What you need to renew your registration at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
To renew your car registration at the MVA, you'll need your current registration card, proof that your vehicle passed inspection (if required), and proof of insurance. You can renew in person at an MVA office, by mail, or online through the MVA website if your vehicle meets certain conditions. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, or two to three weeks by mail.
Your registration renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your current registration expires. This notice shows your renewal fee, which depends on your vehicle's weight and age. You don't have to wait for the notice to arrive — you can renew up to six months early if you want to.
The MVA charges a renewal fee that varies based on your vehicle type and weight. Passenger vehicles typically cost between $135 and $180 to renew, though this amount changes yearly. If your vehicle is over 25 years old, you may be able to register it as a historic vehicle at a lower rate.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, and the method you choose depends on whether your vehicle has passed inspection and whether you have a valid insurance policy on file.
- Your renewal notice arrives about 30 days before expiration and shows the exact fee you owe, which is based on your vehicle's weight and age.
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your vehicle is may be able to access, taking only a few minutes from your computer.
- If you renew by mail, include your renewal notice, payment, and proof of inspection; the MVA will mail your new registration back within two to three weeks.
- Driving with an expired registration can result in a citation, so renew before your expiration date even if you're waiting for inspection results.
Renewing online through the MVA website
Online renewal is the quickest method if your vehicle is may be able to access. You can renew online if your vehicle passed inspection, your insurance is current, and you don't have any outstanding violations or liens on the title. Go to the MVA website, select "Renew Registration," and enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) and renewal notice number.
The system will pull up your vehicle information and show you the renewal fee. You'll pay by credit card or debit card, and your new registration will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You'll receive a temporary registration number by email that you can print and use when ready if you need to drive before the physical card arrives.
If the system tells you that your vehicle is not may be able to access for online renewal, it usually means your inspection is expired, your insurance lapsed, or there's a hold on your account. In that case, you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, fill out the renewal notice that came in your packet and mail it to the address printed on the form. Include your payment check or money order, made out to the "Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration." Do not send cash. If your vehicle needs an inspection, include proof that it passed — this is usually a form from the inspection station or a copy of your inspection receipt.
Mail your packet at least three weeks before your registration expires to account for postal delays. The MVA will process your renewal and mail your new registration card back to you. If you don't receive it within four weeks, contact the MVA to check the status of your renewal.
Keep a copy of everything you mail for your records. If your check gets lost in the mail, you'll have proof of what you sent and when.
Renewing in person at an MVA office
Walk into any MVA office with your renewal notice, current registration card, proof of insurance, and proof of inspection (if your vehicle needs one). Bring a valid photo ID as well. You'll fill out a short form, pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card, and walk out with your new registration in hand.
Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. Early morning and weekday visits are usually faster than afternoons or weekends. Some MVA offices allow you to reserve a time slot online before you go, which can cut your wait time significantly.
If you're renewing a vehicle with a lien or loan on it, you may need to bring additional paperwork. Call the MVA office ahead of time if you're unsure what documents to bring.
Vehicle inspection requirements
Maryland requires most vehicles to pass a safety and emissions inspection every two years. Your inspection sticker shows the month and year it expires. If your inspection expires before or on the same date as your registration, you must have a new inspection before you can renew your registration.
You can get an inspection at any authorized inspection station — these include many repair shops, tire shops, and service stations. The inspection costs about $20 to $30 and takes 15 to 30 minutes. Bring your current registration and proof of insurance.
If your inspection is expired, you cannot renew online. You'll need to get the inspection first, then renew by mail or in person. Some people renew their inspection a few weeks early so they don't have to coordinate two separate important date.
What happens if your registration expires
Driving with an expired registration is a traffic violation in Maryland. A police officer can pull you over and issue a citation, which carries a fine of up to $110. If you're pulled over multiple times with an expired registration, the fines add up.
An expired registration can also complicate an accident claim with your insurance company, though most policies will still cover you. If you're stopped by police, explain that you've submitted your renewal and are waiting for the new card to arrive — bring proof that you renewed (like a receipt or email confirmation) if you have it.
If your registration expired more than a year ago, you may need to pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. The MVA can tell you the exact amount owed if you call or visit an office.
Renewing a vehicle with a loan or lien
If you have a loan on your vehicle, the lender's name appears on your registration. You can still renew on your own — the lender doesn't have to sign off on a routine renewal. However, if the lender's address on file with the MVA is outdated, the MVA may mail your new registration to the lender instead of to you.
If this happens, contact your lender and ask them to forward the registration to you, or call the MVA to update the address on file. You can also renew in person at an MVA office to avoid any mail delays.
Once you pay off the loan, the lien is removed from your title. You can renew your registration normally after that, and the lender's name will no longer appear on your registration card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my registration if my vehicle inspection is expired?
No, you must have a current inspection before you renew. Get the inspection at an authorized station first, then renew online, by mail, or in person. The inspection sticker must be valid on or after your registration renewal date.
What if I lose my renewal notice?
You don't need the renewal notice to renew — it's just a reminder. You can renew online using your VIN and driver's license number, by mail if you know your renewal fee, or in person at any MVA office. Call the MVA if you need to know the exact amount due.
How long does it take to get my new registration in the mail?
Online renewals are mailed within one to two weeks. Mail-in renewals take two to three weeks from the time the MVA receives your packet. If you don't receive your new registration within four weeks, contact the MVA to check the status.
Can I renew my registration if I'm out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If you need to renew in person and you're not in Maryland, contact the MVA to see if they can process your renewal by phone or mail with additional documentation.
What if my vehicle failed inspection?
You cannot renew your registration until your vehicle passes inspection. Fix the issues that caused the failure, then take your vehicle back to the inspection station. Once it passes, you can renew your registration.