Vehicles in Maryland can be registered with the Motor Vehicle Administration. License plates and validation stickers are issued and must be attached to a vehicle to drive legally.

There are various specialty license plates available which can also be personalized.

Sample Maryland License Plate

How to Apply for License Plates in Maryland

All vehicles owned by Maryland residents must be registered with the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).

It is possible to register your vehicle by mail or in person at a county MVA office.

When you register a vehicle in Maryland, you’ll be required to submit the following:

Vehicle title
Application forms
- VR-005: for vehicle registration and titling
- VR-217: applicable if there’s a lien on your car
Proof of insurance
Bill of sale
Odometer disclosure statement
Lease agreement (if applicable)
Power of Attorney (if someone is registering your car on your behalf)
Safety inspection certificate (valid for 90 days)
Payment for fees (see “Summary of Fees for License Plates in Maryland” below)

Check with your MVA office to ensure you have everything necessary to register your vehicle.

Types of License Plates in Maryland

Maryland offers a standard license plate for anyone who registers their vehicle. The standard license plate has a white background with black lettering and the state’s crest in the center.

If you prefer something unique, you can choose from a range of specialty plates.

There are also plates and placards for people with disabilities which enable them to park in designated zones throughout the state.

All of the above plates can be personalized (see “Personalizing License Plates in Maryland,” below).

Specialty License Plates in Maryland

If you want to stylize your vehicle by adding a specialty license plate, here’s a list of available plates in Maryland:

Calvary Baptist Church License Plates
Faith United Baptist Church License Plates
Cure Autism Now License Plates
Food Bank License Plates
Crescent Yacht Club License Plates
East Carolina Alumni License Plates
Alpha Phi Alpha License Plates
Air Conditioning Contractors License Plates
Boys Latin School License Plates
Fraternity Order of Police License Plates
Ex-POW License Plates
Military Veterans License Plates
Chesapeake Bay License Plates
Kosovo Campaign License Plates
Street Rod License Plates

The fees for these specialty plates vary, but some are as follows:

License Plate with Logo: $25
License Plate without Logo: $10
Classic Car Plates: $50

These fees are required in addition to the standard registration fees for your vehicle. Contact your nearest MVA for more information about specialty license plates.

Personalizing License Plates in Maryland

Personalized license plates allow you to create a custom plate number. Whether you want to show off your personality or express your opinion, you must follow the state's guidelines:

Must use 2 to 7 characters (i.e., letters or numbers)
Plate number must not be in use already
No vulgarities, rude slogans, or obscene language
Cannot suggest association to a public group (e.g., police)

If you do not follow these guidelines, the MVA can reject your application for personalized plates. You can search for available plate names for free online.

If approved, you must pay the $50 fee in addition to any registration fees required. It will take 4-6 weeks for you to receive your personalized (vanity) license plates.

Installing License Plates in Maryland

When you receive your license plates, you must attach them to the front and back of your vehicle. If you have registered a motorcycle or trailer, you may only be required to attach a license plate to the rear.

In addition to your plates, you must also display your validation stickers in the designated corners of your license plates. The stickers display the month and year which indicate when your vehicle’s registration expires.

Renewing License Plates in Maryland

Typically, license plates in Maryland are valid for up to 2 years. When your plates are about to expire, you can renew them in person, by mail, or online.

You’ll receive new decals either at the MVA office or in the mail. When you receive them, you can place the decals right over the old ones.

Replacing License Plates in Maryland

You may need to replace your license plates if they have been lost, damaged, or stolen.

You can submit an application for replacement plates in person or by mail. You’ll require the following:

Completed Form VR-009: Application for Substitute Plates/Stickers/Moped Motor Scooter Off-Road Vehicle Decal/Duplicate Registration
Return license plate
Any remaining license plates
Your registration card
A form of ID, if you're applying in person
Payment for the appropriate fee:
- License plate and stickers: $20
- Stickers: $5
- Month sticker only is free

Surrender Maryland License Plates

You are expected to surrender your license plates if you:

Move to a new state
Cancel your vehicle’s insurane
Sell your vehicle and no longer require the license plates

To surrender your plates, you can either mail them to a nearby MVA office or drop them off in person at an MVA office.

