Maryland License Plate Lookup

Maryland License Plates

Maryland license plates are aluminum number plates issued to registered vehicles in the state. The plates serve as a means to distinguish one vehicle from another. Maryland license plates are issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) department of the state's Department of Transportation. The MVA issues the following types of license plates:

• Agricultural or Chesapeake Bay license plate: The following classes of vehicles are eligible to obtain Agricultural or Chesapeake Bay license plates:
  • Class A - passenger vehicles
  • Class M - multi-purpose vehicle
  • Class E
  • PO - trucks weighing up to 1 ton (up to 26,000 pounds)
  • Class EFT - Agricultural plate only
  • Class G, trailer
  • Vehicles with license plates for individuals with disabilities or personalized plates can also obtain Agricultural or Chesapeake Bay Plates
• Amateur radio operator license plate: This license plate is available to persons with FCC Amateur Radio Operators Licenses. The eligible vehicles for this license plate are:
  • Passenger cars
  • Trucks (10,000 pounds or less)
• Disabled license plates: Individuals with a disability are eligible to apply for this plate
• General license plates: This is the typical license plate issued to passenger vehicles in Maryland
• Military license plates: The special military plate is available to members of all branches of the military
• Organizational license plates: Organizational plates are available to certain recognized or registered organizations in Maryland. The license plate may be affixed to passenger cars, multi-purpose vehicles, trucks (1,000 pounds or less), and motorcycles
• Organizational (non-logo) license plates: This plate is similar to the organizational plate but does not carry a logo of the organization screened on it
• Personalized (vanity) license plates: Personalized license plates have the customer's special message imprinted on them

Per Maryland vehicle law, vehicles in the state are required to display both a front and back permanent legible license plate. Only vehicles registered as motorcycles (class D), tractors (class F), trailers (class G), historic over 50 years old (class L), and street rods over 50 years old (class N) may display a single plate. Per Md. Code, Transp. § 13-411, on a vehicle for which one registration plate is required, the license plate must be attached to the following:

• Front of the vehicle for a Class F (tractor) vehicle
• Rear of the vehicle for every other vehicle

Maryland License Plate Design and Formats

Maryland's general license plate has an embossed black serial on a reflective white plate design. The state's flag is screened in the bottom half, and the word "Maryland" is screened in red italics font centered at the top. Maryland's other license plate types follow different designs.

Examples of Maryland's license plates are shown below:

Special license, special interest license, and decal plates:

* Source: Maryland Department of Transportation

Maryland Vanity License Plate

Vanity plates are personalized license plates with special messages, as decided by the customer and approved by the Maryland DOT, printed on them. Depending on the vehicle type, you may request a message between 2 and 7 characters (numbers and letters). Note that the Motor Vehicle Administration unit of the DOT reserves the right to decline a requesting character combination because it has already been issued or if it is objectionable.

You can apply for a vanity registration plate through the MVA website or in person at any full-service branch office of the MVA. Alternatively, you can mail your application to the MVA's Specialty Tag Unit in the Glen Burnie office or visit an MVA-licensed tag and title service, where you must complete an application.

An application for a vanity license plate requires:

• An application for special registration plates
• Copy of your current vehicle registration card

Note that it may take up to 6 weeks for you to receive the license plates. Vehicles in the following classes are allowed to display personalized message license plates:

• A (passenger car)
• M (multi-purpose vehicle)
• D (motorcycle) where applicable
• EPO (truck with a one-ton or less manufacturer's rated capacity)
• G (non-freight trailers)
• L (historic vehicle)
• N (street rod)

The MVA issues Classes G, L, and N personalized plates on a black and white background. For more information about already placed vanity plate orders, you can email the Motor Vehicle Administration at mvapersonalizedtag@mdot.maryland.gov.

Most Popular Maryland Special Plate Numbers

Some special license-type themes in Maryland include:

• Frederick Saltwater Anglers
• Senior Dog Sanctuary
• Widener University
• National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
• Washington Wizards
• Kent Island Yacht Club
• Office of the State Fire Marshal
• University of Santo Tomas Alumni Association in America
• Community Emergency Response Team of Clinton
• Winston-Salem State University
• Wildlife Forever
• Triumphant Baptist Church
• True Buddha Temple Maryland
• Tuskegee Airmen East Coast Chapter
• Special Forces Association
• Rotary International
• Quantico Orienteering Club
• Friends of the Salisbury Zoo
• German Law Enforcement Association of Md
• Fort Washington, Maryland Chapter Harley Owners Group
• Cure Autism Now
• Clemson Alumni Association
• Communication Workers of America
• Calvert Marine Museum Society, Inc.
• Baltimore Ski Club, Inc.
• Baltimore Yacht Club
• Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

Maryland License Plate Lookup

A Maryland license plate lookup is a search allowing an individual to access critical information about a vehicle by inputting the plate number into a specialized search system.

In Maryland, paid and free services are available for conducting license plate lookups. While free services may provide basic vehicle information, a more comprehensive search result can be obtained through paid services, making them a better option for those seeking more detailed information.

