How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Maryland From Out of State
Registering a vehicle from another state in Maryland necessitates adherence to procedures established by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Individuals establishing Maryland residency must complete vehicle registration within 60 days of relocating to the state. Registration transactions encompass multiple financial obligations, including certificate of title fees, vehicle registration charges, excise taxes, and emissions inspection costs, all processed through the Motor Vehicle Administration and authorized service providers.
Base Registration and Title Fees
The financial requirements for registering an out-of-state vehicle in Maryland include several distinct components, such as weight-based registration fees, certificate of title processing charges, and emergency medical services surcharges. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration fee listing establishes standardized pricing for all motor vehicle transactions administered statewide.
Standard State Fees
Maryland determines registration fees through vehicle weight classifications measured by shipping weight for passenger vehicles and gross vehicle weight for commercial applications. Registration periods may be purchased in one-year, two-year, or three-year intervals, with fees adjusted proportionally. Comprehensive fee details are published through the MVA registration fee listing.
Key Information
- Fees listed are for one (1) year registration
- Vehicles may be renewed for two or three years (multiply the annual fee accordingly)
- Most fees include a $40.00 annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) surcharge
- Fees marked with * do NOT require the surcharge
Passenger Vehicles
Class A - Passenger Cars & Class M - Multi-Purpose Vehicles
| Weight Classification | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 3,500 lbs shipping weight | $120.50 |
| 3,501 to 3,700 lbs shipping weight | $125.50 |
| Over 3,700 lbs shipping weight | $191.50 |
Specialty Passenger Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Class B - Passenger Vehicle Operated for Hire | $220.00 |
| Class C - Funeral Vehicles and Ambulances | $170.00 |
| Class Q - Limousine | $255.00 |
Motorcycles & Historic Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Class D - Motorcycles | $105.00 |
| Class L - Historic Vehicles (model year 1999 or older)* | $55.50 |
| Historic Vehicles over 60 years old* | $50.00 (one-time) |
| Class N - Street Rod Vehicles* | $55.00 |
| Class R - Low Speed Vehicles | $75.00 |
Trucks
Light & Medium Trucks (Class E)
| Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 3,500 lbs or less | $133.75 |
| 3,501 to 5,000 lbs | $138.75 |
| 5,001 to 7,000 lbs | $178.75 |
| Construction Vehicle (below 10,000 lbs) | $123.75 |
Heavy Trucks (Class E - per 1,000 lbs + $75 increase + $40 EMS surcharge)
| Weight Range | Rate per 1,000 lbs |
|---|---|
| 10,000 - 18,000 lbs | $9.00 |
| 18,001 - 26,000 lbs | $11.75 |
| 26,001 - 40,000 lbs | $12.75 |
| 40,001 - 60,000 lbs | $14.75 |
| 60,001 - 80,000 lbs | $16.00 |
Farm Trucks (Class EFT - per 1,000 lbs + $40 EMS surcharge)
| Weight Range | Rate per 1,000 lbs |
|---|---|
| 10,000 - 40,000 lbs | $5.00 |
| 40,001 - 65,000 lbs | $5.25 |
Truck Tractors
| Class | Weight Range | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class F - Truck Tractor | 40,000 - 60,000 lbs | $21.00 per 1,000 lbs + $30 + $40 EMS |
| Class F - Truck Tractor | 60,001 - 80,000 lbs | $22.50 per 1,000 lbs + $30 + $40 EMS |
| Class FF - Farm Tractor | 40,000 - 80,000 lbs | $5.25 per 1,000 lbs + $40 EMS |
| Class EPD - Dump Trucks | 40,000 - 70,000 lbs | $26.25 per 1,000 lbs + $40 EMS |
Trailers (Class G)
Standard Trailers*
| Weight Range | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 3,000 lbs or less | $55.50 |
| 3,001 - 5,000 lbs | $81.00 |
| 5,001 - 10,000 lbs | $110.00 |
| 10,001 - 20,000 lbs | $154.00 |
| Freight trailer or semi-trailer | $68.25 |
Farm Trailers (Class GF)*
| Weight Range | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 3,000 lbs or less | $12.75 |
| 3,001 - 5,000 lbs | $25.50 |
| 5,001 - 10,000 lbs | $40.00 |
| 10,001 - 20,000 lbs | $62.00 |
Tow Trucks
Class T - Tow Trucks/Rollbacks
| Weight Range | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Under 26,000 lbs | $255.00 (includes $40 EMS) |
| Over 26,000 lbs | $620.00 (includes $40 EMS) |
Class TE - Tow Trucks/Rollbacks (hauling or towing)
| Weight Range | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 18,000 lbs | $245.00 (includes $40 EMS) |
| 18,001 - 26,000 lbs | $11.75 per 1,000 lbs + $45 + $40 EMS |
| 26,001 - 40,000 lbs | $610.00 (includes $40 EMS) |
| 40,001 - 60,000 lbs | $14.75 per 1,000 lbs + $45 + $40 EMS |
| 60,001 - 80,000 lbs | $16.00 per 1,000 lbs + $45 + $40 EMS |
Buses
School Buses (Class H)
| Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| School Vehicle (including Head Start) | $111.00 |
| School Bus Charter | $210.00 |
Passenger Buses (Class P)
| Seating Capacity | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 20 or less | $345.00 |
| 21 - 35 | $595.00 |
| 36 or more | $945.00 |
Other (Class J)
| Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Van Pool | $146.50 |
Special Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Class K - Farm Area Vehicle* | $2.50 |
| 30-Day Temporary Registration | $50.00 |
Additional Fees
Special Plates
- Chesapeake Bay Plate: Additional $12.50/year ($25 for 2-year, $37.50 for 3-year)
- Agricultural Plate: Additional $12.50/year ($25 for 2-year, $37.50 for 3-year)
- Vanity Plate: Additional $50.00/year
- Plate Upgrade Fee: $25.00 + $40 substitution fee
Electric Vehicles
Starting January 2025, an annual surcharge applies to:
- Zero-emission vehicles (ZEV/battery electric): $125.00
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV): $100.00
Title Fees
Maryland requires a certificate of title for all motor vehicles, regardless of age. Title documentation establishes legal ownership and must accompany initial registration applications for vehicles transferred from other states. The certificate of title fee structure applies uniformly across all title transaction categories.
