Do You Need to Register Your Car When Moving to Maryland?

Relocating to a new state comes with a long list of to-dos, and one of the most important, yet often overlooked, tasks is registering your vehicle. If you’re planning a move to Maryland, you might be wondering whether your out-of-state registration is still valid, how long you have to update it, and what steps are involved. Here’s what you need to know about registering your car when moving to Maryland.

Yes, Vehicle Registration Is Required

If you’re establishing residency in Maryland, then yes, you are required to register your vehicle with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Maryland law mandates that new residents must title and register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to the state. Failing to do so could lead to fines and penalties, especially if you’re pulled over with out-of-state plates after that time frame. Registering your car is more than just a formality. It’s how the state confirms your residency, ensures your vehicle complies with local safety and emissions regulations, and makes sure you’re paying the appropriate taxes and fees.

What Qualifies as Residency in Maryland?

Residency isn’t only defined by owning a home. If you’ve moved to Maryland and are living here on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, for example, if you’ve taken a job, enrolled your children in school, or rented an apartment, the state considers you a resident. Even military personnel and college students may be considered residents depending on their length of stay and intent. Once you meet the criteria for residency, the 60-day clock to register your vehicle starts ticking.

The Registration Process

The process of registering your car in Maryland involves several steps. First, you’ll need to get your vehicle titled in the state. If your car is financed, your lienholder must send the title to the Maryland MVA before you can proceed. In most cases, you’ll need to present proof of ownership (your current title or registration), a completed application for title and registration, and proof of insurance.

One unique requirement in Maryland is the vehicle safety inspection. Before you can complete your registration, your car must pass a safety inspection at a licensed Maryland inspection station. This is a one-time inspection. However, it must be completed prior to registering your car. If your vehicle fails, you’ll need to make the necessary repairs and pass a re-inspection. Emissions testing may also be required, depending on your vehicle’s age and fuel type. The MVA will notify you if your car needs an emissions inspection after you register.

What It Costs

Maryland vehicle registration fees vary depending on the weight and type of your vehicle. Most passenger cars fall into a standard fee category. However, electric vehicles and trailers have separate rates. You also have to pay a 6% excise tax based on the vehicle’s fair market value, minus any trade-in allowance. If you can provide proof that you paid sales tax in another state when you bought the vehicle, you may be eligible for a partial or full credit to reduce your tax burden in Maryland.

Don’t Wait Too Long

It can be tempting to put off car registration while you’re settling into your new home. However, it’s best to handle it early. Driving with out-of-state plates after 60 days could result in a citation. Without Maryland registration, you might run into issues with insurance claims or even vehicle repairs. Registering your vehicle is a key step in becoming a Maryland resident. It helps you stay compliant with state laws, ensures your car is road-safe, and sets you up for a smoother transition into your new life.

Tag and Title Services in Maryland

At MAIF, we are dedicated to ensuring every Maryland driver is legal and covered on the road. If you’re new to the state, it’s crucial that you have the right insurance and registration. Otherwise, you could end up paying fines and losing your license. Contact our office today to meet with one of our agents and learn more about how to register your vehicle and get the insurance coverage you need.