Renewing your car registration with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) doesn’t have to be a hassle. Maryland car owners have several convenient options to keep their vehicle registration current, whether for one, two, or even three years. This guide will walk you through each method, ensuring a smooth and efficient renewal process for your Mva Car.
Renewing Your MVA Car Registration Online Through myMVA
The quickest and easiest way to renew your MVA car registration is online through the myMVA portal. This method is available 24/7, allowing you to renew at your convenience.
Steps to Renew Online:
- Visit the official myMVA website and navigate to the online registration renewal section.
- Have your vehicle title and license plate numbers readily available.
- Ensure that your name, address, insurance, and vehicle information are unchanged from your registration renewal notice. If any details have changed, you may need to renew in person.
- You will need a valid Visa, American Express, Discover Card, Mobile Wallet Pay, or MasterCard to complete the online transaction.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your renewal.
Once processed, you will receive your new MVA car registration card and sticker within 10 days.
Renewing Your MVA Car Registration by Phone
For those who prefer to renew their MVA car registration over the phone, Maryland offers a telephone renewal service.
How to Renew by Phone:
- Call 1-410-768-7000 using a touch-tone telephone.
- Follow the automated voice prompts and use your keypad as instructed.
- Similar to online renewal, this method requires that your name, address, insurance, and vehicle information remain the same as on your renewal notice.
- Have your Visa, American Express, Discover Card, Mobile Wallet Pay, or MasterCard ready for payment.
After successful phone renewal, your updated MVA car registration documents will be mailed to you.
Renewing Your MVA Car Registration at a myMVA Kiosk
myMVA kiosks provide another self-service option for renewing your car registration. These user-friendly machines are conveniently located at all MVA full-service locations.
Using a myMVA Kiosk:
- Locate a myMVA kiosk at your nearest MVA branch.
- Bring your current car registration card or renewal notice and your insurance information.
- Payment can be made via Visa, Discover Card, Mobile Wallet Pay, American Express, MasterCard, or check.
- Kiosks are ideal for quick renewals if your information is current and unchanged.
Besides registration renewal, myMVA kiosks offer various other services, including driving record requests, address changes, and more, making them a versatile resource for Maryland car owners.
Renewing Your MVA Car Registration by Mail
Traditional mail-in renewal is still a viable option for your MVA car registration.
Steps for Mail Renewal:
- Carefully review the information on your registration renewal notice.
- Make any necessary corrections or changes in the designated gray area on the notice.
- Sign the renewal notice – only one owner signature is required. For company-owned vehicles, the signer must indicate their official capacity.
- Double-check that your insurance information is complete and correct. If not pre-printed, you must fill it in.
- Include any required certifications that may accompany your renewal notice.
- Enclose your renewal notice(s) along with a check or money order payable to MVA in the provided envelope. Do not send cash. Ensure your check has your preprinted name and address, and write your driver’s license and phone number on it.
Mail-in renewals require processing time, so ensure you send your renewal well before your current registration expires.
Other Options for MVA Car Registration Renewal
Maryland provides additional locations for MVA car registration renewal for added convenience.
County Treasurer’s Offices
In certain counties, you can renew your car registration at the County Treasurer’s Office. This service is available Monday through Friday and involves an extra service fee.
Participating County Treasurer’s Offices:
- Caroline County (Denton)
- Charles County (La Plata)
- Dorchester County (Cambridge)
- Frederick County (Frederick)
- Queen Anne’s County (Centreville)
- St. Mary’s County (Leonardtown)
- Somerset County (Princess Anne)
- Worcester County (Snow Hill & Bishopsville)
Title Service Agents
Throughout Maryland, title service agents also offer vehicle registration renewal services. These agents charge additional fees but provide a convenient in-person option. A complete list of accredited title service agents is available on the myMVA website.
Helpful Tips for Your MVA Car Registration Renewal
- Be aware of the registration surcharge increase implemented as part of the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2024. These funds support Maryland’s emergency medical system.
- Renew early! If renewing by mail, ensure your notice reaches the MVA at least 15 days before expiration.
- For registration-only renewals, you’ll receive one license plate sticker. New plates come with both month and year stickers.
- Trailers not for rent or lease do not require insurance. Return plates and registration to MVA when insurance is terminated to avoid penalties.
- Administrative fees apply for registration withholdings due to traffic violations or returned checks.
- Post office boxes are acceptable addresses if your street name and zip code are consistent.
- Customers renewing vehicles with plates 15 years or older online can opt for free plate replacements. Remember to return old plates when you receive new ones.
- If you sell, trade, or junk your car and haven’t transferred plates, discard the renewal notice and return plates to avoid penalty fees.
- Refunds are available for unused portions of 2 or 3-year registrations.
- Record new vehicle details on the renewal notice if plates are transferred.
Renewing your MVA car registration is straightforward with these various methods. Choose the option that best suits your needs and ensure your vehicle remains legally registered in Maryland.
