Replacement License Plate in Maryland

What is a License Plate Replacement in Maryland?

Replacement in Maryland means obtaining a replacement plate (or plates) and updated registration materials after the originals have been lost, stolen, or damaged beyond recognition. The MVA refers to these plates as “replacement plates,” and the transaction is conducted on a separate form and for a separate fee, distinct from the annual or biennial registration renewal. Article 13-415 of the Maryland Transportation Code governs this process.

• Conditions necessitating replacement include a lost plate, a stolen plate, a plate damaged beyond recognition, a faded or illegible plate, surrendering an out-of-state plate after moving to Maryland, or reclassification of a vehicle requiring a different type of plate.
• The MVA by default issues a complete new set with a new plate number. Owners wishing to retain their existing number must write “REMAKE” on the VR-009 application.
• Both plates are returned as a set. Under § 13-415(h), the owner must surrender all original plates and validation stickers upon the arrival of replacements.
• Vehicles with two plates (passenger class A, truck class E, multipurpose class M) receive a front and rear pair. Single plate classes (motorcycle class D, trailer class G, tractor class F) receive one plate.

When Do You Need to Replace Your Maryland License Plate?

Replacement triggers in Maryland are statutory, not discretionary. The owner must act within 48 hours of an event that renders the plate unavailable or illegible (§ 13-415(g)).

• A plate that is missing, whether it fell off on the highway or was removed from a parked car, must be immediately reported to the MVA. The owner must also display a temporary homemade plate with the registration number until the replacement arrives.
• For stolen plates, the MVA expects a police report or police report number on the certified VR-461 statement. Lost plates that simply fell off do not require a mandatory police report; a signed owner statement suffices.
• A plate that is damaged or faded beyond recognition triggers the same 48-hour replacement obligation. The owner retains the damaged plate and surrenders it when the replacement arrives.
• New residents must register within 60 days of establishing residency in Maryland. Article 13-402(c)(7) of the Maryland Transportation Code exempts former state plates only during this 60-day period.

How to Get a Replacement License Plate in Maryland

The MVA plates page describes three channels: online, by mail, and in person. Preparation is the same regardless of the channel.

• Gather your current registration information (plate number, title number, VIN) and a valid Maryland driver’s license or state-issued ID before beginning.
• Complete the VR-009 form (Application for Substitute Plates/Stickers). If the plate was lost or stolen, also complete the VR-461 form (Certified Statement) with any police report number.
• In person: Visit any full-service MVA branch. Schedule an appointment through the myMVA portal. Bring completed forms, ID, the damaged plate if you have it, and payment. Standard replacement plates are issued from existing stock the same day.
• By mail: Send the VR-009, VR-461 (if applicable), a copy of your ID, and payment by check or money order to the MVA at 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062. The MVA does not publish a guaranteed processing time for mail requests.
• Online ordering and associated fees are described in the following sections.

Can You Replace Maryland License Plate Online?

Yes. The MVA accepts online orders for replacement plates and stickers through the myMVA portal. Owners can submit the VR-461 (certified statement of loss/theft) and order replacement plates without visiting a branch.

The portal covers most standard replacement scenarios: lost, stolen, and damaged plates for passenger, truck, multipurpose, and trailer classes. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express are accepted online. New plates are mailed to the address on file; stickers may arrive within 6-10 business days.

Owners needing same-day plates should visit a full-service MVA branch instead. Branches issue standard replacement plates on-site from existing inventory.

The mail route remains available for owners without internet access. Send the VR-009, VR-461, a photocopy of your ID, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the MVA at 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062.

If the online portal can handle your replacement, use it. Visits and mail exist for same-day needs and edge cases the portal does not cover.

How Much is License Plate Replacement in Maryland?

The base replacement fee is straightforward; the full receipt depends on whether you also need a new registration card or sticker. Maryland sets fees statewide through the MVA, with no additional county-level charges for replacement transactions. The MVA fee schedule lists these items.

• Replacement plate (replacement plates): $40. This covers a full set, whether one plate or two, depending on the vehicle class (Article 13-952 of the Maryland Transportation Code).
• Duplicate or replacement registration cards or stickers cost $5 in addition to the plate fee if you also need to replace them.
• Transferring registration/plate to a new vehicle costs $15, a separate transaction from replacement plates but sometimes confused with replacement.
• No automatic surcharge or technology fee is added to the replacement; the $40 and $5 amounts are full state fees. Payment by credit and debit card in branch carries no additional processing fee from the MVA.
• Personalized or specialty plates cost more. The $50 annual personalized plate fee is added to the $40 replacement plate fee when the owner requests a REMAKE to retain the special number.