Car Registration Requirements for New Maryland Residents

Individuals relocating to Maryland with a vehicle from another state must complete the registration transfer process within a specified timeframe. Maryland law establishes registration obligations that begin when residency is established through employment, vehicle registration, or other qualifying activities.

Timeline for New Maryland Residents

New residents must title and register their vehicle within 60 days of residency as established under Maryland law. Failure to complete the registration process within this timeframe results in the loss of eligibility for tax credits on titling taxes paid in another state. Additionally, operating a vehicle with an out-of-state registration beyond the 60-day period may result in a citation.

Establishing Maryland Residency

Maryland law considers an individual a resident for vehicle registration purposes when they engage in activities that demonstrate an intent to remain in the state. Residency is established through employment within Maryland, enrollment in Maryland schools, or other actions indicating permanent or long-term presence. The determination of residency affects the calculation of excise taxes and eligibility for tax credits when transferring vehicle registration from another state.

Required Documentation for Car Registration in Maryland

New residents must submit required documentation, including proof of identity, insurance, and vehicle title when registering vehicles transferred from another state.

Essential Documents

The following documents must be submitted to complete vehicle registration:

• Out-of-state certificate of title identifying the applicant as the vehicle owner
• Completed Application for Certificate of Title (Form VR-005)
• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate issued within 90 days
• Proof of Maryland insurance meeting minimum liability requirements
• Vehicle registration document and bill of sale (for states that do not issue titles as sole proof of ownership)

Insurance Requirements

Maryland requires vehicle owners to maintain liability insurance coverage that meets the following minimum standards:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury for two or more persons
• $15,000 for property damage

Additional Documentation

Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may need to provide supplemental documents:

• Bill of sale for vehicles when value cannot be determined by the MVA
• Lease agreement and proof of monthly payments for leased vehicles
• Security Interest Filing (Form VR-217) for second lien placement
• Lien release documentation if existing liens appear on the out-of-state title
• Power of Attorney (Form VR-470) when representatives sign titling forms
• Proof of military status for active-duty service members seeking excise tax exemptions

Application Submission Methods

Vehicle owners can submit registration applications through multiple channels. Applications may be submitted in person at any MVA full-service branch office, where registration cards, license plates, and expiration stickers are provided immediately upon approval. Alternatively, documents may be mailed to:

MVA Out-of-State Title Unit
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062

New residents may also utilize licensed tag and title services throughout Maryland for assistance with the application process.

Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Maryland requires both safety inspections and emissions testing for vehicles being registered by new residents.

Safety Inspections

All used vehicles must undergo a Maryland safety inspection before title and registration. The Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and must accompany the title application.

Vehicles that fail initial inspection must be repaired and re-inspected by the same registered mechanic at the same station. Re-inspection within 30 days and 1,000 miles requires examination only of previously identified defects, unless new defects are visually observed. Re-inspections conducted outside these parameters require a complete new inspection.

Emissions Testing

The Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program administers emissions testing for vehicles registered in designated Maryland counties. Testing applies to vehicles registered in Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, and Washington counties.

Vehicles model year 1996 and newer with a gross vehicle weight of 8,500 pounds or less undergo on-board diagnostic (OBD) testing.

New vehicles registered for the first time receive an exemption for the first 72 months following registration.

Emissions testing is conducted at 18 VEIP stations located throughout the counties requiring testing. The VEIP test fee is $30.00. Late testing incurs a $30.00 penalty fee, with additional $30.00 charges assessed for each subsequent 28-day period of non-compliance. The first re-test following repairs is provided at no charge, while subsequent re-tests incur a $30.00 fee.

Registration Fees and Costs in Maryland

The cost of registering a vehicle in Maryland includes multiple components: title fees, excise taxes, registration fees, and additional charges based on vehicle characteristics.

Title and Excise Tax

The certificate of title fee is $200 for most vehicles. Maryland imposes a 6.5% excise tax on vehicle titling, calculated based on either the purchase price or the clean retail value established by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).

New residents who complete registration within 60 days of establishing residency may qualify for tax credits. For vehicles six model years old or newer from states with tax rates of 6.5% or higher, the excise tax is $100. For states with rates below 6.5%, the tax equals the difference between Maryland's rate and the previous state's rate. Vehicles seven model years or older incur a flat excise tax of $41.60 for vehicles or $20.80 for trailers, provided the previous state's tax rate was 1% or higher.

New residents who register after the 60-day period forfeit eligibility for tax credits and pay the full 6.5% excise tax on vehicles six model years or newer, or the flat rate for older vehicles.

Registration Fees

Registration fees vary by vehicle class and weight. Passenger cars with shipping weights up to 3,500 pounds incur a $120.50 annual registration fee. Vehicles weighing between 3,501 and 3,700 pounds pay $125.50 annually, while those exceeding 3,700 pounds pay $191.50 per year. These fees include a mandatory $40.00 annual surcharge supporting Maryland's Emergency Medical Services system.

Multi-purpose vehicles follow the same fee structure as passenger cars based on shipping weight. Motorcycles incur a $105.00 annual registration fee. Registration may be obtained for one, two, or three-year periods, with total costs calculated accordingly.

Additional Costs

Security interest filing fees apply when liens are recorded against vehicle titles. License plates are issued as part of the initial registration process. Specialty and personalized plates incur additional fees beyond standard registration costs. Some counties may assess supplemental fees for specific programs or services.

Contact Information

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone: (410) 768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired: (301) 729-4563
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program

Maryland State Police
Automotive Safety Enforcement Division
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Automotive Safety Enforcement Division