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

Maryland vehicle registration expires on the date printed on your registration card. You can renew starting 60 days before that expiration date. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers three ways to renew: online through their website, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if you have your registration card and a valid payment method.

You do not need to pass an inspection to renew your registration in Maryland, though you will need one if your vehicle is more than 25 years old or if you are registering it for the first time. The renewal fee depends on your vehicle type and weight, and it varies. You will also pay a title fee if you are renewing a title at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew your Maryland registration online, by mail, or at an MVA office starting 60 days before your expiration date.
  • Online renewal requires your registration card number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and a credit or debit card, and takes about 10 minutes.
  • If you renew by mail, use the renewal notice the MVA sends you and mail it with your payment to the address on the notice.
  • Your new registration card arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, and you can drive legally during that time if you keep your renewal receipt with you.
  • If your registration has already expired, you can still renew online or by mail, but you may face a late fee.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a valid credit or debit card. The system will ask you to enter your registration card number and confirm your vehicle information. If the information matches what the MVA has on file, you can proceed to payment.

Online renewal costs the same as renewing by mail or in person. Once you complete the payment, you will receive a confirmation number. Print or save this confirmation — it serves as proof of renewal until your new registration card arrives. Your new card will be mailed to the address on file, usually within two weeks. You can drive legally with your confirmation number and old registration card during this waiting period.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

The MVA mails a renewal notice to the address on file about 60 days before your registration expires. This notice includes a payment coupon and instructions. Write a check or money order for the renewal fee, include it with the coupon, and mail both to the address printed on the notice. Do not mail cash.

Processing by mail takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the MVA receives your payment. Keep a copy of your renewal notice for your records. If you do not receive a renewal notice in the mail, you can still renew online or visit an MVA office in person. If your address has changed, update it before renewing so your new card goes to the correct location.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You can walk into any Maryland MVA office during business hours and renew your registration at the counter. Bring your current registration card, your driver's license, and a valid payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). The MVA office will process your renewal on the spot and issue you a temporary registration card that is valid when ready.

In-person renewal is useful if your registration has already expired and you need to drive right away, or if you want to update your address or vehicle information at the same time. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check the MVA website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Maryland. If you are stopped by police, you can face a citation and a fine. However, you can still renew your registration online or by mail even after the expiration date has passed. The MVA will process your renewal and issue a new card, though you may be charged a late fee in addition to the regular renewal fee.

If your registration expired more than a few months ago, in-person renewal at an MVA office is the safest option because you will receive a temporary card when ready and can drive legally while waiting for your permanent card. Do not drive with an expired registration while waiting for your renewal to be processed by mail or online.

Updating your information during renewal

If your address has changed, you can update it when you renew. Online renewal will ask if your address is still correct. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on the renewal notice before mailing it. If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease) and the MVA will update your file.

If your vehicle information has changed — for example, you repainted it or replaced the engine — you may need to update your registration. Some changes require a new title as well. Contact the MVA before renewing if you are unsure whether your changes require additional paperwork.

Registration fees and what they cover

Maryland registration renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not on its age or condition. A standard passenger car costs less to renew than a truck or SUV. The fee covers your registration for two years. If you are also renewing your title at the same time, there is an additional title fee.

You can find the exact fee for your vehicle on the MVA website by entering your vehicle type and weight. If you are unsure of your vehicle's GVWR, check your vehicle's door jamb label or your owner's manual. Some vehicles also may have access to for reduced registration fees if they are registered as historic vehicles or if the owner is a veteran or active-duty military member.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Maryland registration if I just moved out of state?

No. Once you move out of state, you must register your vehicle in your new state. If you are still living in Maryland but your mailing address is temporarily out of state, you can renew online or in person and update your address on file to your Maryland home address.

What if I lost my registration card?

You can still renew online if you have your VIN and can look up your registration number through the MVA website. If you cannot access your registration number, visit an MVA office in person with your driver's license and vehicle title, and they will help you renew and issue a replacement card.

Do I need an inspection to renew my registration?

No, unless your vehicle is 25 years old or older, or you are registering it for the first time in Maryland. If you do need an inspection, you must complete it before you renew your registration. The MVA website lists inspection stations near you.

How long does my temporary registration card last?

If you renew in person at an MVA office, your temporary card is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive by mail within two weeks. If you renew online or by mail, your confirmation number and old card are valid until your new card arrives, which typically takes two to three weeks.

What if I renew online but my payment is declined?

The online system will tell you when ready if your payment failed. You can try again with a different card, or you can renew by mail or in person instead. If you have questions about why your payment was declined, contact the MVA customer service line.