Maryland registration renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, and you can start the process up to six months before your expiration date
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) lets you renew your registration without visiting an office if your vehicle has a clean record and your address is current. You can renew online through the MVA website, by mail using the renewal notice the MVA sends you, or in person at any MVA branch. The method you choose depends on whether you have outstanding violations, whether your vehicle information has changed, and how quickly you need the new registration.
Your registration expires on the date printed on your current registration card. Maryland sends renewal notices about 60 days before that date. If you have not received one, you can still renew online or by mail — you do not need the notice to start the process. The fee for a standard passenger vehicle registration renewal is $135 for two years, though this varies slightly for commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and other vehicle types.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the MVA website takes about 10 minutes and is available if your vehicle has no outstanding violations and your address is current.
- Mail renewal requires your renewal notice and a check or money order; processing takes two to three weeks after the MVA receives it.
- In-person renewal at an MVA office is necessary if you have unpaid violations, a lien on the vehicle, or need to update your address or vehicle information.
- You can renew up to six months before your expiration date, so renewing early avoids the risk of driving with an expired registration.
- Maryland registration renewal fees are $135 for two years for most passenger vehicles, though specialty plates and commercial vehicles may cost more.
Online renewal through the MVA website
Go to the Maryland MVA website and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the main menu. You will need your current registration card, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method — the MVA accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic check. The system will ask you to confirm your vehicle information, address, and insurance status. If any of this information is incorrect, you cannot complete the renewal online and must visit an MVA office instead.
Online renewal is available only if you have no outstanding violations, no lien on the vehicle, and no address changes. If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment or mail in your renewal. After you pay online, the MVA emails you a temporary registration document that is valid for 30 days while your physical registration card is being mailed. The new card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal using your renewal notice
The renewal notice the MVA mails you includes a payment stub and instructions for mailing in your renewal. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee, include the payment stub, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current registration card if the notice asks for it, though most notices do not require this.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — the MVA typically processes mailed renewals within two to three weeks of receiving them, though processing times can extend during busy periods. To avoid driving with an expired registration, mail your renewal at least three weeks before your expiration date. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail: contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to request a new notice, or visit an MVA office to pick one up in person.
In-person renewal at an MVA office
Visit any Maryland MVA office with your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a valid photo ID. Bring your vehicle title if you have outstanding violations or a lien on the vehicle. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. The MVA office will verify your information, collect payment, and issue you a temporary registration document on the spot. Your physical registration card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if you have unpaid violations, if your vehicle has a lien, or if you need to update your address or vehicle information. You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are also accepted. Processing times at the office are usually 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the location is. If you cannot visit during regular business hours, some MVA offices offer extended hours on certain evenings and Saturdays.
What happens if your registration expires
Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Maryland. A police officer can stop you for an expired tag, and you may receive a citation with a fine. The fine for an expired registration is typically $110, though the exact amount depends on how long the registration has been expired. If you are stopped, you can show the officer proof that you have submitted a renewal process — a confirmation email from online renewal or a mailed receipt from the post office — and this may result in a warning instead of a citation, though the officer has discretion.
If your registration has been expired for more than 90 days, you may need to pass a vehicle inspection before you can renew. The inspection verifies that your vehicle meets Maryland safety and emissions standards. You can take your vehicle to any state-licensed inspection station; the inspection costs about $15 and takes 10 to 15 minutes. After passing inspection, you can renew your registration online, by mail, or in person using the same methods described above.
Specialty plates and registration add-ons
Maryland offers several specialty plate options, including environmental plates, military plates, and plates supporting specific organizations. If you have a specialty plate, the renewal fee may be higher than the standard $135 for two years. Environmental plates, for example, cost $150 for two years, with the extra $15 going to environmental programs. If you want to switch from a standard plate to a specialty plate during renewal, you must do this in person at an MVA office or by mail — the online system does not offer this option.
You can also add vanity characters to your plate during renewal if you do not already have them. Vanity plates cost an additional $25 for two years. If you are renewing by mail or online and want to add vanity characters, you will need to contact the MVA directly or visit an office, as the standard renewal process does not include this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has an outstanding inspection violation?
No. You must resolve the violation before renewing. If your vehicle failed inspection for emissions or safety reasons, you must have it repaired and pass a new inspection. After passing, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. If you have a traffic citation related to the vehicle, you must pay or resolve it before renewing.
What if I moved to a different address since my last registration?
You must update your address in person at an MVA office or by mail. Online renewal will not work if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. The MVA will update your address and issue a new registration with the correct information.
How long is my temporary registration valid while I wait for my new card?
The temporary registration the MVA provides is valid for 30 days. If your physical registration card has not arrived within 30 days, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to request a replacement. Keep the temporary document in your vehicle until the new card arrives.
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has a lien?
Yes, but you must renew in person at an MVA office. Bring your vehicle title, which shows the lien holder's name. The MVA will process your renewal and mail the new registration to you. The lien holder does not need to sign off on the renewal unless the lien is being removed.
What if I renew online but my payment is declined?
The MVA will notify you that the payment failed and will not process your renewal. Try again with a different payment method, or renew by mail or in person instead. If you have questions about why your payment was declined, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000.