If you are surrendering your plates before the expiration date, you may be eligible for a refund. Check with your local MVA office to learn more.

Summary of Fees for License Plates in Maryland

The fees for vehicle registration, sticker renewal, and replacement are summarized below:

Standard License Plate Fee:
- Vehicles less than 3,700 lbs: $135 for 2 years
- Vehicles more than 3,700 lbs: $187 for 2 years
- Motorcycles: $104 for 2 years
Replacement
- License Plate & Decals: $20
- Decals: $5
- Monthly Decal: Free
Transfer Fee: $10

Looking Up License Plates in Maryland

If you are purchasing a used vehicle from a private seller, it is possible to look up a license plate and obtain background information about the vehicle. You can use this to verify whether the person selling you the vehicle is the real owner. Additionally, this license plate search tool lets you find available license plate numbers in Maryland and other states across the USA.

Car Ownership in Maryland

Maryland ranks 43 in the list of states with the highest rates of car ownership.
91.40% of households in Maryland have at least one vehicle. Idaho and Wyoming are tied for first place with 96.20% of households having at least one vehicle. The national average is 91.70%.
Maryland ranks 14 in the US for electric vehicle ownership. Approximately 0.51% of all registered vehicles in Maryland are electric vehicles. California has the most electric vehicles (1.61%). Hawaii is on the number 2 spot (1.32%).
Maryland ranks 6 in the US for the most expensive states to own a car.
It is the 5th most expensive state in the US for full coverage car insurance ($3,349 per year on average). Car insurance in Maryland is, however, less expensive on average than New York, Florida, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.
The average cost of a check engine light-related car repair in Maryland is $399.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Maryland have 2 license plates?

Yes, Maryland requires 2 license plates, one on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle. However, motorcycles and trailers only require a rear license plate in Maryland.

How many digits are Maryland license plates?

You can request a personalized Maryland license plate with at least 2 characters and a maximum of 7 characters.

How much is a personalized license plate in MD?

MD license plates with a personalized message are $50 per year plus an additional $20 replacement tag fee. It costs $50 per year to renew personalized plates in Maryland. Substitute personalized plates are $20. Note that these plate fees are in addition to standard registration fees.

Can I keep my Maryland license plates?

You cannot keep Maryland license plates when they are no longer in use. This is against the law. You should return the plates to the Maryland MVA. They do not offer appointments for license plate returns. You can simply drop them off at a branch office during business hours or in a 24-hour tag return box. You can also mail your tags by certified mail to the MVA Headquarters. Download, print, and complete a tag return form to make the whole process faster. Make sure you include your vehicle registration card when returning Maryland license plates. Also include your e-mail address on the form and you will receive a receipt within 72 hours of the drop. There is no fee for returning MD license plates.

Note: Do not cancel your vehicle insurance until you get a receipt from the MVA after surrendering your license plates. If you cancel your insurance before surrendering the plates, it may result in fines.

Are Maryland license plates transferable?

You can transfer Maryland license plates from one vehicle to another as long as both vehicles are titled in the same name and are the same classification.

What to do if my license plate was stolen in Maryland?

If your Maryland license plate has been stolen or lost, report it to your local law enforcement agency. You will need a copy of the police report (or the number of the police report) when you apply for substitute plates. You can make an appointment for vehicle services to receive your substitute plates. There will be a fee applicable.

Can I get multiple disability placards if I own multiple vehicles in Maryland?

Individuals in Maryland are only permitted one disability placard, one disability plate, a combination of one disability placard and one disability plate, or two disability placards. Note that the placards can be easily moved from vehicle to vehicle and may be used in your personal vehicle as well as vehicles belonging to others in which you are riding.

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