Maryland License Plate Lookup

Check License Plate Now GoodCar's license plate lookup provides interested parties with the right information on their vehicles.

Table of Content

How To Lookup Maryland License Plates
Why Run a License Plate Search in Maryland?
What Can You Get Out of a Maryland License Plate Lookup?
Why Choose GoodCar for Maryland Plate Lookups?
Maryland License Plates
How to Get a License Plate in Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions about Maryland License Plate Lookups

How To Lookup Maryland License Plates

Looking up license plates in Maryland is essential to ensure that a car’s details match those on record. When conducting a license plate search, individuals can find valuable information about a vehicle’s history, title status, and potential problems, ensuring the car is safe to use. A license plate search also provides details about a car’s title brand, such as rebuilt, salvaged, or flooded status, which is useful in evaluating its price and insurance evaluation.

Potential vehicle buyers or sellers can look up license plates in the state in a couple of ways. One way is by requesting the tag details from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Interested parties can also use the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to verify car information.

Lastly, people can use approved third-party vehicle history search services like GoodCar for reliable records to prevent fraud and ensure the vehicle meets the required safety and road standards.

License Plates

When conducting a license plate lookup on the GoodCar website, individuals should ensure that the ‘License Plate Tab’ is selected. Afterward, they should input the ‘Maryland license plate number’ into the search bar, select ‘Maryland’ on the ‘State’ option, and click the search button.

The website will provide a vehicle report that includes any major problems or issues, accident and junk details, title brand records, previous odometer readings, sales history, or if the vehicle has a flooded or salvaged title. However, individuals must pay a small fee to access a full, comprehensive report of the vehicle’s history.

VIN

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique code issued by the manufacturer or state to every vehicle. The GoodCar VIN lookup works the same way as a license plate search. To perform a VIN lookup, individuals must select the VIN Tab above the Search Bar to track a vehicle’s history.

A person should then input the 17-code VIN into the Search Bar and click on Search. The VIN search also provides additional information like a vehicle’s year of manufacture and factory of manufacture. A VIN lookup provides users with the same data as a plate lookup, but most users prefer using plate numbers because they are easier to obtain and input than VINs.

Why Run a License Plate Search in Maryland?

Reasons to Run License Plate Search in Maryland

Individuals should always check a car’s history before making any sale decisions. Conducting a Maryland License Plate lookup provides access to information that people can use to verify a vehicle’s history. The GoodCar license plate check is an ideal way to get instant access to these records and ensure that a vehicle is in good condition. Some of the most beneficial records within a plate search include a history of accidents, mechanical issues, or damages.

Potential vehicle buyers can use this historical information to make an informed purchasing decision, especially regarding road safety. Additionally, a Maryland license plate search can confirm if particular car models are open to recalls, ensuring vehicle owners take swift action to protect themselves and their passengers. Maryland residents looking to buy out-of-state vehicles can also use GoodCar’s VIN search service to validate its past details and titling.

What Can You Get Out of a Maryland License Plate Lookup?

Like the VIN, the license plate is a unique vehicle identifier issued by the state. In Maryland, license plates are issued by the state Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office under the Department of Transportation. The GoodCar tag look-up service provides interested parties with vehicle records and title brands.

Vehicle Records

GoodCar is an approved NMVTIS provider, which means it holds records of all vehicles in the United States. The vehicle history report includes its model, auto specs, accident reports, and damage severity. Individuals also have access to a vehicle’s recall records and reasons for the recall, if any.

Title Brands and Problem Checks

Additionally, the GoodCar database provides interested parties with information to verify a car’s title status. Dealers or third-party sellers might be reluctant to provide vehicle details like recalls, salvage status, flooding, or if the car was declared a total loss. The title brands report details any issues with the vehicle, including significant damage caused by flooding, fires, or accidents.

Individuals can also use the Maryland license tag lookup to determine if a car was rebuilt or restored or is a genuine antique vehicle. The title report can also show if the car has any prior title or registration issues.

Why Choose GoodCar for Maryland Plate Lookups?

Requesters can benefit from extensive vehicle records and reports as they obtain information from accredited data providers like the NMVTIS. GoodCar also illustrates theft checks, collision records, recalls, flood, hail, or fire damage, and pricing.

Maryland License Plates

Maryland made it mandatory for all owners to register their motor vehicles in 1904 and required them to have state-issued license plates in 1910. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVD) issues all plates in the state. Maryland is among the states requiring most vehicles to have front and rear plates.