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offices offer a reliable and accurate option for those who prefer to conduct their license plate lookup through official channels. The process is straightforward, and no special steps are required of individuals seeking to run license plate lookups through the MVA. However, online services such as RecordsFinder provide basic information about a vehicle without the user leaving the comfort of their home. With RecordsFinder, a Maryland license plate lookup can help find information such as:

• Vehicle Identification Number
• Lien records
• Title status
• Manufacturer recalls
• Accident history
• Vehicle year, make, and model

Maryland Reverse License Plate Number Search

A reverse license plate lookup can help you find information about a vehicle. This kind of search may be conducted by law enforcement to obtain information about a vehicle or its driver. Note that driver information is protected under Maryland and United States laws, meaning personal information about the driver of a vehicle will not be accessible to the public.

The federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) of 1994 is the primary law for maintaining personal information related to motor vehicle records in the United States. Under the DPPA, a state department of motor vehicles, any office, employee, or contractor of the department must not knowingly disclose or make available to any person or entity personal information except for permissible uses. Also, per Maryland MVA rules, every driving and motor vehicle record in the state is closed unless the owner requests, in writing, that their records be open to the public. The Maryland MVA categorizes the following as personal information:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your driver's license number
• Your date of birth
• Your social security number
• Any other information that identifies you

The state categorizes the following as public information:

• A driving status
• Any driving offenses in the past 3 years
• Any vehicular accident information
• A 5-digit ZIP Code
• A vehicle identification number (VIN)
• A vehicle title number
• Insurance company name
• Insurance policy number
• An odometer reading

Hence, the information listed above may be found in public records with a reverse license plate number search. You can use RecordsFinder to conduct a reverse license plate search to obtain publicly accessible information about a vehicle.

What Do I Need to Get a License Plate in Maryland?

You will be issued a Maryland license plate after completing the titling and registration of your vehicle. In order to complete the titling process, you can apply in person at an MVA's full-service branch office or mail the required documents to the MVA's Out-of-State Title Unit located at 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie. Alternatively, you can visit an MVA licensed tag and title service where an MVA officer can assist you in applying.

The following documents are required to obtain a title for your vehicle:

• Proof of vehicle ownership: The vehicle's existing title identifies you as the owner. If a lien is against your out-of-state title:
• Schedule an appointment to visit MDOT MVA
• If you do not possess the title document or certificate, the MVA will issue you a letter (form #VR-056) to forward to your lien holder requesting the title be sent to the MVA. It is recommended that you have the following information for Form #VR-056: Name of vehicle owner, phone number, Maryland address, VIN, year, make of vehicle, lien holder's full name, lien holder's address, lien holder's fax number, and state where currently registered/titled, and lien account number
• Upon receipt of the vehicle title document, the MVA will notify you of the receipt of the title. You will be informed of the excise tax due and required to send your completed Application for Certificate of Title (form #VR-005), the Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate, and payment to the MVA. The check must include payment for the following:
  • Title fee
  • Excise tax and tag fees
  • Fee to record the lien
• Application form: Form #VR-005 can be used to apply for the vehicle's title and registration. Ensure to include your insurance information. Also, your policy must conform to Maryland's minimum liability insurance requirements
• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate: This MD State Police form certifies that your vehicle complies with Maryland safety standards. The form is valid for up to 90 days from the date of issuance

Under some circumstances, additional information and forms may be needed:

• Proof of vehicle's value: If the value of the vehicle cannot be identified by the MVA, a bill of sale may be required. For leased vehicles, a lease agreement will be accepted
• Lease agreement and proof of periodic lease payments (for leased vehicles only): If you are paying or have paid excise tax to another state via your lease payments, the documents may be required to determine the excise tax credit you may receive.
• Lien information: If you borrowed money to purchase the vehicle, lien information may need to be stated on the application. Form #VR-217 must be used if another lien is placed against the title
• Lien release: If your vehicle title indicates that a lien exists, you must arrange with the lien holder to pay off the loan, or the MVA will file the lien against your new vehicle title
• Power of Attorney (VR-470): This document is required if someone other than you is signing the vehicle titling forms. A copy of the registered owner's state-issued identification must accompany the VR-470 form, and the person submitting must present their state-issued ID

You can streamline your MDOT MVA visit by starting your vehicle titling and registration process online on the myMVA portal, adding vehicle owner information and insurance information, and getting an estimate of fees. Subsequently, you may print your confirmation with a barcode and bring it to the MVA office to reduce transaction time.

Differences Between a Passenger License Plate and a Commercial License Plate in Maryland

Per Section 16-803 of Title 16 of the 2022 Maryland Statutes, a Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is defined as a vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in transporting passengers or property if the vehicle meets at least one of these conditions:

• Has a gross combination weight (GCW) rating of 26,001 or more pounds, including a towed unit with a GCW rating of more than 10,000 pounds
• Has a gross vehicle weight (GCW) rating of at least 26,001 pounds
• Is built to transport at least 16 passengers, including the driver
• Is of any size and is used to moving hazardous materials and requires placarding

Here are the key differences between passenger and commercial license plates in Maryland:

How to Renew License Plate in Maryland

To renew your license plate, you must renew your vehicle registration. Marylanders register most of their vehicles for 2 years at a time. You can renew your vehicle registration through myMVA, mail, county treasurer's offices, and title service agents' locations.

