How long do I have to register a vehicle in Maryland?

Q: How long do I have to register a vehicle in Maryland?

Maryland registration is administered by the Maryland MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) . 1. Deadlines - New residents : 60 days from establishing residency (Md. Code Transp. § 13-402). - Purchased vehicle : Must title before operating on MD roads; 90 days max to avoid title fee penalty. - 30-day temporary registration available. 2. Required Documents - Vehicle title (out-of-state title with notarized assignment). - Maryland Safety Inspection (MSI) certificate — required for all out-of-state vehicles within 90 days of inspection date (Md. Code Transp. § 23-104). - Application for Certificate of Title (VR-005) . - Proof of Maryland insurance : 30/60/15 minimum (Md. Code Transp. § 17-103). - Bill of sale notarized for vehicles less than 7 years old where price is less than book value. - Lien information statement if financed. 3. Fees - Title fee : $100. - Registration : $135 to $187 for 2 years (passenger). - Excise tax : 6% of fair market value or sale price (whichever higher) — minimum $38.40. - EV excise tax credit : Up to $3,000 for new EV/PHEV purchase (Md. Code Transp. § 13-815, funded annually). - Lien recording : $20. - Plate transfer : $10. 4. Penalties - Late titling (>60 days new resident): $20 penalty + $20/30 days . - Driving uninsured: $1,000 first offense + $1,000/year continued , registration suspension (Md. Code Transp. § 17-106). - Expired registration: $70 fine + 5 points. 5. Inspections - MSI safety inspection required for all out-of-state and used vehicles being titled in MD (one-time, ~$65 to $100 at authorized stations). - VEIP emissions required biennially for most counties (1996+ gasoline; not Garrett, Allegany, Frederick). 6. Online Renewal Renew at mva.maryland.gov. Initial titling requires in-person MVA branch visit. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

Maryland registration is administered by the Maryland MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration).

1. Deadlines

New residents: 60 days from establishing residency (Md. Code Transp. § 13-402).

Purchased vehicle: Must title before operating on MD roads; 90 days max to avoid title fee penalty.

30-day temporary registration available.

2. Required Documents

Vehicle title (out-of-state title with notarized assignment).

Maryland Safety Inspection (MSI) certificate — required for all out-of-state vehicles within 90 days of inspection date (Md. Code Transp. § 23-104).

Application for Certificate of Title (VR-005).

Proof of Maryland insurance: 30/60/15 minimum (Md. Code Transp. § 17-103).

Bill of sale notarized for vehicles less than 7 years old where price is less than book value.

Lien information statement if financed.

3. Fees

Title fee: $100.

Registration: $135 to $187 for 2 years (passenger).

Excise tax: 6% of fair market value or sale price (whichever higher) — minimum $38.40.

EV excise tax credit: Up to $3,000 for new EV/PHEV purchase (Md. Code Transp. § 13-815, funded annually).

Lien recording: $20.

Plate transfer: $10.

4. Penalties

Late titling (>60 days new resident): $20 penalty + $20/30 days.

Driving uninsured: $1,000 first offense + $1,000/year continued, registration suspension (Md. Code Transp. § 17-106).

Expired registration: $70 fine + 5 points.

5. Inspections

MSI safety inspection required for all out-of-state and used vehicles being titled in MD (one-time, ~$65 to $100 at authorized stations).

VEIP emissions required biennially for most counties (1996+ gasoline; not Garrett, Allegany, Frederick).

6. Online Renewal

Renew at mva.maryland.gov. Initial titling requires in-person MVA branch visit.

This is legal information, not legal advice.