Administrative Flags
What is an administrative flag?
This is when there is a violation on your record, i.e. this violation is not allowing you to process any type car registration with Motor Vehicle Administration or Tag & Title Agent.
If I have violations, will I be able to register or renew a vehicle?
No. You must go to Motor Vehicle Full Service to pay off the violation(s). If you can’t pay off the whole amount, ask Motor Vehicle for a payment plan option. Once you are able to pay the minimum amount required, you should be able to register the car. Or, you could call Motor Vehicle to pay over the phone, and come to me to register the car for you.
Note: You also have the option to transfer the title to your name without registering the car.
If I have an administrative flag on my account, can I be able to register my car at a licensed tag and title place?
Yes. You must pay off the administrative flag first, before registering or doing any type of car registration.
If my Drivers' License is expired, can I be able to register my vehicle?
Yes. You should be able to register it as long as you do not drive the car but have someone with a valid Driver’s License drive it for you.
Note: If you are caught by Law Enforcement driving the car, your vehicle might be impounded or you might be ticketed and other charges imposed by them. Believe me, the risk is not worth taking.
Can I register a car with a Maryland State ID or Provisional License?
Yes. As long as you do not drive the car but have someone with a valid Driver’s License to drive it for you.
30 Day Temp Tags
When do I need a 30 Day Temp Tag?
This is given when one does not have the Maryland Safety Inspection Ticket. This will enable you drive the car to & from the inspection station and if you have to make repairs.
What do I need to obtain a 30 Day Temp Tag?
You will need the Title Properly filled out, Lien Release (if any), Insurance Coverage and your Driver’s License.
Note: When you obtain these tags, make sure you start the inspection process immediately in case you have to make repairs on the car. There is no extension if the tag expires, so make hay while the sun shines.
Can I get an extension on a 30 Day Temp Tag when it expires?
No. There is no extension on a 30 Day Temp Tag.
Note: When you obtain a 30 Day Temp Tag, you must start the inspection process immediately in case you have to make repairs. Do not wait until the last minute, otherwise you will be running helter-skelter!
Car Registration
Can I register a vehicle without an Auto Insurance?
No. You Must have Car Insurance to be able to register and drive in the State of Maryland.
What documents must I have to register a car purchased from an Individual?
You must have the Title of the Vehicle properly filled out by both the seller and buyer, Notarized Bill of Sale if the Vehicle is less than 7yrs, Maryland Notice of Security Interest filing, if there is a lien(Lien release Signature on the front lower side of the Title. For Out of State Lien Release); make sure the lien release paper(s) is attached; properly Signed off by the Lien Holder, Maryland Safety Inspection, Auto Insurance, Driver’s License & Registration Card, if you are transferring to the new vehicle.
What documents do I need to register a vehicle purchased from a Dealer?
You must have the Title of the Vehicle properly filled out by both the Dealer and buyer, Dealer Reassignment, Dealer Bill of Sale, or Notarized Bill of Sale if the Vehicle is less than 7yrs, Maryland Notice of Security Interest filing, if there is a lien(Lien release Signature on the front lower side of the Title. For Out of State Lien Release); make sure the lien release paper(s) is attached; properly Signed off by the Lien Holder, Maryland Safety Inspection, Auto Insurance, Driver’s License & Registration Card, if you are transferring to the new vehicle.
How do I obtain a new vehicle titled in Maryland that was sold to me by the deceased Owner's Administrator?
Basically, you will need the following: Existing Vehicle Title properly signed including Assignment of Ownership section, State of Maryland Letters of Administration & Death Certificate (obtained from the court house), Bill of Sale-(The Executor of the estate must sign & print their titles next to their signatures. The Bill of Sale MUST be on the MVA”s Bill of Sale & all Signatures notarized when: the vehicle is less than 7 years old; & the purchase Price is at least $500 below the book value; & you want to base the excise tax calculation on the sale price rather than the book value), Lien Release-(If Applicable), Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate-(If Applicable) Note: If you intend to register the car additional forms are usually required.
Do I need Maryland Safety Inspection on a car over 20yrs?
Yes. You must provide MD Safety Inspection on all used vehicles Unless you register the car as Historic. Restrictions Apply. Vehicles on this category may not be driven on a daily basis or on the Highway.
Can I register the title of a vehicle if I don't want to put it on the road?
Yes. When registering the car, mention to the Tag & Title Agent that you want to register just the Title.
Do I need insurance coverage to process "Title Only" registration?
No. You do not need Auto Insurance but when you are ready to drive the Vehicle, you will now be required to get insurance Coverage and Maryland Safety Inspection to now register it Or If you don’t have the Maryland Safety Inspection, you could obtain 30 Day Temp Tags to enable you get the inspection done. Note: You must start the Inspection process Immediately in case you might need to make repairs.
What do I do if I misplaced my title?
If you want to obtain a replacement Title, you may go to a Licensed Tag & Title Agent or MVA to apply for a duplicate Title. To apply, you must have the Vin#, the Title# and a copy of your Driver’s License.
Can I sell my vehicle without the Title?
No. You must have the Certificate of Title to sell your car. If you have misplaced it; you must apply for a duplicate title first and once you receive it, then you can now sign the ownership over to the new buyer.
Can I purchase a car without the seller signing the Title over to me?
No. The seller Must sign the Title over to you.
Note: If there is no Title to transfer ownership, do not purchase.
Substitute Plates
Can I get a substitute plate on a 30 Day Temp Registration?
Yes
What do I do If I misplace my Tag or it's stolen or it's messed up?
You will apply for a substitute Plate. To apply, you must have either the Plate # or the Vin# and your Registration Card.
Note: Bring the old plate(s) with you also.
Tag Returns
What do I do with my Tags when I sell my vehicle?
Take the Tags to any Licensed Tag & Title Place or to a nearby Motor Vehicle Administration Office.
Do I remove the Auto Insurance from my vehicle before returning the Tags?
No. You must return the tags first, and make sure Motor vehicle has received them before removing the insurance otherwise if Motor Vehicle didn’t receive them and you take off the insurance, you might be fined and a flag will be placed on your driver’s License that will not allow you to process anything at Motor Vehicle Administration or at any Tag & Title Place. My advice for you is to call MVA to make sure your tags are received before going ahead to removing the insurance coverage.
Gift
Can I gift my vehicle to my brother or sister without having to provide Maryland Safety Inspection?
No. The receiver will have to provide Maryland Safety Inspection when registering the vehicle or he/she may obtain 30 Day Temporary Registration to enable him/her to get the inspection done.
Can I gift my vehicle to my spouse or wife or vise versa without Maryland Safety Inspection?
Yes & No. If the tags are transferred as well; Yes and No, if you are obtaining new tags.