License Plates
Maryland license plates identify your vehicle and show that it is properly registered with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Get your Maryland license plates
You receive license plates when you register a vehicle in Maryland. Plates may be issued when you:
- Title and register a vehicle
- Request a replacement plate
Most plates are issued during an in-person or online registration transaction.
License plate options
When you register, you'll receive a standard issue plate.
Available during registration
During the registration process, you'll also have the option to select the Agricultural or Chesapeake Bay specialty plate for an additional annual fee.
Agricultural & Chesapeake Bay License Plates
Require a separate application
Other plate options require a separate application and include:
License Plates LP all specialty types link collection
-
Disability Plates & PlacardsFor Maryland residents with qualifying disabilities, these plates provide accessible parking privileges.
-
Military & Veteran License PlatesHonor your service with a plate displaying your military branch, rank, or veteran status.
-
Charitable Organization License PlatesShow your support for a school, nonprofit, or other affiliated organization.
-
Specialty & Personalized License PlatesChoose a unique design supporting a cause or program, or create a custom message for your plate.
Some plates can be personalized for an additional fee. Availability, fees, and requirements vary by plate type.
Displaying license plates
Maryland law requires your plates:
- Are securely attached to the vehicle
- Are clearly visible and not altered
- Display registration stickers as instructed
Passenger vehicles must display plates on the front and rear unless otherwise authorized.
Improper display may result in enforcement action.
Transferring license plates
In some cases, you can transfer license plates from an old vehicle to a new one. If you qualify, you may pay a lower fee than if you register with new plates.
When can you transfer plates?
You may be able to transfer plates if:
- Your new vehicle is titled in the same name as the one that originally had the plates
- The new vehicle is Class A, Class M, or Class E, and the plate type remains the same
- You sold, traded, junked, or disposed of the vehicle the plates were on
Transferring plates between family members
Plates may also be transferred between immediate family members — spouse, parent, or child — when the vehicle is given as a gift. Learn more about giving a vehicle as a gift.
How to transfer your plates
Request the plate transfer when you register your new vehicle. You can apply:
- In person at any MVA full-service branch office
- By mail to the MVA's Mail-In Registration Unit at the Glen Burnie office
- Through an MVA-licensed tag and title service
Report & replace lost or stolen plates
If your license plate is lost or stolen:
- Report the loss to law enforcement, if required
- Notify the MVA as soon as possible
- Request replacement plates
Do not continue driving without valid plates on you vehicle.
Call to action:
Replace lost or stolen license plates
When to return your plates
Prevent penalties and fees by promptly returning license plates if you sell or scrap a vehicle, cancel your vehicle insurance, or move out of Maryland and do not transfer plates.
Fees
Fees apply for new plates, specialty plates, replacements, and transfers. Amounts vary by plate type.
Fees are set by regulation and are subject to change.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs - Tag Return
You may keep your license plates if you are transferring them to another vehicle you own and following the MVA's requirements for transferring plates.
Yes, you must return your Maryland license plates when you no longer need them. You may keep them onli if you are transferring them to another vehicle you own and following the MVA's requirements for transferring plates.
If you don't return license plates as required, you may face insurance violation penalties or other fees.
Yes. You must return any and all Maryland license plates when you no longer need them. Do not delay the return.
If your license plates have been lost or stolen, report the theft to your local law enforcement agency. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report, or at least the police report number.
If your license plates are not recovered, you will need to order substitute license plates for your vehicle. These can be obtained by ordering on myMVA or making an appointment for vehicle services. Make sure to bring the police report to your appointment.
Please Note: If you receive substitute license plates to replace license plates that are lost or stolen, you are not entitled to a refund.
You may be eligible for a refund if your license plate expiration date is more than 12 months away. To receive a refund, complete the Registration Plate Refund Application (VR-021) - PDF - 85.13 KB and include it with the license plates you are returning.
Registration Return Refund Eligibility:
- 100% refund for unused plates with sticker NOT affixed to plate
- 50% refund for plates with MORE THAN one year remaining
- NO REFUND for:
- Plates with LESS THAN one year remaining
- Registration plates returned for cancellation with substitute plates and/or sticker issued
Your refund is prepared by the Maryland Comptroller’s Office in Annapolis. You should receive the refund within 6 weeks of returning the license plates. If you do not receive the refund in 6-8 weeks, contact the MVA for assistance.
Questions? We can help.
Contact the MVA if you have questions or need more information.