How Much Does It Cost To Register a Car in Maryland in 2025
Maryland's vehicle registration system features a complex fee structure based on vehicle class, weight, and type, with all fees updated as of September 1, 2025. The state requires annual registration for most vehicles and imposes mandatory surcharges to fund emergency medical services and compensate for reduced fuel tax revenue from electric vehicles.
Base Registration Fees by Vehicle Type
Maryland classifies vehicles into specific categories with registration fees that vary significantly based on weight and intended use. All fees listed are annual unless otherwise specified.
Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees (Class A)
| Weight Category | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 3,500 lbs | $120.50 |
| 3,501 - 3,700 lbs | $125.50 |
| Over 3,700 lbs | $191.50 |
These fees include the mandatory $40.00 annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) surcharge that funds Maryland's trauma system, med-evac helicopters, ambulances, and rescue equipment.
Multi-Purpose Vehicle Registration Fees (Class M)
Multi-purpose vehicles (SUVs, crossovers) follow the same fee structure as passenger cars:
| Weight Category | Annual Registration Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 3,500 lbs | $120.50 |
| 3,501 - 3,700 lbs | $125.50 |
| Over 3,700 lbs | $191.50 |
Specialty Passenger Vehicle Fees
| Vehicle Type | Class | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | D | $105.00 |
| Historic Vehicles (1999 or older) | L | $55.50* |
| Historic Vehicles (60+ years, permanent) | L | $50.00 (one-time)* |
| Street Rod Vehicles | N | $55.00* |
| Low Speed Vehicles | R | $75.00 |
| Limousines | Q | $245.00 |
*These categories do not require the EMS surcharge
Commercial Vehicle Registration Fees
Maryland's commercial vehicle fees vary significantly based on classification and gross vehicle weight.
Light Commercial Vehicles (Class E)
| Weight Range | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| 3,500 lbs or less GVW | $133.75 |
| 3,501 - 5,000 lbs GVW | $138.75 |
| 5,001 - 7,000 lbs GVW | $178.75 |
| Construction vehicles (under 10,000 lbs) | $123.75 |
Heavy Commercial Vehicles (Class E)
For trucks over 10,000 lbs, fees are calculated per 1,000 lbs of gross vehicle weight, plus a $75.00 registration increase and the $40.00 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 |
Specialized Commercial Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | Class | Fee Structure |
|---|---|---|
| Dump Trucks (40,000-70,000 lbs) | EPD | $26.25 per 1,000 lbs + $40 EMS |
| Truck Tractors (40,000-60,000 lbs) | F | $51.00 per 1,000 lbs + $40 EMS |
| Truck Tractors (60,001-80,000 lbs) | F | $52.50 per 1,000 lbs + $40 EMS |
| Farm Trucks (10,000-40,000 lbs) | EFT | $5.00 per 1,000 lbs + $40 EMS |
| Farm Tractors (40,000-80,000 lbs) | FF | $5.25 per 1,000 lbs + $40 EMS |
Trailer Registration Fees
Trailer registration fees are based solely on weight and do not include the EMS surcharge:
| Weight Range | Class | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 3,000 lbs or less | G | $55.50 |
| 3,001 - 5,000 lbs | G | $81.00 |
| 5,001 - 10,000 lbs | G | $110.00 |
| 10,001 - 20,000 lbs | G | $154.00 |
| Freight/Semi-trailers | G | $68.25 |
Farm Trailer Fees
Farm trailers qualify for reduced rates:
| Weight Range | Class | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 3,000 lbs or less | GF | $12.75 |
| 3,001 - 5,000 lbs | GF | $25.50 |
| 5,001 - 10,000 lbs | GF | $40.00 |
| 10,001 - 20,000 lbs | GF | $62.00 |
Specialized Service Vehicle Fees
| Vehicle Type | Class | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tow Trucks/Rollbacks (under 26,000 lbs) | T | $245.00 |
| Tow Trucks/Rollbacks (over 26,000 lbs) | T | $610.00 |
| School Vehicles (including Head Start) | H | $111.00 |
| School Bus Charter | H | $210.00 |
| Van Pool | J | $136.50 |
| Passenger Bus (20 or less capacity) | P | $335.00 |
| Passenger Bus (21-35 capacity) | P | $585.00 |
| Passenger Bus (36+ capacity) | P | $935.00 |
| Farm Area Vehicles | K | $2.50* |
*Does not require EMS surcharge
Mandatory Surcharges and Fees
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Surcharge
Maryland imposes a mandatory $40.00 annual EMS surcharge on most vehicle registrations to fund the state's emergency medical system. This surcharge does not apply to:
- Historic vehicles
- Street rod vehicles
- Trailers and farm trailers
- Farm area vehicles
Electric Vehicle Surcharges
Beginning with registrations expiring in January 2025, Maryland charges additional annual surcharges for alternative fuel vehicles:
| Vehicle Type | Annual Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV/Battery Electric) | $125.00 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) | $100.00 |
These surcharges compensate for lost gasoline tax revenue that traditionally funds highway maintenance and transportation infrastructure.
