Titling a Car in Maryland After Moving From Another State
Last verified: October 2026 against Maryland MVA sources
If you move to Maryland with a car titled in another state, you have 60 days to title and register it here. Doing it on time also keeps the credit for the titling tax you already paid to your old state.
Here is what to do, what you will pay, and what to bring.
Step by step
- 1
Mark the 60-day deadline
You must update the vehicle’s title and registration within 60 days of moving to Maryland. Missing the deadline disqualifies you from the credit for titling tax paid in another state, and you may be cited for an out-of-state registration.
Under a law that took effect October 1, 2026, the MVA can also charge Maryland residents whose vehicles are still registered in another state $7 per day, up to $420, if the vehicle is not titled in Maryland within the 60-day compliance period.
- 2
Get Maryland auto insurance
Bring your Maryland insurance company name, policy or binder number, and agent’s name (if you have one) to your appointment.
- 3
Get a Maryland safety inspection
You need a valid Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate to title and register the car. Inspections are done at stations licensed by the Maryland State Police, and the certificate is valid for 90 days.
The inspection is not required if the car was previously titled in Maryland in your name and you are returning with it.
- 4
Book an MVA appointment
You need an appointment to title and register a vehicle as a new resident. If you did not complete the MVA’s pre-application, bring a completed Form VR-005.
- 5
Pay the excise tax, with credit for tax paid to your old state
How much you pay depends on how long ago you moved, the car’s model year, and your old state’s tax rate. See the breakdown below.
- 6
Watch for your emissions notice
Emissions (VEIP) testing is not done at the safety inspection. You will receive a VEIP notice about three months after registering the car.
How the excise tax credit works
If you moved within the last 60 days:
- Vehicle 6 model years old or newer, old state’s rate 6.5% or higher: you pay $100.
- Vehicle 6 model years old or newer, old state’s rate below 6.5%: you pay the difference between that rate and Maryland’s 6.5%. For example, coming from a 4% state you pay 2.5% of the car’s retail value.
- Old state had no tax (0%): you pay 6.5% of the retail value for a vehicle 6 model years old or newer.
- Vehicle 7 model years old or older: you pay $41.60.
- If you moved more than 60 days ago, the credit is gone: 6.5% of the retail value for a vehicle 6 model years old or newer, or $41.60 for one 7 model years or older.
- Retail value is the NADA clean retail value. Active-duty service members are exempt from the excise tax on a vehicle titled in their name, with proof of active-duty status.
What to bring
- A valid Maryland driver’s license, or proof of a valid Maryland residential address
- Your out-of-state title and registration card
- Certificate of Title Application (Form VR-005), unless you completed the pre-application
- Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate
- Maryland insurance company name, policy or binder number, and agent’s name
- If the car is leased or has a lien: the lienholder’s fax number, account number, and mailing information
- If the car is leased: a copy of the lease or a letter from the leasing company showing taxes paid to your old state
- A check or money order for taxes and fees