Plate Where You Live
Do you live in Maryland, but have an out-of-state license plate on your vehicle?
Beginning October 1, new rules apply to out-of-state vehicles in Maryland.
- Vehicles with out-of-state tags will be given a written warning, giving the owner 60 days to bring their vehicle into compliance or apply for proper exemptions.
- After 60 days, owners will be fined $7 a day for up to 60 days.
- If the vehicle is still not properly registered after 120 days, local jurisdictions can bring civil action against the owner, including towing, impoundment, and/or booting.
How to re-title & re-register your vehicle in Maryland
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Make an appointment
You'll need an appointment to title and register your vehicle.
- To make your appointment, you'll complete a pre-application that will help you input information ahead of your appointment and tell you what you need to bring.
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Get a vehicle safety inspection
Take your vehicle for a safety inspection. You must have a valid Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate to title and register your vehicle in Maryland. Learn how to get a safety inspection.
- If you are returning to Maryland with a vehicle that was previously titled in Maryland in your name, a vehicle safety inspection is not required.
- Inspections must be performed at authorized Maryland inspection stations.
- Emissions (VEIP) testing is not done at the time of safety inspection. You will receive a VEIP notice about three months after registering your vehicle. More information is on the Emissions Inspections page.
Don't know if you need a new safety inspection? Use the chart below to find out.
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Gather documents to bring to your titling appointment
- A valid Maryland driver's license or provide proof of a valid Maryland residential address
- Your vehicle's out-of-state title
- If your vehicle is leased or has a lien, please bring the fax number, account number and mailing information for your lien holder and your registration card.
- If you didn't complete the pre-application, bring a completed Certificate of Title - Application (VR-005) - PDF - 193.52 KB form.
- Maryland insurance information including:
- Insurance company name
- Policy or binder number
- Agent's name (if applicable)
- Check or money order for fees
- View all current titling and registration fees on the Fees & Payment Options page.
Do you qualify for a nonresident permit?
If you are visiting or staying in Maryland and plan to keep your out-of-state vehicle in the state for 60 days or longer, you may need a nonresident permit.
Why is it important to Plate Where You Live?
When vehicles are properly titled and registered in Maryland, it keeps everyone on our roads safe.
- Over 98% of illegal out-of-state tags were not in compliance with the safety inspection requirement - which ultimately puts our transportation system at risk.
- The money that Marylanders pay to the MVA goes to funding our transportation system, including Maryland's world renowned Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System, of med-evac helicopters, ambulances, fire equipment, rescue squads, and trauma units.
- Help us keep Maryland's transportation system running safely and smoothly - title and register your vehicle in Maryland!
Plate where you live links
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Maryland Safety Inspections
Safety inspections ensure a vehicle is in good working condition, helping keep unsafe vehicles off our roadways. Learn more.
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Maryland auto insurance requirements
All vehicles registered in Maryland need auto insurance. It's crucial that all Marylanders keep insurance for prices and liability to stay low. Learn more.
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Nonresident vehicle permits
Staying in Maryland for 60+ days? You may qualify for a nonresident permit to legally keep and operate your vehicle in Maryland. Learn more.
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Fees & Payment Options
When you pay for Maryland registration, your money helps fund the transportation system - building bridges, roads, and maintaining EMS. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Plate where you live FAQ
It depends on how you originally registered your vehicle in Maryland. If you are registering your vehicle for the first time in Maryland, you will need a Maryland Safety Inspection.
It depends on the state you were registered in - you may be able to mail or drop off your plates at one of their locations. Some states may also provide refunds if you have a significant part of your registration term left.
Visit your state's website and contact them for more information.
Your fees help provide critical revenue for the Transportation Trust Fund, which ensures all of the state’s infrastructure is in a state of good repair.
Fees also 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.
If you use the vehicle in question for business or farming purposes, ensure your vehicle is registered to your business or the business that owns the vehicle.
Visit the Businesses section of our website for more information.
You can apply for a Non-Resident Permit through MVA. A Non-Resident Permit allows a licensed driver to maintain and operate a vehicle with out-of-state registration for more than sixty (60) days in Maryland, without titling and registering it here.
- The cost is $27.
- You can fill out the VR-111 - PDF - 280.63 KB and make a Vehicle appointment to visit a branch office to be issued your permit.
Questions? We can help.
Contact us if you have questions or need more information.