How to Renew Motor Vehicle Registration in Maryland?
Vehicle registration renewal is required for all Maryland residents to maintain legal driving privileges and comply with state motor vehicle laws. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) administers the state's vehicle registration system and processes registration transactions through MVA branch offices, authorized kiosks, online services, and mail-in processing centers.
Maryland Vehicle Registration Renewal Requirements
Essential Documentation and Requirements
Maryland vehicle owners must satisfy the following requirements when renewing their registration:
- Valid Vehicle Insurance: Proof of current liability insurance meeting Maryland minimum coverage requirements as mandated by Maryland Transportation Article Section 17-103
- Vehicle Identification: Current registration card, Maryland license plate number, or vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Personal Identification: Maryland driver's license number or state-issued identification card for the registered owner
- Vehicle Safety Inspection: Valid Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate (VEIP certification for applicable vehicles in designated counties)
- Excise Tax Compliance: Payment of applicable excise tax for new vehicle registrations or satisfaction of previous excise tax obligations
Renewal Timeline and Grace Period
- Staggered Two-Year Renewal System: Maryland registers passenger vehicles and motorcycles for one, two or three year periods with staggered expiration dates assigned at initial registration
- Renewal Period: Vehicle owners may renew registration beginning 60 days before the expiration date shown on the registration card
- Registration Responsibility: Vehicle owners are responsible for renewing registration by the expiration date regardless of whether renewal notices are received by mail
- Grace Period: Maryland does not provide a grace period for expired registrations; operation of a vehicle with expired registration constitutes a violation subject to citation and fines
- New Vehicle Registration: Vehicle owners must title and register a newly purchased or acquired vehicle within 30 days of purchase or establishment of Maryland residency
- New Residents: Individuals establishing Maryland residency must obtain Maryland title and registration within 60 days of relocating to the state
How Much Is Car Registration Renewal in Maryland in 2025
Maryland vehicle registration fees are determined by vehicle classification, weight, and usage type. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) uses a class-based fee structure that includes a mandatory Emergency Medical Services (EMS) surcharge for most vehicle types. The fees listed below are effective as of September 1, 2025.
2025 Maryland Vehicle Registration Fee Schedule
Prices below apply to all vehicle registration renewals regardless of when renewal takes place. In the classes identified below, the cost reflected is for one (1) year at the time of titling or at the time registration is renewed, but vehicles may also be renewed for two or three years. The following fees include the yearly $40.00 surcharge for the EMS system, except where noted otherwise.
Standard Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees (Class A)
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Passenger Cars (shipping weight up to 3,500 lbs.) | $120.50 |
| Class A | Passenger Cars (shipping weight greater than 3,500 lbs. but less than or equal to 3,700 lbs.) | $125.50 |
| Class A | Passenger Cars (shipping weight over 3,700 lbs.) | $191.50 |
Multi-Purpose Vehicle Registration Fees (Class M)
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class M | Multi-Purpose Vehicle (shipping weight up to 3,500 lbs.) | $120.50 |
| Class M | Multi-Purpose Vehicle (shipping weight greater than 3,500 lbs. but less than or equal to 3,700 lbs.) | $125.50 |
| Class M | Multi-Purpose Vehicle (shipping weight over 3,700 lbs.) | $191.50 |
Other Passenger Vehicle Categories
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class B | Passenger Vehicle Operated for Hire | $220.00 |
| Class C | Funeral Vehicles and Ambulances | $170.00 |
| Class D | Motorcycles | $105.00 |
| Class L | Historic Vehicles (model year 1999 or older) | $55.50* |
| Class L | Historic Vehicles over 60 years old | $50.00 (one time)* |
| Class N | Street Rod Vehicles | $55.00* |
| Class Q | Limousine | $255.00 |
| Class R | Low Speed Vehicles | $75.00 |
*Registration fee does not require the EMS surcharge.
