FAQs for Customers

Out of State/New to Maryland Customer Questions

How do I return my tags now that I am moving/have moved out of state?

**Do not cancel your insurance until you have received a receipt from the MVA showing the date of return.**

You can return license plates in any of the following ways:

Return them in person to any MVA branch office during normal business hours by visiting the Information Counter.
After regular business hours drop your tags into our 22 drop boxes statewide.
Mail them to the Glen Burnie MVA office. Sending them in a padded envelope by certified mail with return receipt requested is recommended. Please mail to MVA, Attn: CRTR, 6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Return them to any MVA authorized tag and title service.

If tags are returned by mail, a registration cancellation receipt will be mailed to the address on record unless you specify otherwise. When the tags are processed, our system and your receipt will reflect the date they were received.

More information regarding tag return/refund is available by clicking here.

If you have received an Out of State insurance violation:

Please submit your insurance information declaration page and your new registration information from your new state by mail to:

MVA, Attn: INSURANCE COMPLIANCE DIVISION, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062

If you are active-duty military, please attach a copy of your out of state insurance and your military orders. Click here for more information for active-duty service members.

How do I order a copy of my vehicle's title if I no longer live in Maryland?

You can order a duplicate title through the myMVA Online Services. You will need your title number and form of payment for the $20 fee. Your title will be mailed to your current address on file, or you may send the title to another address using the last 4 digits of the title owner's SSN.

I'm moving to / have moved to Maryland. Where do I start with getting my new driver's license and vehicle registration?

You must obtain your Maryland driver's license and vehicle title and registration within 60 days of becoming a Maryland resident. The order in which you process these transactions is up to you.

Please visit myMVA online services and make a “New to Maryland" appointment type. Before you make your appointment, you'll be asked to fill out our Pre-Application to help you gather the information and documents you will need to bring with you to your appointment. You can find information about MDOT MVA locations, services, and hours of operation by clicking here.

Do I have to title my vehicle in Maryland to register it in Maryland?

To register your vehicle in Maryland, you must also title it in Maryland. To do that, you will need to present your out-of-state title, your Maryland insurance information (name of the company, policy or binder number, and agent's name, if applicable) and the MDOT MVA copy of the Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate. (Note: The inspection certification must be sent electronically to the MDOT MVA by the inspection station.)

You do not have to hold a valid Maryland driver's license to title a vehicle in your name, but you must provide us with a valid Maryland residential address where you reside.

If you have all necessary forms, applications, and documents properly completed and signed by all parties, visit myMVA and make a “New to Maryland – Title Only" appointment. Please remember, if anything that requires a signature has not been signed prior to your appointment, the individual presenting the paperwork will need a signed Power of Attorney (VR-470) from the vehicle owner. A copy of the registered owner(s) state issued identification must accompany the Power of Attorney and the person submitting must present their state issued identification.

How do I obtain a Maryland Safety Inspection Certification for my vehicle?

Maryland vehicle safety inspections are performed at Maryland authorized inspection stations and most dealerships. You can locate an inspection station using the e-Inspection Search & Station Locator.

Your vehicle does not undergo a Vehicle Emissions test at the time of a Maryland safety inspection. You will receive a VEIP test notice three months after the date of the vehicle's registration.

What forms will I need to title and register my vehicle?

To title and register your vehicle(s), you will need to complete an Application for Certificate of Title (VR-005), which includes the application for registration. You will be prompted to fill out this form during the process of making an appointment. Visit myMVA and make a “New to Maryland – Title Only" appointment.

How much will it cost to title my vehicle in Maryland?

The title fee is $100. If the vehicle is being financed, the lien recording fee will be $20. The registration fee (for the plates and card) is based upon the type and weight of the vehicle.

You will also be required to pay Maryland excise tax when you title your vehicle(s). When you move to Maryland and title/register your vehicle here, the amount of excise tax that is charged is based on several factors: the year and make of the vehicle, how long you have been a Maryland resident when you apply for the Maryland title, and the amount of tax, if any, that was paid to the previous state.

Maryland's excise tax rate is 6%. If the vehicle is seven model years or less, the tax would be 6% of the current book* value. However, if you apply for title/registration within the first 60 days of your residency in Maryland, you may be eligible for a tax credit, based on the amount of tax paid to your previous state.

