If you need registration plates in order to obtain a vehicle safety inspection, you may apply for a 30-day temporary registration. It is important to note that only one (1) 30-day temporary registration may be issued. Therefore it is suggested that you apply only when you are ready to have the vehicle safety inspected.
If you purchase a vehicle in need of repairs, you may title the vehicle in your name. The title will be issued to you and mailed to your address. When you are ready to obtain the safety inspection in order to register the vehicle, you may then apply for the temporary registration.
You must complete the 
Temporary Inspection Waiver (form VR-129). The fee for a temporary registration is $20.
Once your vehicle has been safety inspected, you may apply for your one or two year registration plates. You will need to bring the following documents to the registration section of any full service office.
- Your temporary registration
- The Maryland safety inspection certificate from the inspection station. (Note: The white – MVA copy of the inspection certificate is required. The yellow – customer copy is for your own records and will not be accepted by the MVA).
- Insurance information including your insurance company’s name, policy or binder number and agent.
- An Application for New Plates/Stickers & Transfer of Plates or Non-Title Trailers (form # VR-008).
- Required fees for registration plates.
Helpful Hints:
The vehicle identification number (VIN) on the inspection certificate must be the same number on the vehicle and all title documents. Any alterations or erasures will void the transaction.
Before leaving the inspection station, it is a good idea to double-check the vehicle identification number on your vehicle with the number shown on the inspection certificate. Although errors are rare, this will save you time and inconvenience if an error has occurred.