Truck Registration Fees (Class E)
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class E | Trucks (3,500 lbs. or less GVW) | $133.75 |
| Class E | Trucks (3,501 - 5,000 lbs. GVW) | $138.75 |
| Class E | Trucks (5,001 - 7,000 lbs. GVW) | $178.75 |
| Class E | Construction Vehicle (below 10,000 lbs. GVW) | $123.75 |
Heavy Truck Registration Fees (Class E - Weight-Based)
For Class E trucks with gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combined weight (GCW) exceeding 10,000 pounds, fees are calculated per 1,000 pounds. A registration increase of $75.00 and an additional $40.00 surcharge per year for the EMS system will be added.
| Vehicle Class | Weight Range | Fee Per 1,000 lbs. |
|---|---|---|
| Class E | 10,000 - 18,000 lbs. | $9.00 |
| Class E | 18,001 - 26,000 lbs. | $11.75 |
| Class E | 26,001 - 40,000 lbs. | $12.75 |
| Class E | 40,001 - 60,000 lbs. | $14.75 |
| Class E | 60,001 - 80,000 lbs. | $16.00 |
Dump Truck and Truck Tractor Registration Fees
Class EPD Dump Trucks and Class F Truck Tractors: Fees are shown per 1,000 pounds of GVW or GCW. An additional $40.00 surcharge per year for the EMS system will be added.
| Vehicle Class | Weight Range | Fee Per 1,000 lbs. |
|---|---|---|
| Class EPD | 40,000 - 70,000 lbs. | $26.25 |
| Class F | Minimum 40,000 - 60,000 lbs. | $51.00 |
| Class F | Minimum 60,001 - 80,000 lbs. | $52.50 |
Farm Vehicle Registration Fees
Class EFT Farm Trucks and Class FF Farm Tractors: Fees are shown per 1,000 pounds of GVW or GCW. An additional $40.00 surcharge per year for the EMS system will be added.
| Vehicle Class | Weight Range | Fee Per 1,000 lbs. |
|---|---|---|
| Class EFT | Minimum 10,000 - 40,000 lbs. | $5.00 |
| Class EFT | 40,001 - 65,000 lbs. | $5.25 |
| Class FF | Minimum 40,000 - 80,000 lbs. | $5.25 |
| Class K | Farm Area Vehicle | $2.50* |
*There is no applicable EMS surcharge for Class K Farm Area Vehicles.
Trailer Registration Fees (Class G and GF)
Standard Trailers (Class G):
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class G | Trailer (3,000 lbs. or less) | $55.50* |
| Class G | Trailer (3,001 - 5,000 lbs.) | $81.00* |
| Class G | Trailer (5,001 - 10,000 lbs.) | $110.00* |
| Class G | Trailer (10,001 - 20,000 lbs.) | $154.00* |
| Class G | Freight trailer or semi-trailer | $68.25* |
Farm Trailers and Farm Semi-Trailers (Class GF):
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class GF | Trailer (3,000 lbs. or less) | $12.75* |
| Class GF | Trailer (3,001 - 5,000 lbs.) | $25.50* |
| Class GF | Trailer (5,001 - 10,000 lbs.) | $40.00* |
| Class GF | Trailer (10,001 - 20,000 lbs.) | $62.00* |
*Registration fees for trailers do not require the EMS surcharge.
Tow Truck and Rollback Registration Fees
Class T Tow Trucks/Rollbacks: The following fees include the yearly $40.00 surcharge for the EMS system.
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class T | Tow Trucks/Rollbacks under 26,000 lbs. | $255.00 |
| Class T | Tow Trucks/Rollbacks over 26,000 lbs. | $620.00 |
Class TE Tow Trucks/Rollbacks: Can be used for hauling or towing. Please note the registration increase and surcharges added by weight class below.
| Vehicle Class | Weight Range | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class TE | Tow Trucks/Rollbacks up to 18,000 lbs. | $245.00 (includes $40.00 surcharge) |
| Class TE | Tow Trucks/Rollbacks 18,001 - 26,000 lbs. | $11.75 per 1,000 lbs. (add $45.00 increase and $40.00 surcharge) |
| Class TE | Tow Trucks/Rollbacks 26,001 - 40,000 lbs. | $610.00 (includes $40.00 surcharge) |
| Class TE | Tow Trucks/Rollbacks 40,001 - 60,000 lbs. | $14.75 per 1,000 lbs. (add $45.00 increase and $40.00 surcharge) |
| Class TE | Tow Trucks/Rollbacks 60,001 - 80,000 lbs. | $16.00 per 1,000 lbs. (add $45.00 increase and $40.00 surcharge) |
School Bus and Passenger Vehicle Registration Fees
Class H School Bus: The following fees include the yearly $40.00 surcharge for the EMS system.
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class H | School Vehicle (including Head Start) | $111.00 |
| Class H | School Bus Charter | $210.00 |
Class J Van Pool and Class P Passenger Bus: The following fees include the yearly $40.00 surcharge for the EMS system.
