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 need to renew online or by mail. You do not have to visit an office unless your vehicle requires an inspection, your address has changed and you need to update it in person, or you are renewing a commercial vehicle registration.

The online renewal portal at mva.maryland.gov is the fastest route. You enter your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the renewal code from your notice. The fee is charged to a credit or debit card, and your new registration is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew online by providing your VIN and plate number, though the system will ask you to verify your identity.

Mail renewal requires the notice itself, a check or money order, and a completed Form VR-218 (the renewal form included with your notice). Mail it to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives it, so send it at least 30 days before expiration to avoid driving with an expired registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland registration renews every two years, and the MVA mails a renewal notice 60 days in advance with a renewal code.
  • Online renewal at mva.maryland.gov is the fastest method and takes 7 to 10 business days if you have your renewal code or VIN and plate number.
  • Mail renewal requires the notice, a check or money order, and Form VR-218, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from receipt.
  • You do not need an inspection to renew unless your vehicle is commercial, newly registered in Maryland, or flagged by the MVA for emissions testing.
  • Renewing before expiration prevents driving with an expired registration, which can result in a citation.

What documents and information you need

For online renewal, you need your renewal code (from the notice the MVA mailed you) or your VIN and current license plate number. You also need a valid payment method — credit card or debit card. If you are renewing by mail, you need the renewal notice itself, a completed Form VR-218, and a check or money order for the renewal fee.

The renewal fee depends on your vehicle's weight and type. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $135 and $200 for a two-year registration, though the exact amount is listed on your renewal notice. If your address has changed since your last registration, you may need to update it in person at an MVA office or provide a new address during online renewal, depending on the type of change.

Renewing online through the MVA portal

Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the main menu. Enter your renewal code from the notice, or if you do not have the notice, enter your VIN and license plate number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show the renewal fee.

Review the vehicle information and your address. If anything is incorrect, you may be able to correct it online, but address changes sometimes require an in-person visit. Pay with a credit or debit card. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new registration card and sticker will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You can drive legally during this waiting period as long as your old registration has not yet expired. If your registration expires before the new one arrives, contact the MVA to request a temporary registration or print a temporary registration from the online portal.

Renewing by mail

Use the renewal notice the MVA sent you. It includes Form VR-218 and the mailing address. Fill out the form completely, including your signature. Write a check or money order for the amount shown on the notice. Do not send cash.

Mail the notice, the completed form, and your payment to the address printed on the notice. Keep a copy for your records. The MVA processes mail renewals in the order they are received, and processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive it. If you mail it fewer than 30 days before expiration, you risk your registration expiring before the new one arrives.

If your renewal notice was lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate by calling the MVA at 410-768-7000 or visiting an MVA office in person. You can also renew online without the notice if you have your VIN and plate number.

When you need an in-person visit to an MVA office

Most Maryland drivers can renew without visiting an office. However, you must go in person if your vehicle requires an inspection, your address change cannot be completed online, you are renewing a commercial vehicle registration, or your vehicle was recently registered in Maryland for the first time.

Emissions inspections are required for vehicles in certain counties (Baltimore City, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George's counties) and for vehicles over a certain age. The MVA notice will indicate if an inspection is required. You can have the inspection done at any authorized inspection station and then bring the inspection certificate to an MVA office along with your renewal notice and payment.

To find your nearest MVA office and check hours, visit mva.maryland.gov or call 410-768-7000. Bring your renewal notice, a valid ID, proof of insurance, and payment. Processing at an office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving with an expired registration is a violation in Maryland. A police officer can cite you for an expired tag, which carries a fine. The citation does not affect your driving record, but you must pay the fine and renew your registration when ready.

If your registration expires and you have not yet received your renewal, you can print a temporary registration from the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 to request one by mail. A temporary registration is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent registration to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration if it has already expired?

Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office even after expiration. However, driving with an expired registration is a violation, so renew as soon as possible. If you are waiting for your new registration to arrive, request a temporary registration to drive legally.

What if I move to a different address before my registration expires?

You can update your address online during renewal if the change is within Maryland. If you move out of state or the online system does not allow the change, you must visit an MVA office in person with your renewal notice, a valid ID, and proof of your new address. Update your address before renewing to avoid delays.

How long does online renewal take?

The online transaction takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Your new registration card and sticker arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally during this time if your current registration has not expired.

Do I need to renew my registration if I sell my vehicle?

No. When you sell your vehicle, the registration transfers to the new owner or expires. You do not renew a registration for a vehicle you no longer own. The new owner must register the vehicle in their name.

What if my renewal notice was lost in the mail?

Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to request a duplicate notice, or renew online using your VIN and license plate number without the notice. You can also visit an MVA office in person with your vehicle title and a valid ID to renew.