As a new resident, to comply with Maryland law and take advantage of the excise tax credit, you must title and register your vehicle within 60 days of moving to Maryland.

You can find information about vehicle fees here.

* MVA uses the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Official Used Car Guide to determine book value. The average retail value is used with consideration for high or low mileage.

How do I calculate the excise tax on my vehicle?

The excise tax rate for vehicles less than seven years old will be as follows:

Vehicles titled in a state with a tax rate equal to or higher than Maryland's 6% tax rate will be assessed an excise tax of $100 (the minimum).
Vehicles registered in a state that imposes no tax will be assessed an excise tax of 6% of the value of the vehicle.
Vehicles from a state with a tax rate lower than Maryland's 6% will be assessed an excise tax of the difference between the two state rates. For example, since Maryland's tax rate is 6% and Virginia's tax rate is 4.15%, the difference is 1.85%. Therefore, the excise tax assessed would be 1.85% of the current book value. The minimum excise tax assessed is $100. However, if the value of your vehicle is less than $2,000, the tax will be 6% of the book value.
If your vehicle is leased, you must present the lease agreement and proof of monthly lease payments. If you have paid or are paying excise tax to another state through your lease payments, the documents may be needed to determine the amount of excise tax credit you can receive.

What do I do if my lien holder has my vehicle's title?

If there is a lien on your vehicle and your title is being held by a lien holder or if it is a leased vehicle, an appointment is required. Visit myMVA and make a “Vehicle, Tag and Titling Services/Add Remove a Lien" appointment.

You will need to bring:

The vehicle's valid, out-of-state registration card,
Your Maryland insurance information,
The name and fax number of your lien holder, and
If your vehicle is leased, you must bring your lease agreement.

Also, please have the Maryland safety inspection done before coming to the MDOT MVA. (If your out-of-state tag has expired, you can get a 30-day temporary tag from the MDOT MVA, so you can transport the vehicle to a Maryland certified safety inspection station to have your inspection done.)

An MDOT MVA branch staff member will fax a letter (VR-056) to your lien holder or leasing company, by the, requesting the title to be sent directly to the MDOT MVA. While we wait for receipt of your title, we will issue you a one-year registration plate and sticker. Once we receive the original title from your lien holder, your Maryland title will be mailed to you.

I've moved away from Maryland, how do I get a copy of my Maryland driver record?

You can get a copy of your Maryland Driving Record by downloading and completing the DR-057. A $12 certified driving record comes with the official MDOT MVA seal and the signature of an authorized MDOT MVA representative. A certified record is admissible as evidence in a court of law. A $9 non-certified copy does not have the official MDOT MVA seal or signature.

Please mail your completed form to MDOT MVA, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.

How can I get a disability accommodation for testing?

For more information on how to coordinate an accommodation for a disability click here.

I'm an immigrant, how do I start the process of obtaining a Maryland driver's license?

Immigrants, with foreign documentation that do not have valid accompanying United States Citizenship and Immigration Services documentation should visit the Document Guide to learn more about the documents needed to obtain a driver's license, learner's permit, moped permit or identification card in Maryland.

Before making an appointment, please do the following:

Apply for an individual taxpayer identification number through the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Please click here for more information.
File Maryland Income Taxes for the preceding two years and obtain a certification letter. Obtain a certification letter by applying online or by making an appointment to visit one of the Comptroller's branch offices. Please click here for more information;
Apply for and obtain identity documents such as a valid, current foreign passport;
Obtain two residency documents such as copies of a residential lease, utility bill, or bank statement; and
Study the Maryland Driver's Manual and take the Online Driver Test Tutorial to prepare for the knowledge test.
Visit myMVA and make a “New to Maryland/New to Country – Out of Country/Non-Compliant" appointment to apply for a federally non-compliant driver's license or identification card.
You will be asked to surrender your out-of-state identification card before you can obtain a Maryland one.

myMVA eServices Account Questions:

I am having trouble accessing myMVA profile, I've sent a username/password reset request to my email address, but the reset email has not reached my inbox. What can I do?

