercial vehicle (under 10,000 lbs) | $135 | $151 |
| Commercial vehicle (10,000–14,000 lbs) | $200 | $225 |
| Trailer | $41 | $46 |
If you own a vehicle that does not fit these categories — such as a historic vehicle, a vehicle registered for off-road use only, or a commercial vehicle over 14,000 pounds — check the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 to confirm your specific fee.
When to renew to lock in the old fee
If you want to pay the $135 fee instead of $151, you must complete your renewal before January 1, 2025. This means submitting your renewal process and payment to the MVA by December 31, 2024. Online renewals submitted before midnight on December 31 will be processed at the old rate.
If you renew by mail, your renewal must be postmarked by December 31, 2024 to may have access to for the old fee. Mail sent after that date will be processed under the new fee structure, even if it arrives at the MVA office in early January.
In-person renewals at an MVA office must be completed before the office closes on December 31, 2024. If your local MVA office has holiday hours, check their schedule on the MVA website to confirm closing times.
How to renew your registration under the new fee
Maryland offers three ways to renew your vehicle registration. The online method through the MVA website is the fastest — you can complete it in minutes and receive your new registration by mail within one to two weeks. You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method.
You can also renew by mail by sending your renewal notice, a check or money order for the new fee amount, and any required documents to the address listed on your renewal notice. Mail renewals typically take two to three weeks to process.
In-person renewal at an MVA office takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on wait times. Bring your current registration card, proof of Maryland insurance, your driver's license, and payment. You will receive your new registration when ready if you pay in person.
If you have not received a renewal notice in the mail 60 days before your registration expires, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 or visit an office to request one. You can renew even without the notice, but having it makes the process faster.
What happens if you renew after the important date
If your registration expires before you renew it, you cannot legally drive the vehicle in Maryland. Driving with an expired registration can result in a traffic citation and a fine. The fine for expired registration in Maryland ranges from $110 to $500 depending on how long it has been expired and whether you have prior violations.
If you are pulled over with an expired registration, you can show the officer proof that you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new registration to arrive. This does not eliminate the citation, but it may help during the court process if you can demonstrate you acted promptly.
To avoid this situation, renew your registration at least two weeks before it expires. This gives the MVA time to process your renewal and send you the new registration card by mail. If you are close to your expiration date, renew in person at an MVA office to get your registration when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration online and pay the old fee if I do it before January 1?
Yes. Online renewals submitted before midnight on December 31, 2024 will be processed at the $135 rate. You will receive confirmation when ready after payment, and your new registration will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
Do I have to pay the new fee if my registration doesn't expire until 2026?
Yes. The fee you pay depends on when you renew, not when your registration expires. If you renew in 2025 or later, you pay the new $151 fee, even if your current registration is not due to expire until 2026.
Are there any exemptions from the registration fee increase?
Most vehicle owners must pay the new fee. However, certain vehicles — such as those registered as historic vehicles, disabled veteran vehicles with special plates, or vehicles registered for off-road use only — may have different fee structures. Contact the MVA to confirm whether your vehicle qualifies for an exemption.
What if I registered my vehicle in another state and just moved to Maryland?
You must register your vehicle in Maryland within 60 days of establishing residency. When you register it for the first time in Maryland, you will pay the new $151 fee plus a $100 title fee. Bring your out-of-state registration, proof of Maryland insurance, and your driver's license to an MVA office or submit the process by mail.
Can I pay the registration fee in installments?
No. Maryland requires the full registration fee to be paid at the time of renewal. You cannot split the payment into multiple installments. Payment methods include check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.