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

Your registration renewal notice arrives about a month before your current registration expires. The notice shows your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and type. You do not have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew as soon as your current registration is within six months of expiring.

The fastest route is online through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website, which takes about 10 minutes if you have your current registration card and a payment method ready. By mail takes about two weeks from the time you send it. In-person renewal at an MVA office is when ready but requires a trip during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, and online renewal is the fastest option.
  • Your renewal notice arrives about a month before expiration and shows the exact fee you owe based on your vehicle's weight.
  • You need your current registration card and a payment method (credit card, debit card, or electronic check) to renew online.
  • If you renew by mail, send your completed form, payment, and current registration card to the address on your renewal notice.
  • Your new registration card arrives by mail within two weeks of approval, whether you renew online or by mail.

Renewing online through the MVA website

Go to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website and select the vehicle registration renewal option. You will need your current registration card, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and your driver's license number. The system will pull up your vehicle record and show you the renewal fee.

Pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Your new registration card is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 10 business days. You can print a temporary registration receipt when ready after payment, which is valid for 30 days while you wait for your card.

Renewing by mail

Your renewal notice includes a form and a return envelope with the address already printed. Fill out the form, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it along with your current registration card. Do not send cash through the mail.

Processing takes about two weeks from the time the MVA receives your envelope. Your new registration card arrives separately by mail. Keep a copy of your renewal notice or the receipt you receive back as proof of renewal until your new card arrives.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

Bring your current registration card, your driver's license, and payment (cash, check, debit card, or credit card). You do not need an appointment at most MVA offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the MVA website for your nearest office and its hours before you go.

You will receive your new registration card on the spot. If you cannot wait in person, online or mail renewal is faster overall because you avoid travel time, even though the card takes longer to arrive by mail.

What happens if your registration expires before you renew

Driving with an expired registration is illegal in Maryland. If you miss your renewal date, you can still renew through any of the three methods, but you may face a citation if you are stopped. The renewal fee does not increase for late renewal, but you cannot legally drive until your new card arrives.

If your registration has been expired for more than a few months, contact the MVA directly to confirm your vehicle record is still active. In rare cases, a very old vehicle may need additional steps to renew.

Renewal fees and what affects the cost

Your renewal fee is based on your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), not what it actually weighs. The GVWR is listed in your vehicle's manual and on the door jamb. Passenger cars typically cost less to renew than trucks or vans. Your renewal notice shows the exact fee you owe.

If you have a commercial vehicle, a vehicle registered as a taxi or rideshare, or a vehicle with special plates (vanity plates, disabled plates, or historic plates), your fee may differ. The renewal notice accounts for these differences, so the amount shown is what you pay.

If your registration card is lost or damaged

You can still renew online or by mail without your current card, but you will need your VIN and driver's license number so the MVA can locate your record. If you are renewing in person, bring your driver's license and any proof of ownership (title, insurance card, or loan documents).

If your card is damaged but still readable, send it with your renewal by mail. If it is unreadable or lost, the MVA will issue a replacement along with your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my registration before the notice arrives?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail as soon as your current registration is within six months of expiring. You do not need to wait for the renewal notice, though it contains your exact fee amount. If you renew early online, the system will show you the correct fee.

What if I moved and my renewal notice went to the wrong address?

You can still renew online or in person without the notice. If you want to renew by mail, contact the MVA to update your address first, or renew online instead. Your new registration card will be mailed to your current address on file.

How long is my temporary registration receipt valid?

The temporary receipt you print after online renewal is valid for 30 days. Your permanent registration card should arrive within 10 business days, so the temporary receipt covers you while you wait. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the MVA.

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

No. Once you transfer ownership to the new owner, your registration ends. The new owner will register the vehicle in their name. If you still own the vehicle when the renewal date approaches, you must renew or the registration will expire.

What if I have an outstanding ticket or violation on my vehicle?

Most outstanding tickets do not prevent registration renewal in Maryland. However, if your vehicle has been flagged for safety or emissions violations, the MVA may not process renewal until those issues are resolved. Contact the MVA if your renewal is denied.