New residents in Silver Spring, Maryland must get their vehicle registered within 60 days of moving to the state. This guide to the basics of Maryland car registration will help you take care of this task before time runs out.
Registration Application
To apply for vehicle registration and title in Maryland, you can visit a Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) office or tag and title service in person or apply through the mail by sending your documents directly to the MVA. You’ll be required to present proof of ownership, which is the existing title to the vehicle that identifies you as the owner. If you have a car loan, you’ll need to have your lender send the title to the MVA.
Once the MVA receives the title, the agency will tell you how much you owe in excise tax. You’ll then send a completed Application for Certificate of Title, car insurance information, Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate, title fee, lien recording fee, and excise tax to the MVA. You may also be required to provide proof of the vehicle’s value, a copy of the lease agreement, lien release, and power of attorney (if another person is signing the documents for you).
Excise Titling Tax
In Maryland, the excise titling tax is 6% of the total purchase price for recently purchased vehicles or $640, whichever is greater. The purchase price must be verified by an MVA Bill of Sale (form VR-181), and this form must be notarized and signed by both the buyer and the seller. If the car has not been recently purchased, the excise titling tax will be 6% of the valuation in an MVA-approved national publication of used vehicle values.
If your vehicle is more than seven years old, the excise tax will be based on 6% of the purchase price or $640, whichever is greater. In the event that a national publication of used vehicle values is used to set the value of your car, the total value may be increased or decreased based on the mileage or condition of the car.
Insurance
You must provide proof of insurance when you register your car in Maryland. Your insurance company must be licensed in Maryland, and you are required to carry a minimum of $30,000 per person in bodily injury and at least $15,000 for property damage. A copy of your policy should be attached to the registration documents when you apply for registration.
Safety Inspection Certificate
All used vehicles in Maryland must be inspected at a licensed Maryland inspection station, of which car dealerships are one. This certificate verifies that the car meets the state’s safety standards and is valid for 90 days from the date of the inspection. Brand new vehicles do not have to submit this certificate, as they are assumed to meet the standards.
Find Your New or Used Car in Silver Spring, MD at Our Dealership Today
When you move to Maryland, you’ll want to take care of your vehicle’s registration as soon as possible to get the lowest excise tax rate possible. Do you need a new car? Come on over to DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Silver Spring, buy a new car, and let us take care of the registration application for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need for Maryland car registration?
When you purchase your new or used vehicle from our dealership in Silver Spring, MD, we can help you complete the registration process. If you're registering a used car on your own, bring your bill of sale, proof of auto insurance, any lien details, and a completed Application for Title and Registration to an MVA office. You may also need to provide an odometer disclosure and a safety inspection certificate.
How do you read Maryland tags?
Since 2010, non-custom Maryland license plates have included five numbers and two letters. More specifically, Maryland tags have, from left to right, one numeral, then two letters stacked vertically, then four numerals. While some states, like Montana, correlate their tag numbers with counties, Maryland does not follow this pattern. If you have additional questions about registration, contact our dealership near Washington, D.C.
Do I need proof of residency to register a car in Maryland?
Yes, if you're a new Maryland resident who needs to register a car, you'll need proof of residency to apply for "New-to-Maryland" registration. New residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of moving into the state. You'll also need proof of residence when purchasing your vehicle, because owner addresses are listed on automotive titles. Filing your address with the MVA enables faster communication should any issues arise.
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7/29/2025
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