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class J | Van Pool | $146.50 |
| Class P | Passenger Bus, Charter, or For Hire (seating capacity 20 or less) | $345.00 |
| Class P | Passenger Bus, Charter, or For Hire (seating capacity 21 - 35) | $595.00 |
| Class P | Passenger Bus, Charter, or For Hire (seating capacity 36 or more) | $945.00 |
Rental Vehicle Registration Fees
Maryland imposes specific registration fees for vehicles used in rental operations:
Rental Passenger Cars and Multi-Purpose Vehicles:
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Passenger Cars (shipping weight up to 3,500 lbs.) | $120.50 |
| Class A | Passenger Cars (shipping weight greater than 3,500 lbs. but less than or equal to 3,700 lbs.) | $125.50 |
| Class A | Passenger Cars (shipping weight over 3,700 lbs.) | $191.50 |
| Class M | Multi-Purpose Vehicle (shipping weight up to 3,500 lbs.) | $120.50 |
| Class M | Multi-Purpose Vehicle (shipping weight greater than 3,500 lbs. but less than or equal to 3,700 lbs.) | $125.50 |
| Class M | Multi-Purpose Vehicle (shipping weight over 3,700 lbs.) | $191.50 |
| Class D | Motorcycles | $105.00 |
Rental Trucks and Trailers:
| Vehicle Class | Description | One-Year Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Class E | Trucks (3,500 lbs. or less GVW) | $133.75 |
| Class E | Trucks (3,501 - 5,000 lbs. GVW) | $138.75 |
| Class E | Trucks (5,001 - 7,000 lbs. GVW) | $178.75 |
| Class F | Truck Tractor (minimum 40,000 - 60,000 lbs.) | $51.00 per 1,000 lbs. |
| Class F | Truck Tractor (minimum 60,001 - 80,000 lbs.) | $52.50 per 1,000 lbs. |
| Class G | Trailer (3,000 lbs. or less) | $55.50* |
| Class G | Trailer (3,001 - 5,000 lbs.) | $81.00* |
| Class G | Trailer (5,001 - 10,000 lbs.) | $110.00* |
| Class G | Trailer (10,001 - 20,000 lbs.) | $154.00* |
| Class G | Freight trailer or semi-trailer | $68.25* |
*Registration fees for rental trailers do not require the EMS surcharge.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Surcharge
To ensure stable funding for Maryland's world-renowned Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System, including med-evac helicopters, ambulances, fire equipment, rescue squads, and trauma units, a surcharge of $40.00 per year will be collected with the registration fee where applicable.
Electric Vehicle Surcharge
Starting with vehicle registrations expiring in January 2025, there will be an annual surcharge for zero-emission vehicles (ZEV including battery electric vehicles) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV). Vehicle owners should consult the Maryland MVA Miscellaneous Registration Fees page page for current electric vehicle surcharge amounts.
Specialty Plate Fees
Please note: Chesapeake Bay and Agricultural Plates require an additional $12.50 per year renewal fee ($25.00 for 2-year or $37.50 for 3-year renewal). The additional fee benefits the Chesapeake Bay Trust or the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation. If upgrading to a Bay or Agricultural plate from any other Maryland plate, you will need to pay the $25.00 upgrade fee and an additional $20.00 substitution fee. Personalization will cost an additional $50.00 per year.
Additional Fees and Costs
30-Day Temporary Registration Fee: $50.00
In addition to standard registration fees, Maryland vehicle owners should budget for:
- Vehicle inspection costs: Varies by inspection type and provider
- Title application fee: Applicable for new vehicle purchases or transfers
- Lien recording fees: Required when financing a vehicle
- Plate issuance fees: Charges for new or replacement license plates
- Late renewal penalties: Additional fees assessed for expired registrations
How To Renew Vehicle Registration Online in Maryland
Online registration renewal is available statewide through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration online services system.
Maryland Online Renewal Systems
Maryland offers three convenient electronic renewal options through the myMVA system:
Online Renewal Through myMVA Website
Access the myMVA online registration renewal portal to complete your renewal transaction through a web browser on any computer, tablet, or smartphone.
myMVA Self-Service Kiosk
Visit a myMVA kiosk conveniently located at all MVA full-service locations. These easy-to-use machines offer registration renewal and additional services including driving record requests, PIN applications, address changes, replacement titles, VEIP inspection date extensions, replacement plate orders, administrative flag fee payments, temporary registration requests, and duplicate registration card orders.
