GLEN BURNIE, MD (August 17, 2026) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) today reminds Maryland residents 45 days remain to register vehicles in the state before new penalties and enforcement actions take effect October 1. Properly registering vehicles helps keep Maryland’s transportation system running safely and smoothly.
Earlier this summer, the MVA launched its Plate Where You Live campaign, which educates Maryland drivers with out-of-state license plates about residency requirements, steps to comply with the law and new penalties if they are not properly registered by the deadline.
“In addition to our extensive outreach to customers, we are working alongside law enforcement and local government partners to ensure Maryland residents understand the law and assist customers who need to come into compliance,” Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer shared. “We encourage vehicle owners to take action now, ahead of October 1. If they need assistance, our team is ready to help.”
At the end of July, the MVA mailed an estimated 79,000 courtesy letters to Maryland residents who currently have vehicles registered with out-of-state plates to remind them of Maryland’s registration requirements and encourage compliance before enforcement begins.
Existing Maryland law requires individuals to register their car in Maryland within 60 days of becoming a resident. Beginning October 1, 2026, additional enforcement measures will go into effect. Maryland residents with vehicles registered out of state will receive an official notice advising them of the registration requirement and informing them that a case has been opened. After receiving the notice, owners will have a 60-day grace period to bring their vehicles into compliance. If a vehicle is not properly registered by the end of the grace period, the owner may be fined $7 per day, up to a maximum of $420 per vehicle. If the vehicle is still not properly registered after 120 days, the MVA will notify the appropriate local jurisdictions for additional penalties, which may result in civil action including booting, towing, vehicle impoundment and/or the seizure of out-of-state plates.
Drivers who are new to Maryland or maintain out-of-state registrations can find resources at mva.maryland.gov/PlateWhereYouLive. Customers who need to register their vehicle in Maryland but have outstanding debt or other financial restrictions are encouraged to contact the MVA for assistance identifying payment options and next steps. Customers can reach the MVA online through ContactMVA or call 410-768-7000 to speak with an agent.
