Where to renew and what you need

You can renew your Maryland registration online through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle has no safety or emissions violations and your address hasn't changed. You'll need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid payment method.

If you renew by mail, send your completed Form VR-005 (Renewal Notice) along with your payment to the address printed on your renewal notice. The MVA processes mail renewals within 7 to 10 business days after they receive it. In-person renewal at an MVA office takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Your renewal notice arrives about 45 days before your registration expires. If you don't receive one, you can still renew using your current registration card or by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-888-769-0100 (toll-free).

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the MVA website is available if your vehicle has no violations and your address hasn't changed, and takes about 10 minutes.
  • Mail renewal requires Form VR-005 and a check or money order, and the MVA processes it within 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office works if you need to update your address, report a name change, or have violations that prevent online renewal.
  • Your registration expires on the date printed on your current card, and driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation.
  • The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type; Maryland does not charge a flat rate for all vehicles.

Online renewal through the MVA website

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the home page. You'll enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and the last four digits of your Social Security number or tax identification number. The system will pull up your current registration and show you the renewal fee based on your vehicle's weight class.

Online renewal is only available if your registration is not suspended, your vehicle passed its last emissions test (if required in your county), and you have no outstanding violations. If any of these conditions explore to you, the system will tell you to renew in person or by mail instead. You can pay online with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check.

After you complete the transaction, the MVA emails you a temporary registration document that you can print or save to your phone. Your permanent registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You are legal to drive with the temporary document until the permanent card arrives.

Mail renewal with Form VR-005

Your renewal notice includes Form VR-005, which is the form you mail back with your payment. Fill in any changes to your address or name on the form, then mail it along with a check or money order to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Include your current registration card if you want the MVA to update any information on file.

The MVA processes mail renewals in the order they are received. If you mail your renewal 30 days before your registration expires, you should receive your new card before the expiration date. If you mail it closer to the expiration date, your registration may expire before the new card arrives—in that case, keep a copy of your mailed form and the postal receipt in your vehicle as proof that you renewed on time.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works if you prefer not to use the internet or if your vehicle has a violation that prevents online renewal. The fee is the same whether you renew online or by mail.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

Visit your local MVA office with your current registration card, proof of a valid Maryland inspection (if required), and a valid photo ID. Bring proof of your current address if it differs from what's on your registration—a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

The MVA office will verify your vehicle information, collect your payment, and issue you a temporary registration document on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary document until then.

In-person renewal is necessary if your registration is suspended, if your vehicle failed its last inspection or emissions test, or if you need to update your address or name. Wait times at MVA offices vary; calling ahead or checking the MVA website for current wait times at your location can help you plan your visit.

Emissions testing and inspection requirements

Whether your vehicle needs an emissions test depends on your county and your vehicle's model year. Maryland requires emissions testing in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Carroll, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties. Vehicles model year 1996 and newer must pass an emissions test; older vehicles do not.

All Maryland vehicles must pass a safety inspection, which checks your brakes, lights, windshield wipers, horn, and steering. You can get your inspection at any authorized inspection station—gas stations, repair shops, and tire shops often offer this service. The inspection costs about $20 to $30 and is valid for one year from the date you pass it.

If your vehicle failed its last inspection or emissions test, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an MVA office or by mail. Once you pass the inspection or emissions test, you can renew your registration at any time.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Maryland registration fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not a flat rate. A passenger car typically costs between $135 and $155 to renew, while a truck or SUV may cost more depending on its weight. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee for your vehicle.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online. By mail, you must send a check or money order. In person at an MVA office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The MVA does not accept payment plans or installments; the full fee is due at the time of renewal.

If you renew before your current registration expires, you do not receive a discount. Your new registration period begins on the expiration date of your current registration, not on the date you renew.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Maryland. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine of up to $500 for a first offense. Your vehicle may also be subject to impoundment if the registration is significantly overdue.

If you realize your registration has expired, renew it as soon as possible. If you were in the process of renewing by mail or online when it expired, keep proof of that transaction (your mailed form and postal receipt, or your online confirmation email) in your vehicle. This documentation may help if you are stopped, though it does not prevent a citation.

If your registration expired more than 30 days ago, you may need to renew in person at an MVA office rather than online. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 or 1-888-769-0100 to confirm what you need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if my vehicle inspection is expired?

No. Your vehicle must have a current safety inspection (and an emissions test if you live in a required county) before you renew. Get your inspection first, then renew your registration online, by mail, or in person. An inspection is valid for one year from the date you pass it.

What if I move out of Maryland before my registration expires?

You do not need to renew your Maryland registration if you move to another state. Surrender your Maryland registration to the MVA or to your new state's motor vehicle agency. Your new state will issue its own registration. If you move within Maryland, update your address when you renew or contact the MVA to update it on file.

How long does online renewal take?

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your temporary registration is available when ready after you pay. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You are legal to drive with the temporary document until the permanent card arrives.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

Yes, someone else can renew your registration by mail or online if they have your registration card and payment information. For in-person renewal, they will need a notarized power of attorney or your written permission along with a copy of your ID. Call the MVA to confirm what documents are required for your situation.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew without the notice. Go to mva.maryland.gov and enter your VIN and the last four digits of your Social Security number, or call the MVA at 410-787-7758 or 1-888-769-0100. They will tell you your renewal fee and expiration date. You can then renew online, by mail, or in person.