Titles & Registration for Dump Trucks in Maryland

This page explains how to register a dump truck (Class EDP) in Maryland, and when an out-of-state dump truck needs dual registration.

What is a Class EDP dump truck?

To be registered as a dump truck, your vehicle must meet all of the following:

• Have two or more axles
• Be designed to carry feed or other loose materials in bulk
• Unload by gravity or by a mechanical system
• Have the load fully enclosed on both sides, the front and the rear
• Have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 40,000 pounds or more

Maximum safe operating weights by number of axles

The maximum safe operating weight, or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), depends on how many axles the truck has:

• 2 axles: Up to 40,000 pounds (you may choose a higher Gross Combined Weight)
• 3 axles: Up to 55,000 pounds (you may choose a higher Gross Combined Weight)
• 4 axles: Up to 70,000 pounds (you may choose a higher Gross Combined Weight)

Exception: Older 3-axle trucks registered before June 1, 1994

A 3-axle dump truck that was registered in Maryland with a 65,000-pound GVWR before June 1, 1994, may keep operating at 65,000 pounds until the truck turns 20 model years old.

After that, the owner must either get a lift axle certification or lower the vehicle's GVWR to 55,000 pounds

How to register a dump truck in Maryland

Step 1: Select the correct application form

Use the form that matches your situation:

• Applying for a Maryland title and registering at the same time: Use the Maryland title as the application for both transactions.
• Truck already has a Maryland title: Use the Application for New Plates/Stickers & Transfer of Plates or Non-Title Trailers.
• Truck has an out-of-state title: Use the Application for Certificate of Title.

Step 2: Gather required documents

You’ll need to submit the following documents along with your application:

• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate, if required
• Certification for the Issuance of Dump Service License Plates
• Side-view photograph of the dump truck
• Payment for applicable fees and taxes
• IRS Form 2290, if your truck has a GVW of 55,000 pounds or more
• Manufacturer's certification of the lift axles (a copy is OK) and a photo of the lift axle, if your truck has 4 axles, you want a 70,000-pound GVWR and you plan to operate outside Garrett and Allegany counties 

When is a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate required?

A Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate confirms your vehicle meets Maryland safety standards.

It’s generally valid for 90 days from the inspection date. If the truck was purchased from a Maryland dealer, it’s valid for 6 months or until the odometer increases by 1,000 miles, whichever comes first

You do not need this certificate if:

• The vehicle is new and the odometer reads 7,500 miles or less, or
• The vehicle is already titled in Maryland and the certificate was already accepted by the MVA

Step 3: Submit your application

You can register a dump truck in any of these ways:

• In person at any MVA branch office
• By mail
• Through an MVA licensed tag and title service (service fees apply)

When dual registration is needed for out-of-state dump trucks

If you have an out-of-state dump truck that you will use for business in Maryland — even for just one day — and the truck needs to operate at a weight above what the Federal Bridge Formula allows, you must:

• Title the truck in Maryland, and
• Get dual registration in Maryland

How to apply for dual registration

Step 1: Gather required documents 

• Application for Maryland Certificate of Title (must include a Maryland address and certify that insurance was issued by a company authorized to do business in Maryland)
• Current title (Maryland or out-of-state)
• Certification for the Issuance of Dump Service License Plates
• Side-view photograph of the dump truck
• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate, unless the vehicle is new or already titled and the certificate was previously submitted and accepted by the MVA
• IRS Form 2290 (proof of Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax payment)
• Manufacturer’s certification, If the dump truck has a GVW up to 70,000 pounds
• Lienholder authorization, if there is a lien on the out-of-state title
• Leasing company authorization, if the vehicle is leased
  • A copy of the lease agreement may also be required to calculate excise tax

Step 2: Submit your application

You can apply:

• By mail
• In person at any MVA branch office

Receiving your dump truck registration & title

Your Maryland registration card, license plates, and stickers will be issued immediately. Your Maryland title will be mailed to you approximately two weeks after you apply.

Fees for dump truck registration & title

Titling fees typically include:

• Title fee
• Excise tax
• Security interest (lien) filing fee (if applicable)

Registration fees vary by vehicle type and intended use. See Fees for Registration Plates for details.