Maryland Temporary License Plate

What Is a Temporary License Plate in Maryland?

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (Motor Vehicle Administration) allows several short-term registrations that permit a vehicle to operate on public roads until permanent plates are obtained. The most common is the 60-day temporary registration plate issued by a dealer, which is printed on paper provided by the MVA and affixed to the rear of the vehicle.

Licensed dealers issue temporary plates at the time of sale. The MVA issues a 30-day temporary registration for buyers in a private sale awaiting safety inspection. The MVA or a licensed titling agent issues a temporary transit registration for non-residents removing the vehicle from the state.

The MVA also offers an electronic 24-hour registration through its online portal for one-time vehicle use.

What Types of Temporary License Plates Are There in Maryland?

The MVA may extend the 60-day temporary registration plate for up to an additional 30 days under Transportation Article §13-605(b) if reasonable conditions justify the extension. The 30-day temporary registration, transit registration, and 24-hour registration are not eligible for extension.

When Is a Temporary License Plate Required in Maryland?

• A licensed dealer must issue a 60-day temporary registration plate to the buyer at the time of sale under Transportation Article §13-602.
• A buyer in a private sale who does not have a valid safety inspection certificate may apply for a 30-day temporary registration to drive to the inspection station.
• A non-resident purchasing a vehicle in Maryland and needing to remove it out of state applies for a temporary transit registration under §13-405.1.
• A buyer who already has transferable Maryland plates on another vehicle receives a 60-day temporary registration permit from the dealer under COMAR 11.12.01.11.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate in Maryland?

1. Gather your bill of sale or title, proof of Maryland vehicle insurance, valid ID, and Form VR-129 if applying for a 30-day temporary registration.
2. Choose your line: dealer processes 60-day plates at the time of sale; MVA branch processes 30-day temporary registration; MVA or titling agent processes transit registration.
3. Apply in person or submit online via myMVA for 24-hour registration.
4. Pay the applicable fee described in the next section.
5. Receive a paper plate at the counter or electronic confirmation immediately for 24-hour registration.

The MVA publishes the Temporary State Inspection Waiver (VR-129) for 30-day applicants.

How Much Does a Temporary License Plate Cost in Maryland?

The MVA publishes current amounts on its fees and payment options page as currently stated by the MVA.

How to Get a Temporary License Plate Online in Maryland?

Partially. The MVA offers 24-hour registration exclusively online through the myMVA portal.

The 30-day temporary registration and temporary transit registration require an in-person visit to an MVA branch or a licensed titling agent. Maryland has branches in Augusta, Glen Burnie, Bel Air, Frederick, Salisbury, Waldorf, and other locations across the state.

Dealers issue the 60-day temporary registration plate electronically at the time of sale. The dealer line is the standard route for any vehicle purchased from a dealer in Maryland.

Use myMVA for 24-hour registration; visit an MVA branch for other classes or allow the dealer to process the 60-day plate at purchase.

How Long Can I Run a Temporary License Plate in Maryland?

Operating a vehicle after any temporary registration expires falls under Transportation Article §13-401, which prohibits operating an unregistered vehicle on Maryland highways. The Maryland District Court traffic violation fine schedule sets a penalty of $290.