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

Your Maryland registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your current registration card. You can renew starting 60 days before that expiration date. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sends a renewal notice to the address on file about 30 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to arrive — you can start the process as soon as the 60-day window opens.

The fastest route is online through the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a payment method. The online system takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as renewing in person. If you cannot renew online — for example, if your vehicle has a lien, if you have unpaid parking tickets, or if your vehicle failed inspection — you must go to an MVA office or mail in your renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online at mva.maryland.gov starting 60 days before your registration expires, and your new registration arrives by mail within two weeks.
  • Maryland registration costs vary by vehicle weight and type; passenger cars typically cost between $135 and $200 for a two-year renewal, but the exact amount depends on your vehicle's specifications.
  • If your vehicle has failed inspection, has a lien, or you have unpaid parking tickets, you cannot renew online and must visit an MVA office in person.
  • Renewing after your registration expires carries a late fee and may result in a citation if you drive with an expired registration.

How to renew online through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the homepage. You will need your current registration card, your VIN (found on your registration card or dashboard), and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your vehicle information and your mailing address. If your address has changed, update it during this step — your new registration card will be mailed to the address you provide.

Next, the system shows you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight and type. Review the amount, then choose your payment method: credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Print or save this number. Your new registration card arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days. You can drive legally with your old registration card until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail or at an MVA office

If you received a renewal notice in the mail, you can return it with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. Include your current registration card. Mail your renewal at least two weeks before expiration to allow time for processing. The MVA will mail your new registration card back to you.

To renew in person, visit any MVA office with your current registration card, proof of vehicle inspection (if required), and payment. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the MVA website before you go. If you renew in person, you receive your new registration card on the spot.

Vehicle inspection requirements before renewal

Maryland requires all vehicles to pass a safety and emissions inspection before registration renewal. Your inspection is valid for one year from the date it was completed. If your inspection expires before your registration does, you must get a new inspection before you can renew your registration.

You can get an inspection at any authorized inspection station in Maryland — the MVA website lists all stations by county. The inspection costs about $135 for a passenger vehicle and takes 30 to 45 minutes. Bring your current registration card and proof of insurance. If your vehicle fails inspection, you have 10 days to fix the problem and return for a re-inspection at no additional cost.

Registration renewal fees and what affects the cost

Maryland registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. A typical passenger car weighing 3,500 pounds or less costs between $135 and $200 for a two-year renewal. Heavier vehicles, trucks, and commercial vehicles cost more. The exact fee depends on your vehicle's specifications, so the renewal notice or the online system will show your specific amount before you pay.

If you renew after your registration expires, you pay a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The late fee is $25 if you renew within 30 days of expiration, and increases if you wait longer. Driving with an expired registration can result in a citation and fine, so renewing on time saves money and avoids legal trouble.

When you cannot renew online and must visit an MVA office

The online system will not allow you to renew if your vehicle has an outstanding lien (meaning a bank or lender still owns part of it), if you have unpaid parking tickets or traffic violations on record, or if your vehicle failed its most recent inspection. You also cannot renew online if your registration was suspended or revoked.

In these cases, you must visit an MVA office in person. Bring your current registration card, proof of inspection (if applicable), and payment. The MVA staff can tell you what documents you need based on your specific situation. If your registration was suspended, you may need to resolve the underlying issue — such as paying outstanding tickets — before renewal is possible.

What to do if your registration expires before you renew

If you drive with an expired registration, you risk a citation and fine. If you realize your registration has expired, stop driving the vehicle and renew when ready. You can renew online, by mail, or in person even after expiration, but you will pay the late fee described above.

If you were pulled over with an expired registration, you can still renew. The citation itself does not prevent renewal, but you should address the ticket separately through the court system. Renewing your registration does not dismiss the citation. If you have questions about the ticket, contact the district court in the county where you received it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew online if there is an outstanding lien. You must visit an MVA office in person with your current registration card and payment. The MVA will process the renewal, and the lienholder's information will remain on your registration.

How long does it take to get my new registration card after I renew online?

Your new registration card arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days. You can drive legally with your old registration card until the new one arrives. If you renew in person at an MVA office, you receive your new card when ready.

What happens if I renew late?

You pay a $25 late fee if you renew within 30 days of expiration. The fee increases if you wait longer. Driving with an expired registration can result in a citation and fine, so renewing as soon as possible after expiration is important.

Do I need to get a new inspection every time I renew my registration?

Yes, Maryland requires a current safety and emissions inspection to renew registration. Your inspection is valid for one year. If your inspection expires before your registration does, you must get a new inspection before you can renew.

Can I renew my registration if I have unpaid parking tickets?

No, the online system will block renewal if you have outstanding parking tickets or traffic violations. You must visit an MVA office in person. You may need to resolve the tickets before the MVA can process your renewal — ask the staff what documents you need.