Maryland law requires you to return your license plates (tags) to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) when you no longer need them. The two most common reasons are:
- Your vehicle’s insurance is being cancelled.
- You are moving out of Maryland and will be registering your car in a new state.
(Note: If you are moving into Maryland, your process is different. You can learn how to get a Maryland driver’s license from another state in our new resident guide.)
Under these conditions, you must return your plates to avoid penalties. You may even be eligible for a partial refund on your registration fee. This guide will walk you through the simple, hassle-free process for returning your MVA license plates.
Why You MUST Return Your Plates in Maryland
This is the most critical step to understand. In Maryland, your license plates are directly tied to your vehicle’s insurance.
To avoid a massive fine, you must return your plates before you cancel your insurance.
If your insurance company notifies the MVA that your policy is cancelled and your plates are still registered, the MVA will automatically suspend your vehicle’s registration. You will then be charged a severe insurance lapse penalty:
- $150 for the first 30 days
- $7 for each additional day
This can also complicate your driving record. To learn more about other violations, see our guide on reinstating a suspended Maryland license. Returning your plates first proves to the MVA that the vehicle is no longer on the road, allowing you to cancel your insurance penalty-free.
The 4 Ways to Return Your License Plates
You do not need an appointment to return your license plates. You can choose any of these four simple methods.
1. In-Person at an MVA Branch: You can walk into any full-service MVA branch and hand your plates directly to a counter agent. They will give you a receipt (Form VR-312). This receipt is your instant proof that the plates are returned. This is the safest and most recommended method.
2. At an Authorized MVA Tag & Title Service: Many private “Tag and Title” businesses are authorized to accept plate returns. They will also process your return in the MVA system and give you a receipt.
3. Use a 24/7 MVA Drop Box: Most MVA branch offices have a “Plate Return Drop Box” (often a blue bin) located outside. You can drop your plates in this box anytime, 24/7.
- Important: When using a drop box, it’s a good idea to include a small note with your name, phone number, and email address, just in case.
4. By Mail (with Tracking): You can mail your plates to the MVA. There is no special “return form” you need to fill out.
- Mailing Address:
- Motor Vehicle Administration
- Attn: Tag Return
- 6601 Ritchie Highway NE
- Glen Burnie, MD 21062
- Pro-Tip: As you correctly noted in your article, always send the plates using a certified mail service with a return receipt or a service with a tracking number. This is your only proof of delivery until the MVA processes the return.
How to Confirm the MVA Received Your Plates (Critical Step)
This is the most important step after you mail your plates or use a drop box. You should never cancel your insurance until you have this confirmation.
- Wait 3 business days for the MVA to process the return.
- Go to the official MVA Online Plate Return Verification Tool.
- Enter your License Plate Number and click “Submit.”
- The system will show you the date your return was “processed.”
Once you see that your return has been processed, you can safely call your insurance company and cancel your policy.
The Maryland MVA Plate Refund
You may be eligible for a partial refund only if you return your plates with more than 12 months remaining on the 2-year registration.
- If you are eligible, the refund is calculated from the date your plates are processed.
- The MVA will automatically mail a check to your address on file.
- As you noted, this refund check can take up to 6 weeks to arrive.
FAQs from Maryland Drivers
No. Your original article was incorrect about this. You do not need any special form to return your plates. You just return the physical plates. If you want a receipt for your records (which is highly recommended), you must go to an MVA counter in person.
You only must return plates that are still valid and active to cancel your insurance. If your plates are expired and no longer on a vehicle, you can keep them as a souvenir or recycle them.
No. Your original article was incorrect about this. You do not return the paper temporary tags. You can destroy them once your permanent metal plates arrive or the tag expires.
You cannot return what you don’t have. In this case, you must file a police report for the stolen plate. Then, you must visit an MVA branch in person, provide the police report number, and return the one plate you still have. This will officially close your account.
No. If you are moving within the state, you do not return your plates. Your only responsibility is to update your address on file with the MVA. You can see our guide on how to change your MVA address, which can be done online.
Conclusion
Returning your Maryland MVA license plates is a simple but critical process. The most important rule is to return your plates before you cancel your insurance to avoid costly penalties.
For instant peace of mind, return your plates in person at an MVA branch to get a receipt. If you use a drop box or mail, always use the MVA’s online verification tool to confirm your return has been processed before you call your insurance agent.
Add Comment