Maryland drivers with out-of-state tags have until Oct. 1, 2026 to register their vehicles properly in the state, and the MVA has launched the “Plate Where You Live” campaign to help.
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) started the “Plate Where You Live” effort to help residents before new enforcement measures authorized by Senate Bill 111 go into effect. The bill was signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore and expands the ability of MVA and local law enforcement to fine residents who don’t register their vehicles in the state in which they live.
“Proper vehicle registration is fundamental to road safety. Our goal is to help more Maryland drivers get into compliance for the well-being of everyone on our roads,” said Chrissy Nizer, Motor Vehicle Administrator. Nizer also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative.
“When drivers don’t register their vehicles properly, there is no guarantee those vehicles are safe and have the necessary insurance, putting everyone at risk of death or serious injury,” Nizer said. “We look forward to working with drivers, and our government partners to make Maryland roads safer for everyone. Safety is a everyone’s responsibility.”
The “Plate Where You Live” campaign aims to teach Marylanders about vehicle registration requirements and give them the chance to fix any registration issues before the Oct. 1 deadline. There is a dedicated webpage with resources and tools that help drivers new to the state or who want to maintain vehicle registrations in other states.
Maryland state law gives vehicle owners 60 days to either register their vehicle, secure a nonresident vehicle permit, or provide proof the vehicle is not required to be registered in the state.
Starting on Oct. 1, owners who have not done these things will be given a 60-day warning to bring their vehicle into compliance with state law or get proper documentation explaining why they are exempt. After that, if their vehicles remain out-of-compliance, the owner will be fined $7 for each day it remains that way for up to 60 days, or $420. If after 120 days the vehicle is still not in compliance, the MVA will notify the local jurisdictions for more penalties, which may include civil action, booting, towing, vehicle impoundment, and seized out-of-state plates.
Maryland residents who need to register or re-register a vehicle can visit the MVA’s dedicated “Plate Where You Live” page for step-by-step instructions, tools, and resources to help them complete the process. The MVA urges drivers to meet the requirements before the new law takes effect on Oct. 1, 2026. Additional assistance is available through ContactMVA or by calling 410-768-7000.