First, make sure you have an active myMVA profile. Any customer accounts that were created in the MVA eStore BEFORE December 6, 2021 must create a new user profile on myMVA eServices. If you have created a myMVA profile AFTER December 6, 2021, please check your spam or junk folder for the reset email. If you continue to have issues, contact us.

How do I create a myMVA profile?

To create a new profile, visit myMVA and find the username/password box in the upper righthand corner. Click “Sign Up" link at the bottom of the box or click here.

I forgot my username – what can I do?

Click here to reset your username.

I forgot my password – what can I do?

Click here to reset your password.

The myMVA username box says “login attempts exceeded" when I try to log on -- how can I access my account?

Click the 'Forgot username or password?' link (located underneath the blue log in button) and select reset password. This will send a link to your email on file and prompt you to change your password after answering your secret question. Please note: the link provided in the email to reset your password is only good for 60 minutes from the request, so it is important that you address the email immediately.

I'm locked out of my myMVA account – the screen says “too many attempts have been made"– what can I do?

The system has temporarily locked your access for too many attempts trying to login. Please wait 60 minutes to attempt logging back in. First, make sure you have an active myMVA profile. Any customer accounts that were created in the MVA eStore BEFORE December 6, 2021 must create a new user profile on myMVA eServices.

If you are certain you have a myMVA account, follow the prompts to reset your username. After clicking “Submit" an email will be sent to the email on file with the username. (If you do not receive the email – check spam and junk folders.) Once the customer has recovered their username they can go back to and begin the flow again, this time using the “reset your password" function. If you continue to have trouble accessing your account, contact us.

I'm locked out of myMVA and I can't remember the answers to my secret question – what can I do?

Please contact us - include your Driver's License Number and the best number to reach you at during normal business hours. A representative will reach out over the phone to assist you within 48 -72 business hours. You may also call us at 410-768-7000.

I received an email from MDOT MVA about an account that was created with my email address. I did not create this account – what should I do?

First, please check within your co-signer on any vehicle or others in your household who may have created an account without your knowledge. If no one connected to your household has created a myMVA account, please contact us with the following information to help us determine how best to assist you.

Date you received the email from MVA and the email address that it came from.
A copy/screenshot of the communication that was received.
Confirm if you have made a MDOT MVA transaction in the past 6 months.

Once the information is sent a representative will reach out to you regarding a resolution.

I need to update my two-factor verification for myMVA.

Customers can change or disable their two-step verification after logging in by clicking the profile icon in the top right of the myMVA eServices landing page, then clicking 'My Profile'. From this screen, choose the option to 'Change Two-Step Settings'. If you continue to have problems, contact us.

I no longer have the device that I set up my two-factor verification for myMVA – how can I update my account?

Once logged in you can change or disable the two-step verification by clicking the profile icon in the top right of the myMVA eServices landing page, then clicking 'My Profile'. From this screen, choose the option to 'Change Two-Step Settings'. If you continue to have trouble, contact us.

I am having trouble creating a myMVA account for my business – what can I do?

Please visit the Business Portal to create a profile for business related accounts.

I am trying to create an account, but the system is not recognizing my social security number – what can I do?

First, make sure you are only providing the LAST four digits of your SSN when prompted. Also, be sure you have not already created an account on the system. If an account has already been created using your SSN, the system will not allow for a secondary account. If you continue to have trouble, contact us.

Most Asked Questions

How can I view mail that has been sent to me by MDOT MVA?
View all MDOT MVA correspondence about your vehicle through our myMVA portal here.

How can I view the transactions that are upcoming on my MDOT MVA account?

Create a myMVA account profile to keep on top of upcoming MDOT MVA transactions, correspondence and due dates.

How can I update my mailing address?
You may change the address on your driver's license or ID card on our eStore, at a self-service kiosk, by mail, or with an appointment at a branch office. If you only need the change of address card there is no charge. If you want an updated license or ID, there will be a $20 charge. Click here to begin a transaction. For more information on how to change or correct a name or address click here.

How can I pay a traffic citation?
To pay a traffic citation, you must contact the jurisdiction or entity that requested its placement and resolve the problem (e.g., pay a parking fine). For a list of contact information for the parking, red-light, speed and toll facility flagging program jurisdictions, click here. If you are unsure which agency placed the flag, check your violation notice or contact us with your full name, driver's license number and date of birth.