Certificate of Title Fee Schedule:
| Transaction Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Original certificate of title | $200.00 |
| Title correction | $80.00 |
| Title certificate for moped/motor scooter | $40.00 |
| Title certificate for rental vehicles | $100.00 |
| Title certificate for off-highway recreational vehicles | $70.00 |
Excise Tax
Maryland assesses an excise tax on motor vehicles at the time of titling as mandated by Transportation Article Section 13-809 of the Maryland Code. The excise tax calculation methodology varies based on vehicle age and previous tax payments made in other jurisdictions.
For vehicles designated six model years or newer, the excise tax equals 6.5% of the vehicle's retail value as determined by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) clean retail valuation, or $100 minimum. For vehicles seven model years or older, a flat excise tax of $41.60 applies to standard vehicles and $20.80 applies to trailers.
New residents who complete registration within the 60-day window and pay excise tax in their previous state may receive credit against Maryland's excise tax obligation. The credit amount depends on the tax rate imposed by the previous state. If the previous state's rate equaled or exceeded 6.5%, the Maryland excise tax is $100. If the previous state's rate was below 6.5%, the owner pays the difference between the previous rate and Maryland's 6.5% rate.
Individuals who delay registration beyond 60 days forfeit eligibility for tax credits and must pay the full excise tax amount, regardless of previous state tax payments.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements and Fees
Maryland mandates safety inspections for used vehicles being titled and registered in the state. The Maryland State Police Vehicle Safety Inspection program authorizes licensed inspection stations, including automobile dealerships, service stations, and specialized automotive service centers, to conduct the required examinations. Safety inspection certificates remain valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and must accompany title applications for out-of-state vehicles.
Maryland also operates the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP), requiring emissions testing for vehicles registered in designated counties.
Vehicle Inspection Fee Structure:
| Inspection Type | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| Safety inspection (varies by station) | Station-determined |
| Vehicle emissions inspection (VEIP) | $30.00 |
| Emissions inspection late fee | $30.00 |
| VEIP self-serve kiosk | $26.00 |
Safety inspection fees are not regulated by state statute and vary among licensed inspection stations. Vehicle owners should contact inspection facilities directly to determine current inspection charges prior to scheduling service.
Salvage and Rebuilt Vehicle Inspection
Vehicles bearing salvage title designations or reconstructed from salvage classification require specialized inspection conducted by Maryland State Police certified salvage inspectors. The salvage inspection verifies that vehicle components have not been stolen and that vehicle identification numbers have not been illegally altered or removed. Upon successful completion of the salvage inspection, the Motor Vehicle Administration issues a rebuilt salvage title enabling standard registration.
Salvage Vehicle Inspection Fee Structure:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Salvage vehicle inspection | $75.00 |
| Rebuilt salvage title issuance (corrected title) | $80.00 |
Government Agencies and Contact Information
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration functions as a division within the Maryland Department of Transportation and maintains regulatory authority over all vehicle titling, registration, and driver licensing operations throughout Maryland. The Administration processes certificate of title applications, maintains vehicle ownership records, administers mandatory liability insurance compliance, and coordinates with county and municipal governments for vehicle-related services.
Maryland Vehicle Licensing Offices
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration delivers vehicle registration services through full-service branch offices and express service locations distributed across all Maryland counties. The MVA branch office directory provides comprehensive location and service availability information. The following offices serve Maryland's largest population centers:
Baltimore City Full Service MVA
5425 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Baltimore City MVA Office
Glen Burnie Full Service MVA
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Glen Burnie MVA Office
Annapolis Full Service MVA
160 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Annapolis MVA Office
Frederick Full Service MVA
1601 Bowmans Farm Road, Frederick, MD 21701
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Frederick MVA Office
Columbia Express MVA
6490 Dobbin Road South, Columbia, MD 21045
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Columbia MVA Office
Salisbury Full Service MVA
251 Tilghman Road, Salisbury, MD 21804
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Silver Spring MVA Office
Hagerstown Full Service MVA
18306 Colonel Henry K. Douglas Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Hagerstown MVA Office
Waldorf Full Service MVA
11 Industrial Park Drive, Waldorf, MD 20601
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Waldorf MVA Office
Westminster Full Service MVA
1106 Baltimore Boulevard, Westminster, MD 21157
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Westminster MVA Office
White Oak Full Service MVA
2131 Industrial Parkway, Silver Spring, MD 20904
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Bowie MVA Office
