Maryland License Plate Lookup

Conducting a Maryland license plate lookup can potentially provide crucial information about a vehicle, facilitating part of the research process for buyers and sellers.

The ability to access a vehicle’s history through its license plate number can enhance transparency and safety for stakeholders. For potential buyers, a license plate lookup may uncover essential data such as number of past owners and recalls. These reports could help identify vehicles with undisclosed issues like previous accidents* or hidden damages.

Understanding a vehicle’s history can help prevent costly mistakes. Buyers may be able to avoid cars with odometer rollbacks, structural damage, or salvage titles, hopefully aiding in a safer purchase.

What is a Maryland license plate lookup?

A Maryland license plate lookup may allow individuals to obtain details about a vehicle by entering its license plate number.

Information potentially revealed

• Vehicle history: This could include prior accidents*, sales records, recall history, and other critical events. Understanding the vehicle’s past could help in identifying potential red flags that might not be disclosed otherwise.
• Past ownership: Details about the number of previous owners may offer insights into how the vehicle was used and maintained. This information is especially useful for buyers to ascertain how many times the vehicle has changed hands, which may give clues as to its reliability and condition.
• Title information: This may reveal whether the vehicle’s title status is clean, salvaged, or rebuilt. A clear title may help show that the vehicle is not associated with hidden issues or discrepancies that could cause troubles.
• Liens: Identifying liens on a vehicle is crucial.
• Odometer readings: Reported odometer readings can help in detecting odometer fraud.
• Salvage records: Awareness of salvage records is essential in determining whether the vehicle was deemed a total loss by an insurance company and subsequently reconstructed, which may potentially impact its safety and performance.

Types of Maryland license plates

Standard plates

Since 2016, the standard license plate in Maryland features a reflective white background with the state’s flag on the bottom half, black lettering for the plate number, and “Maryland” in a scripted red font centered at the top. The current plate uses a 1AB2345 serial format with a number followed by two letters and finally another four numbers.

Background scene plates

Maryland’s background scene license plates offer an opportunity to showcase the state’s natural beauty while supporting important environmental and agricultural causes. The Chesapeake Bay license plate features a serene ocean scene, highlighting the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and an underwater crab, along with the message “Protect the Chesapeake & Coastal Bays” at the bottom.

Both the Chesapeake Bay Commemorative Plate and the Agricultural Plate come with an initial fee and an annual renewal fee, which directly benefits the Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation. Upgrading to one of these plates from a standard Maryland plate involves a $25 upgrade fee and a $20 substitution fee, and also includes an additional $12.50 per year with registration renewal. Personalizing these plates costs an extra $50 annually.

Military plates

Maryland’s military license plates feature a white background with a graphic of the relevant medal, award, or seal on the left side, honoring the service of veterans and active-duty military personnel. These plates can be obtained for a $25 fee, with 100% disabled veterans eligible for free registration for all license plate types. To apply for a military plate, individuals must mail the Application for Military Related License Plates (form #VR-120), proof of military service or award, and the $25 tag fee to the MDOT MVA’s Organizational Plates Unit. Acceptable proof includes discharge papers (Form DD-214), medal certification, military ID, or written proof from the National Personnel Records Center.

Organizational plates

Maryland’s organizational license plates, featuring a white background and an emblem representing the organization on the left side, can be obtained through the member organizations for a $30 fee. Applications are only available directly from the organization and cannot be ordered online. With over 800 participating groups, these plates represent a wide range of affiliations, including professional associations, alumni groups, unions, service organizations, and community clubs. This program allows individuals to display their membership and support for causes and organizations they are passionate about.

Personalized (vanity) plates

Personalized (vanity) license plates in Maryland allow customers to create custom messages with 2 to 7 characters, depending on the vehicle. The MVA reviews requests, rejecting those already in use or deemed inappropriate. A $20 issuance fee and a $10 annual renewal fee apply in addition to the regular registration fees. There is also a $50 annual fee for maintaining the vanity plates. Applications can be submitted online, in person at MVA branch offices, by mail, or through a licensed tag and title service. Required documents include the vehicle’s registration card and a special registration plate application.

On the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website you can see if a plate is currently available. Navigate to “Vehicle Services” and under “Registration and Plates” select “Order a New License Plate/Tag”. From here, you will be able to preview a plate. When you click “Next”, it will let you know the plate is available and allow you to proceed with the transaction. If this plate text was already taken, a message will display before you advance to the next page.

Renewal and replacement plates

Renewal process

Renewing Maryland license plates can be accomplished through various methods, each requiring specific documentation and following a biennial renewal cycle.

Required documentation:

1. Vehicle title
2. License plate numbers
3. Registration renewal notice

Renew your registration online through myMVA Online Services if your name, address, insurance, and vehicle information have not changed. Alternatively, renew by telephone at 1-410-768-7000, myMVA kiosks located at MVA locations, by mail, or at County Treasurer’s offices and title service agents. Kiosks offer additional services like requesting driving records or a replacement title.

When mailing your renewal, check and correct information on the renewal notice, sign it, and include a check or money order payable to MVA. Ensure it is received by MVA at least 15 days before the registration expires.

Replacement plates

If your plates are lost or damaged, applying for replacements is straightforward:

1. Documentation: Provide vehicle registration information.
2. Application: Submit an Application for Substitute Plates (VR-009) online, in-person by appointment, at a licensed tag and title service, or by mail.

Special considerations for lost plates

If your plates are no longer legible or missing, temporary plates bearing the vehicle’s registration number must be used until replacements arrive. It is illegal to use a registration plate cover in Maryland.

How often you renew your plates generally follows a biennial schedule. For vehicles with plates 15 years or older, the front and rear plates can be replaced for free, ensuring they remain legible over time.

Legal and regulatory aspects

Display requirements

Under Maryland vehicle law, vehicles must properly display both front and back license plates unless they are exempt vehicles, such as motorcycles, historic vehicles over 50 years old, street rods over 50 years old, tractors, and trailers. The license plates should be attached securely and must remain legible at all times.If a plate is missing or damaged, it is mandatory to apply for replacement plates immediately. Replacement plates can be ordered online, in person at any full-service Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, via licensed Maryland tag and title services, or through mail by submitting an application for Substitute Plates (VR-009). Until the new plates arrive, it is advised to display a temporary plate with the vehicle’s registration number in the missing plate’s location.

License plate covers are illegal in Maryland. These covers include any tinted, colored, painted, marked, clear, or illuminated objects designed to obscure or distort registration plate characters or images captured by traffic control monitoring systems. This regulation assists monitoring systems correctly identify and record the necessary information without obstruction.

Licensing requirements and registration for new residents

Registration

New Maryland residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of establishing residency. This process can be started online to streamline your visit to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You need to begin by submitting the Application for Certificate of Title (form #VR-005), which includes your insurance information that meets Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements. Additionally, a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate, valid for up to 90 days from the date issued, is required to certify that your vehicle meets safety standards. If the vehicle’s value cannot be identified by the MVA, submit a bill of sale or lease agreement for leased vehicles.

Consequences of delay

Failing to register within the specified 60 days has significant repercussions. You will lose eligibility for the tax credit on any titling tax paid in another state if you exceed this timeframe. This means the entire 6% Maryland excise titling tax will apply to you, without any off-setting Additionally, you could be subject to a citation for having an out-of-state registration beyond the grace period.

It’s imperative to act within the 60-day window to avoid these financial penalties and comply with Maryland state laws. Failure to meet these requirements not only affects tax rates but could also result in fines and further administrative headaches. Starting the registration and titling process immediately upon moving helps with compliance and avoids complications down the road.