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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Register a Vehicle

If you own a vehicle and live in Maryland, you must register your vehicle with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) before you can legally drive it on public roads.

In most cases, you can title and register your vehicle at the same time, during the same appointment or application.

 

What Is Vehicle Registration?

Vehicle registration links your vehicle to you and allows you to legally operate it in Maryland.
When you register a vehicle, you receive:

  • License plates
  • A registration card
  • Registration stickers

Registration is different from a vehicle title, which shows ownership. Many customers complete both steps together.

 

Who This Page Is For

This page is for individual consumers registering:

  • Passenger vehicles
  • Pickup trucks (non-commercial use)
  • Motorcycles
  • Trailers for personal use

Commercial or business vehicles are not covered here.

Related link:
Commercial Vehicle Titles & Registration

 

When You Can Register Your Vehicle

You may register your vehicle when:

  • You are titling a vehicle for the first time in Maryland
  • You purchased a vehicle from a dealer or private seller
  • You moved to Maryland and are registering an out-of-state vehicle
  • You are renewing or transferring registration as part of a title transaction

In most situations, registration is completed during the titling process.

 

Ways to Register Your Vehicle

Register While Titling Your Vehicle (Most Common)

This is the easiest option for most customers.

  • One appointment
  • One set of documents
  • Plates issued at the time of service or mailed to you

Call to action:
Learn how to title and register a vehicle

 

Register In Person at an MVA Branch

Some situations require an in-person visit.

  • Helpful for special circumstances
  • MVA staff can review your documents

Call to action:
Schedule an appointment at an MVA branch office

What You Need to Register a Vehicle

You may be required to provide:

  • A valid vehicle title or title application
  • Proof of Maryland vehicle insurance
  • A completed registration application (if applicable)
  • A Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate, if required
  • Payment of registration fees, taxes, and plate fees

Requirements may vary based on vehicle type and purchase method.

 

Registration Fees

Registration fees depend on:

  • Vehicle type
  • Vehicle weight
  • Length of registration period

Fees are set by regulation and are subject to change.

Call to action:
View current vehicle registration fees

 

What Happens After You Register

After your registration is completed:

  • You will receive license plates and registration materials
  • Keep your registration card in the vehicle at all times
  • Display plates and stickers as instructed

If your plates are mailed, delivery times may vary.

Special Registration Situations

Some vehicles require additional steps. These topics may be covered on separate pages:

  • Out-of-state vehicles
  • Trailers
  • Mobile homes
  • Vehicles with special conditions

Related links (Your MVA Guide):

  • New Maryland Residents
  • Military Service Members
  • Students and Temporary Residents

 

Need Help?

If you are not sure how to register your vehicle or whether you can register and title at the same time, contact the MVA.

Call to action:
Contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

 

Ready to Register?

If you are ready to register your vehicle, take the next step now.

Title and register your vehicle, schedule an appointment, or contact the MVA for assistance.

30-Day Temporary Registration

​​If you need registration plates in order to obtain a vehicle safety inspection, you may apply for a 30-day temporary registration. It is important to note that only one (1) 30-day temporary registration may be issued. Therefore it is suggested that you apply only when you are ready to have the vehicle safety inspected.

If you purchase a vehicle in need of repairs, you may title the vehicle in your name. The title will be issued to you and mailed to your address. When you are ready to obtain the safety inspection in order to register the vehicle, you may then apply for the temporary registration.

You must complete the Temporary Inspection Waiver (form VR-129).