Maryland registration renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at your local MVA office

You can renew your Maryland vehicle registration through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website, by mail, or by visiting an MVA branch in person. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and you can do it from home. The process is the same whether you own the vehicle outright or have a loan on it — the MVA sends your new registration card and sticker to your address on file.

Your registration expires on the date printed on your current registration card. Maryland does not send renewal notices in the mail, so it's your responsibility to track when your registration expires. You can renew up to three months before your expiration date, which gives you time to handle it without rushing.

If your registration has already expired, you can still renew it, but you should not drive the vehicle on public roads until the renewal is complete. Driving with an expired registration can result in a citation and fine.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if you have your current registration card and a valid payment method.
  • You can renew up to three months before your expiration date, so plan ahead rather than waiting until the last day.
  • The renewal fee varies based on your vehicle type and weight, and you will pay it at the time of renewal regardless of which method you choose.
  • If your vehicle information has changed — such as your address, the vehicle's weight, or ownership — you may need to visit an MVA office instead of renewing online.
  • Your new registration card and sticker arrive by mail within one to two weeks after you complete the renewal.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the home page. You will need your current registration card, which shows your vehicle identification number (VIN), plate number, and expiration date. Have a valid payment method ready — the MVA accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

Enter your VIN and plate number, then verify the vehicle and owner information on the screen. If everything matches your records, proceed to payment. The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is listed on your registration card. Once payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email.

Your new registration card and sticker will arrive at your address on file within one to two weeks. You do not need to display the new sticker until it arrives — your confirmation email serves as proof of renewal if you are stopped by law enforcement during that window.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal form by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visiting an MVA office. Fill out the form with your vehicle and owner information, enclose a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include your current registration card or a copy of it.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the MVA receives your form. If you are close to your expiration date, online renewal is a safer choice. Mail renewal is most useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Visit any MVA branch with your current registration card and a valid form of payment. Bring your driver's license or state ID as well. You will fill out a renewal form on site, pay the fee, and receive a temporary registration document. Your new card and sticker arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

In-person renewal is necessary if your vehicle information has changed — for example, if you moved to a different address, the vehicle's weight has changed, or there has been a change in ownership. The MVA staff can update your records while you are there and process the renewal at the same time.

Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday typically means shorter lines than visiting on a Saturday or late afternoon.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is a violation in Maryland. If you are stopped, you can receive a citation and fine. The fine amount depends on how long your registration has been expired and whether you have prior violations. Even a few days of expired registration can result in a citation.

If your registration has expired and you have not yet renewed it, do not drive the vehicle on public roads. Renew it online, by mail, or in person before operating the vehicle again. If you have already been cited for an expired registration, you can still renew the vehicle — the citation is a separate matter that you handle through the court system.

Registration renewal fees and what they cover

The renewal fee is based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not on the vehicle's age or market value. A passenger car typically costs less to renew than a truck or SUV. The exact fee varies, so check the MVA website or call 410-787-7758 to confirm the cost for your specific vehicle before you renew.

Your renewal fee covers the registration for one year from your current expiration date. The new registration card and sticker are included in the fee — there are no additional charges. If you lose your sticker or card after renewal, you can request a replacement through the MVA, though there may be a small fee for the replacement.

Changing your address or vehicle information during renewal

If you have moved since your last registration, you must update your address with the MVA. You can do this online during renewal if you are renewing through the website — the system will prompt you to confirm or update your address. If your address has changed and you are renewing by mail or in person, inform the MVA staff or write the new address clearly on your renewal form.

If other vehicle information has changed — such as the vehicle's weight, color, or ownership — you may not be able to renew online. Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visit an office to discuss your situation. Staff can tell you whether you need to complete additional paperwork or if you can proceed with standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle has a lien on it?

Yes. The lienholder does not need to approve the renewal, and you renew the same way as any other vehicle owner. The MVA records show the lienholder's interest, but that does not affect your ability to renew your registration.

What if I lost my registration card and do not know my plate number?

Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 with your VIN and driver's license number. They can look up your plate number and current registration status. Once you have that information, you can renew online or request a replacement card before renewing.

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

No. Once you sell the vehicle, your registration responsibility ends. The new owner must register the vehicle in their name. If you are the buyer, you have 30 days to register the vehicle in Maryland after purchase.

How long does it take to receive my new registration card and sticker after I renew?

The MVA typically mails new cards and stickers within one to two weeks of processing your renewal. During busy periods, it may take slightly longer. Your confirmation email serves as proof of renewal if you are stopped before the physical card arrives.

Can I renew my registration if I owe back taxes or have unpaid parking tickets?

The MVA does not check for unpaid taxes or parking tickets during registration renewal. However, if you have an outstanding tax debt with the state, the Department of Revenue may place a hold on your registration. Contact the Department of Revenue at 410-260-7980 if you think this applies to you.