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

Maryland sends renewal notices 60 days before your registration expires. The notice includes your renewal fee, which varies based on your vehicle's weight and type. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as 60 days before expiration.

The three main paths are online through the Motor Vehicle Administration website, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at an MVA office. Online renewal is the fastest and requires only your vehicle identification number, license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. By mail, you send the completed renewal notice with payment to the address printed on it. In person, you bring your renewal notice and payment to any MVA office during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland registration renews every two years, and you can start the process 60 days before your current registration expires.
  • Online renewal through the MVA website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if you have your vehicle identification number and license plate number.
  • By-mail renewal uses the notice Maryland sends you and takes one to two weeks after the MVA receives it.
  • In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready but requires a trip during business hours and may involve a wait.
  • Late renewal fees explore if you drive on an expired registration, so renewing before the expiration date protects you from penalties.

Online renewal through the MVA website

The Motor Vehicle Administration website allows you to renew online at mva.maryland.gov. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive a temporary registration number when ready after payment.

Your permanent registration card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can drive legally using the temporary number until the card arrives. Online renewal costs the same as other methods — the fee depends on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating and type (passenger vehicle, motorcycle, commercial, etc.).

Online renewal is not available if your vehicle has a lien, if you need to add or remove a co-owner, or if your address has changed since your last registration. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail with your renewal notice

Maryland mails a renewal notice 60 days before expiration. The notice shows your renewal fee and includes a return envelope. You complete the notice, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address on the envelope.

Processing takes one to two weeks after the MVA receives your payment. You should mail your renewal at least three weeks before expiration to avoid driving on an expired registration. If you lose the renewal notice, you can request a duplicate by calling the MVA at 410-787-7758 or visiting an office in person.

By-mail renewal works for all vehicle types and ownership situations, including vehicles with liens or multiple owners. Keep a copy of your completed notice for your records in case questions arise during processing.

In-person renewal at an MVA office

You can renew in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration office across Maryland. Bring your renewal notice and payment (cash, check, or card). The MVA accepts all major credit and debit cards at office locations, though not all accept them by mail or online.

In-person renewal is when ready — you receive your registration card on the spot. Wait times vary by location and time of day; offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on Saturdays. You can find office locations, hours, and current wait times at mva.maryland.gov.

If you have changed your address, added a co-owner, or have other changes to your registration, handling the renewal in person allows you to make those updates at the same time without additional trips.

What happens if your registration expires

Driving on an expired registration in Maryland is a violation. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you face a citation and fine. The fine amount varies but typically starts at $110 for a first offense. You also risk having your vehicle impounded if the registration is significantly overdue.

If your registration has expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. There is no grace period, so renew as soon as you realize it has lapsed. If you were driving when expired, you may want to renew when ready and keep your receipt in case you are stopped before the new card arrives.

Registration fees and what affects the cost

Maryland registration fees depend on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and vehicle type. A standard passenger vehicle typically costs between $135 and $200 for two years, but motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and vehicles over a certain weight have different rates. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee for your vehicle.

If you have unpaid parking tickets, toll violations, or other outstanding debts to the state, the MVA may hold your renewal until those are resolved. Check your account at mva.maryland.gov before renewing to see if any holds exist.

Some vehicles may have access to for reduced fees — for example, vehicles owned by disabled veterans or certain non-profit organizations. If you think you may have access to for a reduced fee, contact the MVA before renewing to confirm your may be able to access.

Renewing a vehicle with a lien or multiple owners

If your vehicle has a lien (the bank or finance company holds the title), you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person. Bring your renewal notice and proof of the lien if renewing in person, though the MVA usually has the lien information on file.

If the vehicle is registered to multiple owners, all owners do not need to be present to renew. The person submitting the renewal can do so alone. However, if you want to add or remove an owner during renewal, you must do so in person or by mail with a signed form from all current owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration before the renewal notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online or in person as soon as 60 days before expiration without waiting for the notice. If renewing by mail, you can request a duplicate notice by calling 410-787-7758 or visiting an MVA office.

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

You must update your address with the MVA before or during renewal. You can update your address online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail, or in person. Renewing in person allows you to update your address at the same time.

How long does the temporary registration number last?

The temporary number is valid until your permanent registration card arrives, which typically takes one to two weeks. You can drive legally during that time. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the MVA.

What if I lost my vehicle title or registration card?

A lost title or card does not prevent renewal. Renew using your vehicle identification number and license plate number online, or bring your renewal notice to an MVA office. You can request a replacement title or card at the same time for an additional fee.

Can I renew if my vehicle failed inspection?

No. Your vehicle must pass Maryland's emissions or safety inspection before the MVA will process a renewal. Schedule an inspection at a licensed inspection station, then renew once your vehicle passes.