Maryland vehicle tags renew every two years, and you can renew them online, by mail, or in person at your local Motor Vehicle Administration office

Maryland calls vehicle registration stickers "tags," and they expire on the last day of the month shown on your current tag. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 45 days before expiration. That notice includes your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and type. You do not have to wait for the notice to renew—you can start the process as soon as you want, though you cannot renew more than 90 days early.

The fastest route is online through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) website if your vehicle passes inspection and you have no outstanding violations or unpaid tolls. If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal notice with a check or money order, or visit an MVA office in person with your current registration and proof of inspection.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland tags expire on the last day of the month printed on your current sticker, and you can renew online, by mail, or at an MVA office.
  • You must have a current vehicle inspection before you renew tags, and the inspection must be performed by a state-licensed inspection station.
  • Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option and takes a few minutes if your vehicle has no violations or unpaid tolls.
  • If you renew by mail, send your renewal notice with payment to the address printed on the notice, and allow two to three weeks for processing.
  • Driving with expired tags is a traffic violation and can result in a fine; renewing before the expiration date prevents this penalty.

What you need before you renew

Before you start a renewal, make sure your vehicle has passed a current Maryland vehicle inspection. The inspection sticker must be dated within the current month or earlier in the same year—an inspection from last year will not work. You can get an inspection at any state-licensed inspection station; the MVA website has a searchable list of stations by county.

You will also need your current vehicle registration card and the renewal notice the MVA mailed to you. If you cannot find the notice, you can still renew online or in person using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and license plate number. Have your payment method ready: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards, while mail renewal requires a check or money order.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Go to the Maryland MVA website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. Enter your VIN and license plate number, then your date of birth. The system will pull up your registration and show you the renewal fee. Review the information for accuracy—if anything is wrong, you will need to correct it in person at an MVA office instead of online.

If everything is correct and your vehicle has no violations or unpaid tolls, you can pay with a credit or debit card and complete the renewal when ready. Your new registration card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can print a temporary registration receipt right away, though you do not need it to drive legally—your current tags remain valid until the expiration date.

Renewing by mail

If you have your renewal notice, fill it out completely and include your payment. Mail it to the address printed on the notice along with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current vehicle inspection sticker or a photo of it if you want to speed up processing.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope. Your new registration card will arrive separately. To avoid driving with expired tags, mail your renewal at least three weeks before expiration. If you are close to the expiration date, renew online or in person instead.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Bring your current registration card, proof of a current vehicle inspection, and a valid photo ID to any MVA office. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. An MVA staff member will verify your information, process your payment, and issue your new registration card on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Walk-in service is available at most MVA offices, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Some MVA offices have longer hours on certain days, so check the office locator on the MVA website for hours near you. If you need to renew a vehicle registered to a business or have other complications, an in-person visit is often the most straightforward option.

What happens if your tags expire

Driving with expired tags is a traffic violation in Maryland. A police officer can stop you and issue a citation, which carries a fine. The amount varies but can range from $70 to $500 depending on how long the tags have been expired and whether you have other violations. You will also be required to renew the tags before you can legally drive again.

If you are pulled over with expired tags, bring proof that you have renewed them (your new registration card or a receipt from online renewal) to show the officer. If you have not yet renewed, you may be asked to have the vehicle towed or to leave it parked until you complete the renewal. Renewing before expiration avoids this situation entirely.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Maryland renewal fees are based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not its actual weight. The GVWR is listed on your vehicle's door jamb or in your owner's manual. Passenger cars typically cost between $135 and $160 to renew, while heavier vehicles and trucks cost more. Motorcycles, trailers, and commercial vehicles have different fee schedules.

The renewal notice you receive in the mail shows your exact fee. If you have unpaid tolls or parking violations, the MVA may hold your renewal until those are resolved. Some counties also offer senior discounts or disabled veteran discounts on registration fees; ask at an MVA office if you think you may may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your vehicle must have a current inspection before you renew tags. Get an inspection at a state-licensed station first, then renew your tags. The inspection sticker must be dated in the current month or earlier in the same year.

What if I lose my renewal notice?

You do not need the notice to renew. Go to the MVA website and enter your VIN and license plate number, or visit an MVA office with your current registration and photo ID. The office staff can look up your account and process the renewal.

How long does online renewal take?

The online process itself takes a few minutes. Your new registration card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally the entire time—your current tags remain valid until expiration.

Can I renew tags for a vehicle registered to someone else?

Only the registered owner or someone with a power of attorney can renew tags. If you are renewing for someone else, bring a notarized power of attorney document to an MVA office along with the owner's registration card.

What if I sell my vehicle before the tags expire?

Notify the MVA of the sale within 10 days by submitting a bill of sale and a notice of transfer. You may be due a refund for the unused portion of your registration. Contact your local MVA office or check the website for the refund process.