Whether you’ve just purchased a vehicle from a private seller, moved to the state, or need to get your car inspected, you’ll likely need a Maryland temporary license plate. This allows you to legally drive your vehicle for a limited time before completing the permanent registration process.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to get the common 30-day temporary tag, explain the other types of permits, and answer your most common questions.
Did you buy from a dealer? If you bought your car from a licensed Maryland dealer, you can stop reading. The dealer will handle all the paperwork and provide you with a 60-day temporary tag (or permanent plates) before you leave the lot. This guide is for private sales and new residents.
The 30-Day “Temporary Inspection Waiver” (The Most Common Tag)
This is the tag 99% of people need. It is officially called a Temporary Inspection Waiver (Form VR-129). Its entire purpose is to give you 30 days to legally drive your car to an inspection station and to the MVA.
You CANNOT apply for this tag online. It must be done in person or by mail.
Step 1: Gather Your 5 Required Documents
Before you go, you must have all of the following:
- Proof of Ownership: The original Certificate of Title signed over to you, OR a Bill of Sale (Form VR-181) signed by you and the seller.
- The original Certificate of Title, signed over to you. (If the seller lost the title, they must first get a duplicate MVA titlebefore they can sell it to you.)
- Completed Application: The Temporary Inspection Waiver (Form VR-129), filled out completely.
- Proof of Maryland Insurance: A valid, current Maryland insurance card or policy for the vehicle.
- Valid Driver’s License: Your valid driver’s license.
- Payment: The $20 fee for the temporary registration.
Step 2: Get Your Tag (In-Person or by Mail)
You have two options, but the in-person method is strongly recommended.
Method A: In-Person (Fastest and Safest Option)
- Book an Appointment: You must schedule an appointment to visit a full-service MVA branch. Walk-ins are not accepted for this service.
- Select the Service: When booking, choose “Vehicle Registration” or “Tag/Title Services.”
- Visit the MVA: Bring all 5 documents from Step 1 to your appointment. If everything is correct, you will pay your $20 fee and walk out with your 30-day temporary tag.
Method B: By Mail (Slow Option) You can mail all the required documents and a check or money order for $20 to the MVA’s mail-in title unit.
- Address: MVA Mail-in Title Unit, 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062
- Warning: This method is slow and risky. If you make a single mistake on the form, your application will be mailed back to you, wasting valuable time.
Step 3: What to Do After You Get Your 30-Day Tag
You must complete these steps before the 30-day tag expires:
- Get a Maryland Safety Inspection: Take your vehicle to a licensed inspection station. The station will electronically transmit the “pass” certificate to the MVA.
- Book a Second Appointment: Go back to the MVA portal and book another appointment for “New Vehicle Titling and Registration.”
- Get Your Permanent Plates: At this second appointment, you will pay the full title fee, the 6% excise tax (sales tax), and your permanent registration fee. You will then be issued your permanent metal license plates.
The Other Temp Tag: The 30-Day “Transport Tag”
What if you are an out-of-state resident who just bought a car in Maryland and needs to drive it home? You don’t need an inspection waiver. You need a Transport Tag.
- What It Is: A 30-day tag that allows you to legally drive a newly purchased vehicle from Maryland to your home state for registration.
- How to Get It: You must visit an MVA branch (book an appointment for “Title/Tag Services”) and present the signed-over Title, a Bill of Sale, and Proof of Insurance. You will pay a small fee.
FAQs
Yes! This is the best “pro-tip.” Licensed, private Tag & Title businesses are authorized by the MVA to issue temporary tags. They are a walk-in service and do not require an MVA appointment. They will charge an extra service fee, but you can get your tag in 15 minutes. This is often the best option.
No. The MVA does not grant extensions for any reason.If your 30-day tag expires, you cannot legally drive the car. You will have to get it towed to the inspection station or MVA.
NO. This is illegal and a very bad idea. In Maryland, the license plates belong to the seller, not the car. As soon as they sign the title, their insurance no longer covers that car. You must get your own temporary tag before driving it.
No. 60-day tags are issued only by licensed Maryland dealers for vehicles they sell (which have typically already passed inspection). Individuals can only get 30-day tags.
Yes, the process is the same. To drive the car legally, he will need to get a 30-day temp tag using the gifted title and Form VR-103 (Gift Certification) as his proof of ownership.
Conclusion
Securing a 30-day temporary tag is the essential first step to registering your privately purchased vehicle in Maryland. The fastest, no-appointment method is to visit a private Tag & Title service. The cheapest method is to book an appointment at an MVA branch.
Whichever path you choose, be prepared with the correct documents (especially Form VR-129) and your proof of insurance. Most importantly, use the 30-day period wisely to pass the safety inspection, as extensions are not granted.
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