Eligibility for Online Renewal
You can renew your vehicle registration online through myMVA if:
- The name, address, insurance, and vehicle information printed on your registration renewal notice has not changed
- You do not have insurance violations or other MVA administrative problems
- Your registration has not been flagged for administrative holds or restrictions
- You have satisfied all traffic control device violations and law enforcement referrals
- You do not have outstanding returned check issues with the MVA
- Your vehicle has passed required emissions inspections (VEIP) if applicable
- Your insurance information is current and verified in the Maryland insurance database
Online Renewal Process
Step-by-Step Online Renewal Process
Follow these steps to renew your Maryland vehicle registration online through the myMVA website:
Step 1: Access the myMVA Registration Renewal Portal
Visit the official Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website at mva.maryland.gov and navigate to the online services section. Select "Renew Vehicle Registration" or access the renewal portal directly at the myMVA Registration Renewal page.
Step 2: Gather Required Information and Documents
Before beginning the online renewal process, have the following information ready:
- Your current vehicle registration card or renewal notice
- Your vehicle title number
- Your Maryland license plate number
- Valid insurance information (must be current and verified in Maryland database)
- Payment method: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card, or Mobile Wallet Pay
- Vehicle identification number (VIN) if requested by the system
Step 3: Enter Vehicle Identification Information
Provide the required vehicle identification information to access your registration record:
- Vehicle title number (found on your current registration card or renewal notice)
- Maryland license plate number
- Additional verification information as requested by the system
The myMVA system will retrieve your current registration information based on the identification details you provide.
Step 4: Verify Your Registration Information
Review the vehicle and owner information displayed by the system to ensure accuracy:
- Vehicle make, model, year, and VIN
- Current registration class and weight classification
- Owner name and complete mailing address
- Insurance company name and policy information
- Current registration expiration date
- Applicable registration fees for your selected renewal period
Step 5: Verify Insurance Coverage
Maryland law requires all registered vehicles to maintain continuous automobile liability insurance coverage. The MVA electronically verifies your insurance information through the Maryland Insurance Administration database.
The online renewal system will automatically check your insurance status.
Step 6: Select Renewal Period
Choose your preferred registration renewal period:
- One-year renewal: Pay one year of registration fees
- Two-year renewal: Pay two years of registration fees (typically most cost-effective option)
- Three-year renewal: Pay three years of registration fees
Step 7: Enter Payment Information
Select your preferred payment method and enter payment details:
- Credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover Card
- Mobile Wallet Pay: Apple Pay, Google Pay, or other supported mobile payment services
Step 8: Complete the Transaction
Review your final transaction details and submit your renewal. After successful payment processing, you will receive:
- An on-screen confirmation with a transaction number and confirmation details
- A confirmation email (if you provided an email address during the transaction)
- Instructions for printing or saving your confirmation for your records
Step 9: Receive Your Permanent Registration Documents
The Maryland MVA will mail your new registration documents to the address on file within 10 business days.
myMVA Kiosk Renewal Process
To renew your vehicle registration at a myMVA self-service kiosk:
Step 1: Locate a myMVA kiosk at any MVA full-service office. Kiosks are available during office hours and offer shorter wait times than traditional counter service.
Step 2: Select "Renew Vehicle Registration" from the kiosk main menu
Step 3: Follow the on-screen prompts and provide:
- Your current registration card or renewal notice (scan the barcode or enter information manually)
- Insurance information verification
- Payment method (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card, Mobile Wallet Pay, or check)
Step 4: Select your renewal period (1, 2, or 3 years)
Step 5: Review your transaction summary and total fees
Step 6: Complete payment and receive your printed receipt with confirmation number
Step 7: Your new registration card and sticker will be mailed to your address on file within 10 business days
Alternative Renewal Method
In-Person Renewal at MVA Branch Offices
Vehicle owners may complete registration renewal at any full-service Maryland MVA branch office:
- Locate your nearest MVA branch using the MVA Branch Office Locator
- Schedule appointment through MVA Online Appointment System for guaranteed service time and reduced wait periods
- Limited walk-in service available at most locations for basic transactions including registration renewal
- Bring current registration card or renewal notice
- Present valid Maryland driver's license or state-issued identification card
- Provide proof of current Maryland insurance coverage if electronic verification unavailable
- Provide valid VEIP certificate if vehicle subject to emissions inspection requirements
- Submit payment for all applicable registration fees (cash, check, money order, credit card, or debit card accepted)
- Receive new registration card and validation stickers immediately upon completion of transaction
- MVA branch offices accept payments up to $5,000 by check; cash payments accepted up to $1,000
Contact Information
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Headquarters
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
MVA Customer Service Center
Phone: (410) 768-7000
Toll-Free: (800) 950-1682
TTY: (800) 492-4575
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