• Renewing through myMVA:
  • To renew your vehicle registration online, you must have your vehicle title and plate numbers ready. This option is unavailable if you have changed the name, insurance, address, and vehicle information printed on the registration renewal notice. You will need a MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover Card, or Mobile Wallet Pay

You can also renew your vehicle registration by telephone at 1-410-768-7000. This option is also not valid if your name, insurance, address, and vehicle information printed on the registration renewal notice has not changed

• Renewing at eMVA kiosks:
  • You can also use an eMVA kiosk, which is an easy-to-use machine located at MVA locations statewide. You will need your insurance information, current registration card or renewal notice, and a Visa, Discover Card, American Express, MasterCard, Mobile Wallet Pay, or a check for fees
• Renewing by mail
  • To renew your vehicle registration by mail, check the information on the registration renewal notice. Enter ant corrections in the gray area, and sign the notice. If the vehicle is owned by a company, the individual signing the notice must list their official capacity. Form VR-470 must accompany the registration renewal notice if you are not a company official, do not own the vehicle, or have leased the vehicle. A copy of the registered owner's state-issued ID and the state-issued ID of the person submitting the information must accompany form VR-470

Checks or money orders enclosed with your renewal notice must be made payable to MVA in the envelope provided. Cash is not accepted. The check must include a preprinted name and address. Your driver's license number and home or work phone number must be written on the check

• Renewing County Treasurer's Offices
  • You may renew license plates Monday through Friday at a County Treasurer's office for an extra fee. County Treasurer's office locations in Maryland are listed below:
    • Worcester County - Snow Hill, Courthouse, Bishopsville, 13070 Street Martin Neck Road
    • Somerset County - Princess Anne, Courthouse, 30512 Prince William Street
    • St. Mary's County - Leonardtown, Government Center, Washington Street
    • Frederick County - Frederick, Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street
    • Charles County - La Plata, Charles County Government Building
    • Caroline County - Denton, Market Street Courthouse Green
    • Dorchester County - Cambridge, County Office Building, 501 Court Lane
    • Queen Anne's County - Centreville, The Liberty Building, 107 North Liberty Street
• Renewing at Title Service Agents
  • You may also renew your registration at title service agents in Maryland. Additional fees may apply. A list of title service agents approved by the MVA is available on the MDOT

How to Transfer a License Plate in Maryland

Maryland allows vehicle owners to transfer license plates from old to new vehicles. In specific situations, you may be eligible to transfer your license plates from an old vehicle to a new one. If a transfer is possible, you might incur a lower fee than purchasing new plates. Additionally, license plates can be transferred among immediate family members (spouse, parents, child) if the vehicle to which they are issued is given as a gift.

Registration plates acquired by an individual for any vehicle owned by that individual can be transferred to a newly acquired vehicle if:

• The ownership of the newly acquired vehicle remains unchanged from the original plates' ownership
• The vehicle classification of the newly acquired vehicle matches the original vehicle's classification
• The vehicle from which the plates are to be transferred has been sold, traded, junked, or otherwise disposed of

It is important to note that substitute registration plates can be issued for plates displayed on a stolen vehicle that has not been recovered as long as the MVA has a record of the stolen vehicle. These substitute plates can then be transferred to the newly acquired vehicle.

If the mentioned three conditions are not met, individuals with standard plates, disability plates, organizational plates, agricultural plates, or vanity plates may have the option to repurchase them for use on the new vehicle, subject to the new vehicle's class.

To transfer a license plate, mail the following documents to the MVA's Mail in Registration Unit at the Glen Burnie office:

• Application form: If your vehicle holds a Maryland title, you can fill out the relevant sections on the back of the title. If the vehicle has a title from a different state, you must complete an Application for Certificate of Title. If you have already titled your vehicle and are now registering and transferring the license plates, you must complete the Application for New Plates/Stickers & Transfer of Plates or Non-Title Trailers. Ensure to include your old vehicle's class, tag number, and sticker number, regardless of the application form used
• Insurance: You must provide your insurance information on the registration application. Your vehicle liability insurance policy must meet Maryland's minimum liability insurance requirements. Insurance is mandatory for registration, and if your insurance policy is canceled during the registration period, you must return your registration plates immediately to any MVA branch office
• Registration Card: Submit the registration card from the old vehicle
• Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate (applies to used vehicles only): This document is issued by the Maryland State Police to certify that your vehicle complies with Maryland's safety standards. If you bought the vehicle from a dealer and they conducted the inspection, the certificate remains valid for six months from the inspection date or until the odometer reading advances by 1,000 miles from the reading recorded at the time of the inspection, whichever occurs first. If the inspection was conducted at another authorized inspection station, the certificate remains valid for 90 days from the date of issuance

Alternatively, you may visit an MVA-licensed tag and title service to complete a license plate transfer application. You will be charged a service fee if you choose to visit the tag and title office. For more information on transferring license plates in Maryland, see the license plate transfer page of the MVA website or contact:

Maryland License Plate Lookup Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)