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

Maryland sends renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and type. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive—you can renew as soon as 90 days before expiration. The fastest route is online through the Maryland MVA website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing extra. If you renew online or by mail, your new registration card arrives in the mail within two weeks.

Your registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your current card. Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Maryland, even if you are only one day past the expiration date. The fine starts at $110 and increases if you are stopped again. Renewing before the expiration date keeps you legal and avoids the hassle of a traffic stop.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland registration renews every two years, and you can renew online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at an MVA office.
  • You can renew up to 90 days before your registration expires, and the MVA sends a renewal notice 60 days before expiration.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new card arrives by mail within two weeks at no extra cost.
  • Your vehicle must pass Maryland's emissions test (OBD test) within the past year before you can renew, unless it is exempt by age or type.
  • If your vehicle information has changed—owner name, address, or vehicle details—you must renew in person or by mail, not online.

Renewing online through the Maryland MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the home page. You will need your current registration card, driver's license number, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The system asks for your vehicle identification number (VIN), plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Before you start, make sure your vehicle has passed the Maryland emissions test. The system checks this automatically. If your vehicle is 25 years old or older, it is exempt from emissions testing. If your vehicle is newer and the test is overdue, you cannot complete the renewal online—you must get the test done first or renew by mail or in person.

Once you submit the renewal online, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new registration card is mailed to the address on file. If your address has changed, you must update it before renewing, or the card will go to the old address. You can update your address on the same MVA website under "Change Address" before you renew.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The renewal notice the MVA sends includes a prepaid envelope and a form. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it back with your payment (check or money order only—no credit cards by mail). Include a copy of your proof of emissions testing if your vehicle requires it. Mail the envelope at least two weeks before your registration expires to allow time for processing and delivery.

If you lose your renewal notice, you can request a new one from the MVA website or call 410-787-7758. You can also read the renewal form directly from mva.maryland.gov if you prefer to print and mail it yourself. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal—typically three to four weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope. If your registration is about to expire and you have not mailed the form yet, renew online instead to avoid driving with an expired registration.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Bring your current registration card, driver's license, and proof of emissions testing (if required). You can also bring your renewal notice if you have it, though it is not required. Walk-in service is available at all MVA offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter. You pay the renewal fee by cash, check, or card. Your new registration card is mailed to you within two weeks. You do not receive it on the spot, even though you renew in person.

Renew in person if your vehicle information has changed—such as a new owner name, address, or vehicle details—because the online system cannot process these changes. You also need to renew in person if you do not have a valid emissions test and cannot get one before your registration expires.

Understanding Maryland's emissions testing requirement

Maryland requires most vehicles to pass an on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions test within the past 12 months before you can renew registration. The test checks your vehicle's emissions control system and takes about 10 minutes. It costs between $15 and $25 depending on the testing station.

Vehicles that are exempt from emissions testing include those 25 years old or older, diesel vehicles, motorcycles, and vehicles registered as historic or antique. If your vehicle is exempt, you do not need a test to renew. The MVA system knows which vehicles are exempt and will not ask for a test.

If your emissions test is overdue when you try to renew online, the system will not let you complete the renewal. You must get the test done first, then renew online. If your registration is about to expire and you cannot get a test in time, renew by mail or in person instead—the MVA office can process your renewal even if the test is slightly overdue, though you will be asked to get it done soon after.

What to do if your registration has already expired

If you drive with an expired registration, you can be stopped and fined. The fine is $110 for a first offense. If you are stopped again with an expired registration, the fine increases. You can still renew your registration at any time, even after it expires.

Renew as soon as possible using any of the three methods—online, by mail, or in person. Your new registration card will be mailed to you, and you can drive legally once you receive it. If you need to drive before the card arrives, some MVA offices can print a temporary registration document that is valid for 30 days. Call your local MVA office to ask if they offer this service.

If you were stopped and received a ticket for an expired registration, you can still renew your registration to avoid future fines. The ticket itself must be handled separately through the court system—renewing your registration does not dismiss the ticket.

Maryland registration fees and what affects the cost

Your renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. The GVWR is listed on your vehicle's door jamb or in your owner's manual. Passenger cars typically cost between $135 and $180 to renew. Trucks and SUVs cost more based on their weight rating. Motorcycles cost less, usually between $35 and $50.

The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. There are no extra charges for online renewal. If you renew early—before 90 days before expiration—you still pay the same fee; there is no discount for early renewal.

If your vehicle is registered as a historic or antique vehicle, your renewal fee is lower. Historic vehicle registration costs around $50 and is valid for three years instead of two. You must meet Maryland's definition of a historic vehicle (generally 25 years old or older and not used for daily transportation) to may have access to for this rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland registration if I just moved to the state?

If you moved to Maryland from another state, you must register your vehicle in Maryland within 60 days of establishing residency. This is a new registration, not a renewal, and requires your out-of-state title and proof of residency. You cannot renew an out-of-state registration in Maryland. Visit an MVA office or call 410-787-7758 to start the registration process.

What happens if I renew online but my emissions test fails after I submit?

If your emissions test fails after you have already renewed online, your registration is still valid. You have 30 days to repair your vehicle and pass the test. If you do not pass within 30 days, your registration will not renew again until you pass. Get the repairs done and retest as soon as possible to avoid a lapse in registration.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

You can authorize someone else to renew your registration in person at an MVA office if you give them a signed power of attorney form. Online and mail renewal require your signature, so you must handle those yourself. If you use a power of attorney, bring the original signed document to the MVA office along with your vehicle information.

How do I renew if my registration card is lost or damaged?

You can still renew online or by mail using your VIN and plate number—you do not need the physical card. If you renew in person, bring your driver's license and any other vehicle documents you have. Your new registration card will be mailed to you as part of the renewal process.

What if I sell my vehicle before my registration expires?

Once you sell your vehicle, you should notify the MVA when ready so the registration is transferred to the new owner. You do not renew a registration for a vehicle you no longer own. The new owner must register the vehicle in their name. Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visit mva.maryland.gov to report the sale.