How to renew car registration in Maryland

Content

Using the Internet to Update
Go in person
Renew by mail
Renewal fee
Outlier Testing

For Maryland's roads to be safe and tradable, there must be taxes that citizens must pay. Among the most common taxes a person will have to pay is registering a car with the Maryland Motor Vehicles Authority. You will have to renew this registration every two years. When the time comes to do so, you will receive a notification in the mail approximately 30 days before your current registration expires. Here's what you'll find in this notice:

The fee you must pay
Deadline by which you must pay
Emission verification requirements
Things you will need to complete the process

Using the Internet to Update

If you are unable to come in person to renew your registration, you can use the online option. Here is what you will need to do:

Get your car number at your fingertips
Get a license plate
Pay the commission that is provided

Go in person

If you prefer to go through this process in person, you will need to go to the county treasurer's office. Be sure to bring the following items with you:

Emission test certificate
Notice you received in the mail
Proof that you have car insurance
Money to pay the fee you owe

Renew by mail

If you want to renew your car registration by mail, you will need to do the following:

If you have any changes to the address, be sure to enter them
Make sure your car insurance information is correct
Send payment as a check or money order

The address to which you will need to send this information will be indicated in the notice you receive.

Renewal fee

Here is a list of renewal fees you may have to pay:

Passenger car weighing up to 3,700 pounds. will cost you $135
If the vehicle weighs over 3,700 pounds, you will need to pay $187.

Outlier Testing

Every two years you will have to pass an emissions test on your vehicle. Information about where you need to go will be included in the notification you receive. Visit [Maryland DMV website](https://securetransactions.mva.maryland.gov/emvastore/(S(umpekzlz2gqvgc1movpr1lm3))/MustHave2.aspx) for more information.