Title and Processing Fees
Title Certificate Fees
| Transaction Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New/Used Vehicle Title | $200.00 |
| Corrected Title | $80.00 |
| Duplicate Title | $40.00 |
| Moped/Motor Scooter Title | $40.00 |
| Rental Vehicle Title | $100.00 |
| Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle Title | $70.00 |
| Trailer (under 3,000 lbs, family transfer) | $100.00 |
Titling Tax
Maryland imposes a titling tax on all vehicle purchases:
- Standard Vehicles: 6.5% of fair market value (minimum $41.60)
- Rental Vehicles: 3.5% of fair market value
Registration Processing Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| 30-Day Temporary Registration | $50.00 |
| Duplicate Registration Card/Sticker | $5.00 |
| Registration/Tag Transfer | $15.00 |
| Replacement Tag | $40.00 |
| Restoration Fee | $30.00 |
| Security Interest Filing | $40.00 |
| Salvage Certificate | $40.00 |
Specialty License Plates and Services
Vanity and Personalized Plates
| Plate Type | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Vanity Plates | $50.00 |
| 1910 Vintage Reproduction Plates | $100.00 (initial), $25.00 (renewal) |
Commemorative and Organizational Plates
| Plate Type | Additional Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Chesapeake Bay Plates | $12.50 |
| Agricultural Foundation Plates | $12.50 |
| Organizational Tags (no logo) | $20.00 |
| Organizational Tags (with logo) | $30.00 |
| Amateur Radio Operators | $5.00 |
Specialty Plate Setup Fees
When upgrading to Chesapeake Bay or Agricultural plates:
- Upgrade fee: $25.00
- Substitution fee: $20.00
- Personalization (if desired): Additional $50.00 per year
Local and Regional Requirements
Maryland operates a statewide registration system with no separate county or municipal fees. However, the state requires specific inspections and testing:
Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| VEIP Emissions Test | $30.00 |
| VEIP Self-Service Kiosk | $26.00 |
| VEIP Late Fee (per month) | $30.00 |
Other Required Services
| Service | Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Safety Inspection | $85.00 - $110.00* |
| Disability Placards | No Fee |
| HOV Lane Permit | $5.00 |
*Safety inspection fees vary by inspection station based on prevailing labor rates
Payment Options and Installment Plans
MVA Payment Schedule Program
Effective January 2025, Maryland offers an installment payment option for vehicle registration:
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must select one-year registration term
- Must maintain current insurance and valid driver's license
Payment Structure:
- Initial payment: 50% of registration fee plus 100% of EMS surcharge and specialty plate fees
- Deferred payment: Remaining 50% of registration fee in 6 months
- No setup fee for the payment plan
Important Notes:
- Late or missed payments result in registration cancellation
- Collection fee of 17% applies to delinquent accounts
- Payment schedule not available for multi-year registrations
Accepted Payment Methods
The Maryland MVA accepts:
- Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card, American Express
- Mobile wallet payments
- Cash (at full-service locations)
- Personal checks (with printed name, address, driver's license number, and phone number)
Multi-Year Registration Options
Maryland offers registration terms of one, two, or three years:
- Two-year registration: Double the annual fee
- Three-year registration: Triple the annual fee
- Payment schedule: Available only for one-year terms
Maryland's registration system operates independently of county governments, with all fees collected by the state MVA. The revenue supports both state transportation infrastructure and the Emergency Medical Services system through dedicated funding mechanisms.
For current fee information and online services, visit the Maryland MVA website or contact the MVA Customer Service Center at 1-410-768-7000.
