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

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) sends renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you'll need to renew online or by mail. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as 60 days before expiration. Online renewal is the fastest route and takes about 10 minutes; by mail takes one to two weeks; in-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready but requires a trip.

Your registration expires on the last day of the month shown on your current registration card. Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Maryland, so renewing before that date matters. If you miss the important date, you can still renew, but you may face a late fee and will need to show proof of insurance when you renew.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland registration renews every two years, and you can start the process 60 days before expiration using your renewal code from the MVA notice.
  • Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest method and requires your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and renewal code.
  • If you renew by mail, send the renewal notice and payment to the address listed on the form; processing takes one to two weeks.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready but requires a valid ID, proof of insurance, and your current registration card.
  • Late renewal carries a penalty fee, and you must show proof of current insurance no matter which method you choose.

Renewing online through the MVA website

The Maryland MVA website allows you to renew registration online at mva.maryland.gov. You will need your renewal code (from the notice the MVA mailed you), your vehicle identification number (VIN), and your license plate number. The process takes about 10 minutes and you can pay with a debit or credit card.

After you submit your renewal online, the MVA processes it when ready and sends your new registration card by mail within five to seven business days. You do not receive a temporary registration document, so if you need to drive before the card arrives, keep your old registration card with you as proof that you have renewed. Online renewal works only if your vehicle information has not changed and you have no outstanding violations or fines with the MVA.

Renewing by mail

The MVA renewal notice includes a payment envelope and instructions for mailing. You send the notice itself (or a copy), your payment, and proof of current insurance to the address on the form. Payment must be by check or money order — the MVA does not take credit cards by mail. Processing takes one to two weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope.

Mail renewal is useful if you do not have internet access or prefer not to renew online. The downside is the wait time; if your registration expires soon, mail renewal may not arrive in time. Send your renewal at least three weeks before expiration to be safe. Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail if you want proof of delivery.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

You can walk into any Maryland MVA office and renew your registration on the spot. Bring your current registration card, a valid ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID), and proof of current insurance. The office will process your renewal when ready and issue a new registration card before you leave.

In-person renewal is the fastest method if you need your new card right away, but MVA offices can have long wait times, especially near the end of the month or on weekdays. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go. No appointment is required for registration renewal, though the MVA does offer online scheduling for other services.

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. If you are stopped, you must show proof that you have renewed (such as your renewal notice or online confirmation) or you may face additional penalties.

If you realize your registration has expired, renew when ready using any of the three methods above. When you renew after the expiration date, you will owe a late fee in addition to the standard renewal fee. The late fee varies but is typically $25 to $50. You must also show proof of current insurance when you renew late.

Registration renewal fees in Maryland

The standard registration renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. Most passenger vehicles fall into a category that costs between $135 and $180 for a two-year renewal. Motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and specialty vehicles have different fees. The MVA website lists the exact fee for your vehicle type if you enter your VIN.

If you renew late, you will pay the standard fee plus a late penalty. Some vehicles may also may have access to for fee reductions or exemptions — for example, vehicles owned by disabled veterans or certain nonprofit organizations. Check the MVA website or call 410-787-7758 to confirm the exact fee for your vehicle before you renew.

Proof of insurance requirement

Maryland requires proof of current auto insurance to renew registration. If you renew online, the MVA checks your insurance status electronically through the state's insurance database. If your insurance is current and on file, you do not need to submit anything extra. If the MVA cannot verify your insurance, your online renewal will be rejected and you will need to renew in person or by mail with a printed proof of insurance.

If you renew by mail or in person, bring a current insurance card, a declaration page from your insurance company, or a letter from your insurer showing your policy number and coverage dates. The document must show that your coverage is active on the date you renew. If you do not have proof of insurance, you cannot renew your registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration before the 60-day window?

No. Maryland law requires you to wait until 60 days before expiration to renew. If you try to renew earlier, the MVA will reject your request. You can check your expiration date on your current registration card or call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to confirm when you become may be able to access.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You do not need the physical notice to renew online — you only need your renewal code. If you do not have the code, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 and provide your vehicle identification number and license plate number. They will give you the code over the phone. You can also renew in person at any MVA office without the notice.

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

Online and mail renewals take five to seven business days for the card to arrive by mail. In-person renewal is when ready — you leave with your new card the same day. If you need to drive before your card arrives, keep your old card and your renewal confirmation as proof that you have renewed.

What if my vehicle information changed since my last registration?

If you changed your address, vehicle color, or other details, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at an MVA office or by mail and include documentation of the change (such as a bill showing your new address). Bring your current registration card and the relevant proof when you go to the office.

Can someone else renew my registration for me?

Yes, if you renew by mail, anyone can mail in your renewal notice and payment on your behalf. For in-person renewal, a family member or friend can renew for you if they bring your current registration card, proof of insurance, and a signed power of attorney or notarized letter giving them permission. Online renewal requires your personal renewal code, so you must do it yourself or give someone your code.