Vehicle Registration, Titling & Inspections

Vehicle registration services

​Active Service Members temporarily stationed in Maryland 

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If you are temporarily stationed in Maryland, you need to apply for a non-resident permit for your vehicle(s). This applies if your vehicle is currently registered in your state of residence and you are an Active Service Member of the:

• Uniformed Services
• United States Public Health Service
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Non-resident permits
 

A non-resident permit is a sticker you will place on your vehicle. It is valid for one (1) year or until the expiration of your current registration, whichever comes first. A non-resident permit may be renewed, as long as you maintain valid registration in your home state. Apply for a non-resident permit
 

Titling your vehicle

Uniformed Service Members moving to Maryland

If you are moving to Maryland, you must title and register your vehicle within one year of moving to Maryland. If you delay beyond one year, you will not be eligible for a tax credit for any titling tax paid in another state, and you may be subject to a citation for an out-of-state registration.  Find more information about titling and registration information for new residents.

Uniformed Service Members from Maryland temporarily stationed outside of Maryland

If you purchase a used vehicle while stationed outside of Maryland and want to title it in Maryland, you will need to complete the following forms: 

• Temporary Inspection Waiver - PDF - 106.79 KB (form VR-129)
  • Complete Section A and B
  • Include your insurance information; your vehicle liability insurance policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements
  • This form must be signed by your commanding officer.
• Application for Certificate of Title - PDF - 260.92 KB (form VR-005) to title the vehicle
  • This form must be signed by your commanding officer.

You must title your vehicle at the same time as applying for the inspection waiver. The waiver allows you to title and temporarily register a used vehicle in Maryland without having the vehicle undergo a Maryland Safety Inspection. When you return to Maryland, the vehicle must be immediately inspected. The Uniformed Service inspection waiver is valid for two years and may be renewed if necessary (if still stationed out-of-state). 

You must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible:  

1. ​Be on active duty in the Uniformed Service
2. Be stationed outside of Maryland
3. Have your home of record in Maryland
4. Apply for the waiver when you apply for the vehicle's Maryland title
    

You can submit the forms and documents with the applicable fee in a few ways:

• In-person at any of the MVA's  full-service branch offices
• Mail your documents and fee to the MVA's Ma​il In Title Unit in the Glen Burnie office​
• Go to an MVA licensed tag and title service where they will assist you in applying
  • Licensed tag and title services will charge a fee for this service.

A registration card and standard metal license plates will be issued to you if you apply in person. Otherwise, these items will be mailed to you. The registration card must be carried in the vehicle. While the vehicle's registration period will be two years, you are expected to have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible. 

Vehicle emissions inspections

Active Service Members serving outside of Maryland

The MVA can assist in delaying your emissions inspection or accepting a vehicle emissions inspection test result from another state. Review the list of states with vehicle emissions inspection reciprocity to confirm if you are in a state.

If you are not in one of these states, complete the relevant sections of a Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - Certified Statement (EP-009) form and send to the MVA with a copy of your official orders. To be eligible for a military waiver, at least one owner listed on the registration is an active service member with official orders for deployment outside the United States or an assigned duty station in a jurisdiction that is not subject to vehicle emissions controls and inspection program. Request an emissions inspection waiver online with myMVA. Find ore information on the vehicle emissions inspection program.