Kara Sears
In Maryland, driving a vehicle without license plates is illegal, even if the vehicle is registered. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) of the Maryland Department of Transportation issues license plates for the vehicle once a registration application is approved. The license plates must be attached to the front and rear of the vehicle and displayed at all times.
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What You'll Learn
License plate size and mounting
In Maryland, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without license plates, even if the vehicle is legally registered. The Motor Vehicle Administration of the Maryland Department of Transportation issues front and rear plates for most vehicle classes, while only rear plates are required for motorcycles, trailers, and vehicles in classes L and N that are at least 50 years old.
In 1956, an agreement was reached in the United States to standardize license plate sizes for vehicles (excluding motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height and 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes. Maryland's license plates complied with these standards starting in 1956, expiring in March 1957.
Maryland changed the size of motorcycle license plates in the fall of 2008 from the traditional 4 1/2 x 8 inches to the 4 x 7 inches that have become the standard across most of the United States.
License plates must be attached to the vehicle and displayed at all times. In Maryland, the law requires that the front license plate be attached to the front of the vehicle and not placed on the windshield. Universal brackets or aftermarket mounts are available to attach the license plate without drilling into the bumper.
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Requirements for registration
To register a vehicle in Maryland, you must visit your local branch office of the Maryland MVA or visit the Maryland MVA’s Vehicle Title and Registration webpage. Before the MVA will issue a title or register a vehicle, the vehicle must be inspected to confirm that it is safe to drive. This inspection must be conducted by a licensed inspection station, such as an automobile dealer, a service station, or a specialized automobile service centre.
Once the vehicle has passed inspection, the inspection station will enter the inspection information into the Maryland Safety Inspection System, which will electronically transfer the information to the MVA. After submitting your registration application, certificate of title, and the required fees, the MVA will issue you a temporary registration permit, which will allow you to drive your vehicle until the MVA accepts or rejects your registration application. A registration application may be rejected if it contains false information, is missing information, or if the necessary fees have not been paid. An application may also be rejected if the vehicle is mechanically unfit or unsafe to operate, has been identified as stolen, or if the applicant is named in an outstanding arrest warrant.
Once a registration application is approved, the MVA will issue license plates for the vehicle. These must be attached to the front and rear of most classes of vehicles, with only the rear plates required for motorcycles, trailers, and classes L (historic, 20+ years and unaltered) and N (street rod, 25+ years and altered) that are at least 50 years old. The license plates must be displayed at all times, along with registration tabs that state the year of expiration of the vehicle's registration. It is illegal to drive a vehicle without license plates, even if the vehicle is legally registered.
Maryland also offers Special Vintage Reproduction plates, which are a nostalgic reproduction of Maryland's 1910 registration plate and are available to most drivers. These can be ordered online through the MVA's website or at a kiosk located at all MVA offices.
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Vehicle inspection
In the state of Maryland, vehicles are required to undergo a safety inspection and, in most cases, an emissions inspection under the VEIP (Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program).
The Maryland State Police authorize license inspection stations throughout the state, and you can locate one near you by entering your zip code on the MSP website. You can then call the station to schedule an inspection appointment. The safety inspection typically takes 60 to 90 minutes to complete. If your vehicle passes, you'll receive two copies of the Maryland Inspection Certificate. One copy is for your records, and the other must be submitted to a full-service Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA) branch office or a licensed tag and title service.
It's important to note that if your vehicle fails the inspection, you must address the issues and have the vehicle re-inspected. For vehicles re-inspected within 30 days that have been driven less than 1,000 miles, only the defective equipment needs to be re-inspected for the vehicle to pass. Additionally, vehicles that fail the emissions test must be repaired and re-inspected within 120 days.
The specific inspection requirements may vary slightly depending on the type of vehicle. However, the following checklist is applicable to most vehicles:
- Odometer reading
- Vehicle identification number
- Emissions testing
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Displaying license plates
In Maryland, front and rear license plates are required for most classes of vehicles. Motorcycles, trailers, and vehicles that are at least 50 years old and fall into classes L (historic, 20+ years and unaltered) or N (street rod, 25+ years and altered) only need to display rear plates.
License plates must be attached to the vehicle and displayed at all times. It is illegal to drive a vehicle without license plates, even if the vehicle is registered. Plates must be mounted on the front of the vehicle, and it is not sufficient to display them through the windshield. Maryland standardized the size of its license plates for vehicles (except motorcycles) in 1956, following an agreement between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The standard size is 6 inches (15 cm) in height and 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes.
Maryland license plates are issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) of the Maryland Department of Transportation. To obtain license plates, you must first register your vehicle with the MVA. The registration process involves submitting an application, providing a certificate of title, and paying the required fees. Once your application is approved, the MVA will issue license plates and registration tabs that indicate the expiration date of the vehicle's registration. These tabs must be placed on the license plates.
The MVA also offers Special Vintage Reproduction plates, which are a reproduction of Maryland's 1910 registration plates. These plates are available to most drivers and can be ordered online or through a kiosk at MVA offices. Personalized license plates can also be ordered with this vintage design.
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Special Vintage Reproduction plates
In Maryland, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers drivers the option of Special Vintage Reproduction plates for their historic vehicles. These plates are designed to resemble the original license plates issued in Maryland during the early 20th century, offering a unique and classic look for car enthusiasts.
To be eligible for these distinctive plates, your vehicle must be at least 20 years old and used solely for exhibition and educational purposes. This means participation in club activities, parades, exhibits, and similar events, providing a great way to showcase your vintage car while keeping its authenticity.
The application process for the Special Vintage Reproduction plates is straightforward. You'll need to complete the necessary forms, provide proof of ownership and age of your vehicle, and pay the applicable fees. It's important to note that you must also have current registration plates on the vehicle before applying for these special plates.
Once your application is approved, you'll receive a set of plates bearing a serial number that corresponds to the original plate numbers issued during the era of your vehicle's manufacture. This adds an extra touch of authenticity to your vintage car. However, it's important to remember that these plates are only valid for the registered vehicle and cannot be transferred to another car.
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Frequently asked questions
In Maryland, front and rear license plates are required for most classes of vehicles. Motorcycles, trailers, and vehicles that are at least 50 years old only need rear plates. The standard size for license plates is 6 inches in height by 12 inches in width.
You can obtain license plates by registering your vehicle with the Maryland MVA. You can visit a local branch office or the Maryland MVA's Vehicle Title and Registration webpage.
To register your vehicle, you must provide a certificate of title, proof of identity and age, a Social Security Number, and two documents proving your residency in Maryland.
Yes, under Maryland law, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without license plates, even if the vehicle is legally registered.
