When are mopeds and motor scooters required to be titled and display an identifying decal? Will I need to have insurance for my moped or motor scooter? What protective gear is required when operating a moped or motor scooter?
Effective October 1, 2012 mopeds and motor scooters are required to be titled and display a title decal. The operator/owner of the vehicle must carry proof of insurance while operating the vehicle. The operator and passenger must wear protective headgear that meets the standards under 49CFR§571.218 and the operator must wear an eye protective device if the vehicle is not equipped with a windscreen.
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Do I need a driver's license to operate a moped or motor scooter?
The operator of a moped or motor scooter must have a valid moped operator's permit or a valid driver's license of any class.
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I purchased my moped/motor scooter before they were required to be titled. I don't have a title or certificate of origin. What can I do to comply with the requirement to title and obtain a decal for the vehicle?
You may sign onto the MVA website and complete the 
Affidavit of Ownership Moped, Motor Scooter & Off Road Vehicle (form VR-450). If you owned the vehicle prior to October 1, 2012 and title prior to October 1, 2013 there will be no title fee or excise taxes collected. The title and title decal will be mailed to you.
The web process cannot be used if the vehicle is subject to a lien, there is a transfer of ownership, the vehicle owner does not have a MD driver's license or the vehicle does not have a vehicle identification number (VIN). The transaction may also be processed by a dealer or tag and title service that is a participant of the Electronic Registration and Title program, for unusual circumstances, the transaction may be processed at any full service MVA.
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My moped/motor scooter does not have a vehicle identification number. How can I comply with the requirement to title the vehicle?
You will need to submit your work to a full service MVA office and apply for an assigned VIN by completing an Application for Assigned Vehicle Identification Number (form VR-198).
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Will there be a grace period for the display of the decal, or will I have to have the decal on the vehicle to operate it on Maryland roads on and after October 1, 2012?
Yes, MVA has requested that a 30 day grace period be given to allow moped and motor scooter owners enough time to title their vehicles and obtain the decal.
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Where can I title my moped/motor scooter and obtain the identifying decal?
If you owned your vehicle prior to October 1, 2012 you can sign on to MVA's website and process your transaction. You may also take your work to a dealer or tag and title service that is a participant of the Electronic Registration and Title program for processing. For transactions with unusual circumstances you can submit your paperwork to a full service MVA office to be processed.
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What taxes and fees are required to title and receive the decal?
If you owned your moped or motor scooter prior to October 1, 2012 and you title it prior to October 1, 2013, you will not be charged a title or excise tax fee. If you purchase your moped or motor scooter after October 1, 2012 you will be charged a $20.00 title fee and the excise tax will be based on the purchase price of your vehicle. The minimum excise tax is based on $320.00 ($19.20 excise tax).
If you have paid Maryland sales tax and have proof of the payment, you will be exempt from the excise tax. Otherwise, 6% excise tax applies. The fee for the decal is $5.00 and the decal is to be displayed on the rear of the vehicle in a visible position. The decal is not transferrable to another owner.
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I am planning to purchase a moped/motor scooter after October 1, 2012. What do I do?
You will need to complete an Application for Certificate of Title (form VR-005) or the application on the reverse of the Maryland title, and an Application for Title Decal for Mopeds, Motor Scooters, ATV's, Off Road Motorcycles and Snowmobiles (form VR-337). Proof of ownership must also be submitted which could be a Certificate of Origin, Maryland or out of state title, a bill of sale and/or registration form.
The work can be processed at a dealer or tag and title service that is a participant in the Electronic Registration and Titling program. For unusual transactions the work may be processed at any full service MVA.
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I have already titled my moped/motor scooter. How do I get my decal?
You may apply for a decal only via the MVA web site or through a participating Dealer or Tag and Title service.
Use the Application for Title Decal for Mopeds, Motor Scooters, ATV's, Off Road Motorcycles and Snowmobiles (form VR-337) to apply for a replacement of a lost or mutilated decal. The form will need to be mailed to the MVA for processing, and there is a $5.00 fee for the replacement decal.
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