Registering and titling a vehicle in Maryland: new residents, purchases and renewals

How to title and register a vehicle with the Maryland MVA after a dealer or private purchase or a move to Maryland, including the safety inspection, the 6.5% titling tax, insurance minimums, emissions testing, renewals and plates.

Guide · Maryland · Vehicle registration · Titles · updated October 29, 2026

Vehicle titles and registration in Maryland are handled by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), part of the Maryland Department of Transportation and the same agency that issues driver's licenses. The MVA says that if you own a vehicle and live in Maryland, you must register it with the MVA before you can legally drive it on public roads. In most cases, you title and register at the same time. This guide covers buying a vehicle, moving to Maryland, inspections, insurance, renewals and plates.

The basics

• Title and registration together: most people complete registration during the titling process. That means one appointment and one set of documents. Plates are issued at the time of service or mailed to you.
• Where: at a full-service MVA branch, or by mail for some title applications. For plate transfers, the MVA also mentions MVA-licensed tag and title services.
• The main form: the Certificate of Title Application (VR-005). Or start the pre-application online through myMVA, which also gives you a fee estimate.
• Safety inspection: the MVA says most vehicles must pass a Maryland Safety Inspection before they can be titled and registered.

The safety inspection

Inspections are done at stations licensed by the Maryland State Police. The MVA says not all repair shops are licensed, and that the station sets the fee. When your vehicle passes, the certificate is sent to the MVA electronically. It is valid for 90 days, so title and register before it expires.

If the vehicle fails, repair the listed items and return within 30 days for reinspection. If you need plates to drive the vehicle to an inspection, you can apply for a 30-day temporary registration with the Temporary Inspection Waiver (VR-129). The MVA says only one such temporary registration may be issued, so apply when you are ready for the inspection.

Emissions testing (VEIP) is separate. The MVA says most vehicles registered in Maryland must pass emissions testing at regular intervals. It also says qualified vehicles are tested every two years at VEIP stations or kiosks.

Buying from a dealer

If you buy from a Maryland dealer, the MVA says the dealer submits the title application for you. Most licensed dealers send the paperwork to the MVA, so check with yours first.

If you bought from an out-of-state dealer that does not handle titling, you apply yourself, in person or by mail. The documents may include:

• The completed VR-005 or an online pre-application
• Proof of ownership from the dealer and the certificate of origin
• The original bill of sale, if applicable
• An odometer disclosure statement
• Valid identification and any lien information
• Payment of fees and taxes, including the title fee and excise tax if applicable

Buying from a private seller

Private sellers do not submit title paperwork, so titling is your responsibility. First, confirm that the seller has given you the original title, properly assigned to you, with any liens released. Then submit, in person or by mail:

• The completed Certificate of Title Application (VR-005)
• The properly assigned original title
• Proof of purchase price, and a bill of sale if applicable
• An odometer disclosure, if applicable
• A Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate
• Valid identification
• A lien release, if a lien was listed
• Payment for all taxes and fees

The MVA's fee page lists the titling tax at 6.5%, based on fair market value, with a minimum tax of $41.60. You must meet Maryland registration and insurance requirements before driving the vehicle.

Moving to Maryland with a vehicle

The MVA says you must title and register your vehicle within 60 days of moving to Maryland. Missing the deadline disqualifies you from a credit for titling tax paid in another state. You may also be cited for an out-of-state registration.

1. Make an appointment and complete the pre-application.
2. Get a Maryland safety inspection. It is not needed if you are returning with a vehicle previously titled in Maryland in your name.
3. Bring your documents to the appointment.

The documents to bring are:

• A valid Maryland driver's license or proof of a Maryland residential address
• Your out-of-state title
• Lienholder details, if the vehicle is leased or financed
• Your Maryland insurance information
• A check or money order for fees

You will receive a VEIP emissions notice about three months after registering. For your license, which has its own 60-day deadline, see the Maryland driver license and ID card guide.

Insurance

The MVA says every registered vehicle must have active insurance at all times, from a company approved to do business in Maryland. The minimum liability coverage is:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 for property damage

These minimums apply even if the vehicle is not driven. Insurers report coverage to the MVA electronically. A lapse can lead to penalties, suspension of the registration and vehicle flags. If you cancel insurance and do not replace it, return your plates before the policy ends.

Renewing registration

The MVA says registrations are available for one, two or three years, and it sends a renewal notice. You can renew up to 90 days before expiration.

• Online, 24/7, through myMVA. This is the fastest option, and the card and stickers are mailed to you.
• By mail, if your renewal notice offers it.
• In person, which is required if your vehicle has unresolved issues.

Before you renew, you need valid Maryland insurance, no unresolved vehicle flags and payment. Flags can come from insurance lapses, unpaid tolls or citations, or emissions issues. Update your address with the MVA first if you have moved.

Plates

You receive a standard plate when you register. During registration you can also choose the Agricultural or Chesapeake Bay plate for an extra annual fee. Specialty, organizational, military and personalized plates need a separate application. The fee table lists vanity plates at $50.

Passenger vehicles must display plates on the front and rear. Plate covers that block or obscure any part of a plate are illegal.

You may be able to transfer plates to a new vehicle titled in the same name. If you sell or scrap a vehicle, cancel insurance or move away without transferring the plates, return them to the MVA. For lost or stolen plates, file form VR-461 through myMVA or at a branch.

For branch visits, see Visiting the Maryland MVA and the Maryland office list.