However, motorcycles and trailers only have rear plates. The Maryland Correctional Enterprises, a division of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Service, manufactures all license plates in the state. Maryland recently launched new license plates to enhance security and prevent tag theft and fraud.

Standard Issue License Plates

General or standard license plates are issued in Maryland during car registration or to replace damaged tags. They are issued to passenger vehicles and motorcycles. General license plates have a “Maryland” embedded above the tag number and a flag below the tag number. The state does not have an initial fee for a general-issued license plate as long as vehicle owners pay the registration fee, which is valid for two years. However, the state requires vehicle owners to pay a license plate renewal fee of $17 annually.

Personalized License plates

Personalized or vanity license plates are issued to vehicle owners who want customized tag messages. However, the Maryland MVA requires additional information about the plate to prevent any offensive or inappropriate messages on the license plates. To issue a personalized license plate, individuals must pay a $50 initial fee and an additional $50 annually in addition to the standard renewal charge.

Specialty License Plates

The state also issues specialty license plates. Specialty plates include any unusual features not found on the general license tags. Though specialty plates may vary in features, the most common specialty plates include:

Chesapeake Bay license plates

Agricultural license plates
Combat-related license plates
Disabled veteran’s license plates
Ham (amateur radio operators) license plates
Organizational license plates

However, only a few vehicles can have specialty plates; not all plate types are displayed on every eligible vehicle. For example, organizational license tags are only reserved for state-verified companies and their members. Additionally, disabled veteran’s license plates are reserved for drivers with a service-related disability.

The initial and renewal fees for a Maryland specialty license plate vary depending on the type. The initial cost for agricultural and bay plates is $20. Combat-related and Ham plates have an initial fee of $25 and $5, respectively. The initial fee for organizational plates is $25 with a logo and $15 without a logo.

The renewal of Bay and agricultural plates is $10 annually to the additional standard renewal charge, while Ham plate renewal is $5 yearly, in addition to the standard fee. However, combat-related and organizational plates only require payment of the standard renewal charge. Disabled veteran’s license plates are eligible for 100% free license plate registration and renewal.

How to Get a
License Plate in Maryland

Maryland laws require vehicle owners to title and register their cars before getting a license plate. Individuals do not have to pay an initial fee for general license plates. On the other hand, the initial cost of acquiring a specialty or personalized license plate will vary depending on the plate type. The state requires individuals to register their cars as soon as they purchase them. New Maryland residents must register their vehicles within 60 days of moving to the state.

To register a vehicle and get a license tag, interested parties can visit or mail their information to their nearest MVA office or visit their online portal. When applying for registration, a person will require:

Proof of vehicle ownership
Completed Form VR-056 if an applicant does not have title documentation.
Proof of identification
Bill of sale
Certificate of inspection
Proof of insurance liability
Lease agreement, if applicable
Lien information, if applicable

After applying for new license plates, it takes about four to six weeks before the MVA can mail them.

MD License Plate Renewal

Individuals can also renew their license plates annually. The fee for general-issued plates is $70 yearly, while for personalized plates, it is $50 plus the standard renewal fee. The price of renewing specialty plates can vary depending on the plate type. People can renew their vehicle license plates by visiting or mailing their information to the nearest MVA service branch office or using the MVA online portal.

MD License Plate Replacement

Individuals can replace damaged or stolen Maryland tags by applying for substitute license plates. Interested parties can visit their nearest MVA office, mail the application to the MVA’s Mail-In Registration Unit, or use their online portal. Maryland requires individuals to pay a fee for a substitute license plate, which might vary depending on the plate type.

Frequently Asked Questions about
Maryland License Plate Lookups

Can I Lookup MD License Plates for Free?
GoodCar allows individuals to conduct a free VIN to view basic vehicle specifications. However, an individual must pay a small fee for a comprehensive report like a vehicle’s value, sales history, previous mileage, and odometer readings.
Can I use Maryland license plate lookup services to find out about a vehicle's accident history?
Yes, individuals can use the GoodCar website to find vehicle information by conducting a Maryland license plate lookup. Interested parties can use the information to confirm a car’s title status, damage history, and safety issues.
How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Maryland?
Personalized or specialty plates can be applied for through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration platform. These plates may also be obtained in person at MVA full-service branch offices or through mail. Vanity license plates typically range from $20 to $50.