How can I pay an MDOT MVA Administrative flag?
To pay an administrative flag, visit myMVA. You may also pay at any MDOT MVA Business Service Kiosk. Note: customers should clear their jurisdictional flag/fine BEFORE clearing the MDOT MVA Administrative flag.

How can I find out if I owe any fees?
The presence of a flag on your vehicle's record will prevent you from completing certain types of MVA transactions such as renewing your vehicle's registration. You may check your status or pay and flags through the eStore.

How can I tell if I have REAL ID documents on file with MDOT MVA?
To see if you have REAL ID documents on file, visit our REAL ID Lookup Tool. To learn more about REAL ID requirements, click here.

Appointment Questions

How do I make an appointment?
To make an appointment, visit the MDOT MVA Scheduling Center .

How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
To cancel or reschedule an appointment, visit the MDOT MVA Scheduling Center.

Do I need an appointment to return my tags?
No, you do not need an appointment to return your tags. You may return tags during MVA business hours at any branch office. MDOT MVA branches at Baltimore City, Columbia, Cumberland, Gaithersburg, Glen Burnie, Salisbury and Westminster have a drop boxes available 24/7 to return license plates/tags. Click here for more information.

Do I need an appointment to use a kiosk?
No, you do not need an appointment to use a kiosk. MDOT MVA branches at Baltimore City, Columbia, Essex, Glen Burnie, Parkville, Salisbury, Walnut Hill and Westminster have 24/7 kiosks. All other branches except Prince Frederick have kiosks available during open office times.

Where Is My Product?

How can I find the status of the product I have ordered?
First, please check to ensure the address you have on file with MDOT MVA is correct. Next, using our Product Tracker you can check the mailing status of your driver's license or title transaction.

What is the status of my eStore transaction?
To view the status of your eStore transaction, click here and select “Transaction Status/Re-Print".

Can I get a receipt of my eStore transaction?
To get a receipt of your eStore transaction, click here and select “Transaction Status/Re-Print".

Driver's Related Questions:

How can I change my name on my driver's license?
Name changes on a driver's license or ID card are completed via submission of appropriate documentation of the name change. You must update your names with the Social Security Administration prior to updating your name with MDOT MVA. If you do not have your REAL ID documents on file, you will need to present them at the appointment in order to obtain a corrected license.

How can I get a driving record?
A non-certified copy of a driving record costs $9. A certified copy costs $12. Click here for more information about fees. You may request a copy of your driving record on our eStore, at a self-service kiosk or at a branch office. Click here for more information about driving records and how to get them.

How can I get an Interpreter to assist me with testing?
If you have difficulty communicating in English or are deaf/severely hearing impaired, you may be able to use an interpreter when you visit the MDOT MVA. For more information, click here.

How early can I renew my driver's license before my 21^st birthday?
Drivers who are turning 21 years of age can renew their driver's licenses 7 days before they turn 21. However, commercial drivers must wait until they are 21 to renew their commercial driver's license (CDL). An appointment is required.

Why is my driver's license suspended?
There are several reasons why a driver's license could be suspended. For information on a license suspension due to traffic citations, click here. For information on a license suspension due to a restriction violation, click here.

Vehicle Questions:

How can I get a duplicate title?
If you need to obtain another title, you may complete a duplicate title request online. Click here to request a duplicate on the eStore. For other ordering options, click here.

Can I order a disability placard online?
To process a disability placard online, first contact your physician. The physician may begin their disability certification portion of the application through the myMVA online portal. Once your physician has completed their section, you may complete the online application here. For additional information and submission options, click here.

How can I get a receipt that says my tags have been returned to MDOT MVA?
To obtain a tag return receipt, you may drop your tags in any of our tag return drop boxes across Maryland along with a complete license plate return form. **Please include your email address on the tag return form, you will receive an email receipt within 24-48 hours (business days)**

To view and download your tag return receipt, click here.

Emissions Testing:

How can I find my vehicle emission testing date?
You can find your vehicle emission here.

How can I get an extension for my vehicle emissions date?
To apply for a VEIP extension, click here.