Maryland license plates renew every two years, and you can do it online, by mail, or in person at the Motor Vehicle Administration

Your Maryland license plate expires on the date printed on your registration card, usually two years from when you last renewed. You do not have to visit an office unless your vehicle needs a safety inspection or you are renewing a commercial plate. Most passenger vehicle owners can renew entirely online through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs the standard renewal fee plus any local property tax owed.

The fastest route is the MVA's online system at mva.maryland.gov. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration card, and a payment method. If you renew online, your new registration card arrives by mail within two weeks, and you can print a temporary registration to carry in your car when ready. If you prefer not to use the website, you can mail your renewal form and payment to the MVA, or walk into any MVA office with your documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland license plates renew every two years on the date shown on your registration card, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office.
  • Online renewal through mva.maryland.gov takes about 10 minutes and requires your VIN, current registration card, and a payment method.
  • If you renew online, you can print a temporary registration when ready while your new card arrives by mail within two weeks.
  • You must renew in person only if your vehicle needs a safety inspection, you are renewing a commercial plate, or you are changing vehicle information.
  • Maryland renewal fees vary by vehicle type and weight; check the MVA website or your registration card for the exact amount owed.

What you need to renew online

To renew your Maryland license plate online, gather your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method. Your VIN appears on your registration card, your vehicle's dashboard on the driver's side, and your insurance documents. You will also need to know whether your vehicle passed its most recent safety inspection—if it is due for inspection, you cannot complete the online renewal and must visit an MVA office instead.

Have your driver's license or state ID number ready as well. The MVA uses this to verify your identity before processing the renewal. If you have moved since your last registration and your address on file is outdated, you can update it during the online renewal process. If your vehicle information has changed—for example, you repainted it or replaced the engine—you should update that too, though some changes require an in-person visit.

How to renew through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select the option to renew your vehicle registration. The system will ask for your VIN and driver's license or ID number. Enter your current registration card information when prompted. Review the renewal fee displayed on screen—this includes the standard registration fee plus any local property tax owed on your vehicle, which varies by county.

Once you confirm the fee, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. After payment is processed, the MVA generates a temporary registration that you can print when ready. This temporary registration is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your new registration card. Your permanent registration card arrives by mail within two weeks. Keep the temporary registration in your vehicle until the new card arrives.

Renewing by mail or in person

If you prefer to renew by mail, read the vehicle registration renewal form from mva.maryland.gov or request one by phone at 410-768-7000. Fill out the form, include your current registration card, and mail both to the address listed on the form along with your payment. Mail renewal takes longer than online—typically three to four weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope—so send it well before your expiration date.

To renew in person, visit any MVA office with your current registration card, proof of vehicle inspection (if required), and payment. Bring your driver's license or state ID as well. Walk-in service is available at all MVA locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. If your vehicle needs a safety inspection before renewal, you must complete that at an authorized inspection station first, then bring the inspection report to the MVA office.

When you must renew in person

You cannot renew online if your vehicle is due for a safety inspection. Maryland requires safety inspections every two years, and your registration card shows whether one is due. If the inspection box on your card is empty or shows a date in the past, you must have the vehicle inspected before renewing. Take your vehicle to any authorized inspection station—these include many repair shops, tire shops, and service stations—and pay the inspection fee, which is set by the state.

You also must renew in person if you are registering a commercial vehicle, a vehicle with a special plate (such as a vanity plate), or if you need to change your vehicle's information on file. If you have recently changed your address and the MVA's records do not match your current residence, an in-person visit may be required to update your address before renewal. Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to confirm whether your situation requires an office visit.

Understanding Maryland renewal fees

Maryland's vehicle registration renewal fee depends on your vehicle's type and weight. Passenger cars typically cost less to renew than trucks or vans. The state also charges a local property tax on vehicles, which is calculated based on your vehicle's age and assessed value and varies by county. Your registration card shows the total amount due, or you can see the fee on screen when you start an online renewal.

Some counties charge additional local fees on top of the state renewal fee. If you are unsure of the exact amount, check your current registration card or log into the MVA website and begin the renewal process—the fee will display before you pay. If you renew late, after your plate has already expired, you may owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. Renewing before your expiration date avoids this penalty.

What happens if your renewal expires

If your license plate expires and you continue to drive, you are operating an unregistered vehicle, which is illegal in Maryland. Police can stop you and issue a citation. If you are pulled over with an expired plate, you may face a fine and be required to show proof of renewal before you can continue driving. The safest approach is to renew before the expiration date on your registration card.

If your plate has already expired, renew as soon as possible through any of the three methods—online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest because you can print a temporary registration when ready. If you are renewing late, have your current registration card and payment method ready. The MVA will process your renewal even if it is past the expiration date, though you may owe a late fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland license plate if my vehicle inspection is expired?

No. If your inspection is due or expired, you must have your vehicle inspected at an authorized inspection station before you can renew your registration. After the inspection passes, you can renew online, by mail, or in person. The inspection report is valid for two years from the date it is issued.

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

Your new registration card arrives by mail within two weeks of online renewal. You can print a temporary registration when ready after paying online, which is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for the permanent card.

What if I move to a different Maryland county after I renew?

You do not need to renew your registration again just because you moved within Maryland. Your registration remains valid until the expiration date on your card. However, you should update your address with the MVA so your records are current. You can do this online at mva.maryland.gov or by visiting an MVA office.

Can someone else renew my license plate for me?

Yes. If you authorize someone to renew on your behalf, they can renew online using your VIN and registration card information, or they can visit an MVA office with your registration card and payment. However, online renewal requires your driver's license or ID number for identity verification, so you may need to provide that information to the person renewing for you.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still renew online if you have your VIN and driver's license or ID number. If you need a replacement registration card before your renewal date, you can request one from the MVA website or at an MVA office for a small fee. The replacement card arrives by mail within two weeks.