Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car in Maryland in 2025
Maryland law mandates motor vehicle liability insurance for all vehicles operated on public roadways. Under Transportation Article, Title 17, Section 17-104, every owner or prospective owner must furnish evidence satisfactory to the Motor Vehicle Administration that required security is in effect before registration can be issued or transferred. The requirement applies to vehicle registration, operation, and ensures adequate protection for all drivers on Maryland roadways.
Legal Requirement for Insurance Coverage
Maryland law establishes that the owner of a motor vehicle required to be registered in this State shall maintain the required security for the vehicle during the registration period. According to statute, all Maryland vehicles must be insured at all times by a vehicle insurance company licensed in Maryland. Failure to maintain required insurance coverage results in registration suspension, uninsured motorist penalty fees, and potential vehicle impoundment.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, operating under the Maryland Department of Transportation, administers vehicle registration throughout the state. The Motor Vehicle Administration validates vehicle insurance at registration renewal through an online verification program. Insurance companies authorized to write motor vehicle liability insurance in Maryland participate in the Administration's online verification program for vehicle insurance policies for law enforcement and administrative purposes.
Vehicle owners who allow insurance coverage to lapse face significant penalties. Maryland assesses a $200 fine for the first 30 days without insurance and $7 for each additional day, up to an annual maximum of $3,500 per vehicle. Vehicle registration will be suspended when insurance lapses. Operating a vehicle with a suspended registration may result in vehicle impoundment and additional tickets and fines. Failure to respond to MVA insurance notifications will result in cases being transferred to the Central Collections Unit. Once cases are sent to the Central Collections Unit, fines are subject to a 17% collection fee, and income tax returns will be intercepted.
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements
Maryland law establishes minimum coverage amounts for motor vehicle liability insurance. The Maryland Insurance Administration regulates insurance companies and provides guidance on coverage requirements. Maryland requires drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets or exceeds statutory minimum amounts.
| Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury for two or more persons | $60,000 |
| Property damage | $15,000 |
| Uninsured motorist coverage per person | $30,000 |
| Uninsured motorist coverage per accident | $60,000 |
| Underinsured motorist coverage per person | $30,000 |
| Underinsured motorist coverage per accident | $60,000 |
Maryland requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury for two or more persons, and $15,000 for property damage. Coverage above the minimum is available from insurance companies or agents. These minimum amounts represent baseline coverage required by law, though motorists may purchase higher limits for additional protection.
Maryland law requires uninsured motorist coverage at minimum amounts of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury. For all policies written or renewed after January 1, 2011, Maryland law requires minimum uninsured motorist coverage of $30,000 per person per accident and $60,000 for two or more persons per accident. Enhanced underinsured motorist coverage is also required, providing protection when the at-fault driver carries insurance but the limits are insufficient to cover damages.
Personal Injury Protection coverage is a mandatory offer in Maryland. Insurance companies must offer PIP coverage to policyholders, though motorists may decline this coverage in writing. PIP coverage provides benefits regardless of fault for medical expenses and other losses resulting from motor vehicle accidents.
Maryland operates under a tort-based insurance system. This means that the at-fault driver's insurance company pays for damages resulting from an accident. Collision coverage and comprehensive coverage are not mandated by Maryland law. Lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage for financed or leased vehicles as a condition of the loan or lease agreement.
Maryland Insurance Administration
200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 468-2000
Official Website: Maryland Insurance Administration
Proof of Insurance Documents
In Maryland, operators of motor vehicles must carry proof of insurance at all times while operating a motor vehicle. As of October 1, 2016, Maryland law requires the operator of a motor vehicle required to be registered in Maryland to carry proof of insurance. The following formats are accepted:
- Insurance Identification Card (Paper): The traditional printed insurance card provided by insurance companies shows policy information, insured name, vehicle information, and coverage dates.
- Electronic Proof of Insurance: Maryland accepts electronic proof of insurance displayed on cellular phones or any other type of portable electronic device. Acceptable electronic formats include the display of electronic images on a cellular phone or any other type of portable electronic device.
- Insurance Policy Document: The complete insurance policy showing coverage information and policy details.
- Insurance Binder: Temporary proof of insurance document valid while the full policy is being processed.
Operators must present proof of insurance when requested by law enforcement officers during traffic stops. Evidence of the required security may be produced in electronic format, including display of electronic images on a cellular phone or any other type of portable electronic device. After July 1, 2017, failure to have proof of insurance may result in a $50 fine.
Exceptions to Insurance Requirements
Limited exceptions to the financial responsibility requirement exist under Maryland law:
- Active Duty Military Personnel: Active service members with official orders for deployment outside the United States may be eligible for military waivers from certain vehicle requirements. To be eligible for a military waiver, at least one owner listed on the registration must be an active service member with official orders for deployment outside the United States.
- 100% Disabled Veterans: Veterans with 100% disability ratings receive free registration for all license plate types. Proof of disability status from the Department of Veterans Affairs is required to qualify for this exemption.
- Rental Vehicles and Replacement Vehicles: Owners of rental vehicles or replacement vehicles may satisfy insurance requirements by maintaining required security that is secondary to any other valid and collectible coverage, provided specific conditions and disclosure requirements are met.
- Government Vehicles: Certain government-owned vehicles may have modified insurance requirements depending on their official use and ownership status.
Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration processes vehicle registration applications and renewals at branch offices throughout the state and through licensed tag and title services. Maryland law requires new residents to register vehicles within 60 days of moving to Maryland. If registration is delayed beyond 60 days, new residents will not be eligible for tax credit for any titling tax paid in another state and may be subject to citation for out-of-state registration.
Insurance coverage must be verified when vehicle registration is issued or renewed. New registrants must provide proof of Maryland insurance coverage that meets state minimum requirements. The policy must conform to Maryland's minimum liability insurance requirements. Insurance information must be included on the Application for Certificate of Title form when applying for a vehicle title and registration.
New Maryland residents registering vehicles from other states must establish Maryland insurance coverage before completing registration. If continuing vehicle insurance coverage from a previous state of residence, owners must contact their vehicle insurance company or agent to convert the policy to a Maryland policy. Insurance companies must be licensed in Maryland to provide coverage for vehicles registered in Maryland. Out-of-state insurance policies do not satisfy Maryland registration requirements for vehicles being registered in Maryland.
Online registration renewals are available through myMVA online services. Marylanders can renew vehicle registration online through the myMVA portal. Registration renewals can also be processed by telephone at (410) 768-7000 using touch-tone telephone keypads as instructed. Approximately 60 days before a vehicle's registration period expires, owners should receive a vehicle registration renewal notice by mail. Marylanders have the option to renew vehicle registration for one, two, or three years at a time. Those with insurance violations or outstanding issues must resolve those matters before online renewal will be available.
