Maryland Temporary Tag Requirements & How To Get One
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Have you just moved to Maryland and owned a car? Before you hit the state roads with your vehicle, it’s vital that you have the proper titles and tags. This requirement ensures that vehicle owners pay appropriate taxes and that the vehicle meets the state’s safety and emission standards. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with misdemeanor charges and hefty fines for driving a car without registration.
In Maryland, your vehicle must pass the state’s safety inspection before you’re given the registration. However, many drivers have difficulties obtaining a safety vehicle inspection from a licensed Maryland inspector. In this case, drivers have the option to get Maryland temporary tags.
Today, we’ll make a quick post about Maryland temporary tags, including their requirements, how to obtain one, and limitations. Let’s get to it!
What is a Maryland Temporary Tag?
As mentioned, Maryland drivers need registration to drive. However, if you have the vehicle title and/or have a Maryland registration application, you may obtain a Maryland temporary tag, also referred to as a 30-Day Temporary Registration. These temporary tags will enable you to drive legally in the state of Maryland even without a title or registration.
However, the keywords here are 30-day and temporary, meaning you can only drive with temporary tags for 30 days. During these 30 days, you must have your car inspected by licensed Maryland inspectors. Also, you’re only entitled to one (1) temporary tag per vehicle, and there are no allowable extensions after the three days. Therefore, if you’re applying for a Maryland temporary tag, ensure you actively pursue your registration and the associated requirements.
Temporary tags are designed so you may drive to and from authorized inspection stations, weighing facilities, and repair shops. This is further emphasized by the fact that these tags’ effective 30-day deadline can’t be extended.
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How Do You Obtain a Maryland Temporary Tag? What are the Requirements?
To apply for Maryland temporary tags, you need to complete the Temporary Inspection Waiver (VR-129 form). Ensure that you include your insurance information when filling up the form. Also, your insurance policy should adhere to Maryland’s minimum insurance requirements.
Then, you have several options on where to submit your VR-129 form and the applicable fees:
- Visit any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) full-service branch office.
- Mail your paperwork and payments to the MVA, located in the office of Glen Burnie.
- Go to any tag and titling service licensed by the MVA, where they can assist you with your application.
The temporary registration fee is $20. In addition, many licensed tag and titling stations specialize in providing quick services, and it should only take you 10-15 minutes to receive the temporary tags.
You’ll be issued a license plate and a temporary registration card with an in-person application. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for these items to be delivered to your doorstep. As soon as you receive the license plate, attach it to your car. Also, your temporary card must always be with you when driving the vehicle.
After obtaining a Safety Inspection Certificate or it has been electronically forwarded to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, you should go to any branch office to purchase the permanent registration (you must bring your physical safety certificate). If you’re not planning to get a permanent registration soon, you’re still required to submit the certificate to any MVA office in the span of 90 days after the inspection date.
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Requirements for a 30-Day Temporary Tag for Inspections & Vehicle Repairs
When obtaining a 30-day temporary tag for a safety inspection and vehicle repairs, these are the following requirements:
- A valid Maryland driver’s license
- The original title with the signature of the seller
- The bill of sale
- Your insurance information that meets Maryland’s liability insurance requirements
- Lien release (if applicable)
When Do You Need a Maryland Temporary Tag?
Maryland temporary tags are typically associated with the state’s safety inspection requirement. So which circumstances require a temporary tag and which ones don’t? When do you need a Maryland safety inspection?
A Temporary Tag is Issued When:
- You need a Maryland safety inspection
- Your vehicle was purchased from a private seller or a dealer outside Maryland
- There’s a gift title transfer that requires a safety inspection
A Temporary Tag is NOT Issued When:
- Your vehicle was bought from a Maryland dealership
- Your vehicle was previously tagged in Maryland with no ownership change
A Maryland Safety Inspection is Required When:
- The vehicle goes through a change of ownership
- The vehicle doesn’t meet the benchmark for a gift title transfer, historic/vintage vehicle, or farm vehicle
- A new Maryland resident brings in a new vehicle out-of-state
A Maryland Safety Inspection is NOT Required When:
- The purchased vehicle is brand new
- The vehicle didn’t go through an ownership change and had permanent Maryland tags
- The vehicle is classified as historical or a street rod vehicle
- The vehicle is a gift title transfer with the safety inspections waived
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Maryland Temporary Tags: Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the processing fee to obtain a Maryland temporary tag?
When you transact directly with the MVA, the processing fee is $20. However, if you’re dealing with third-party licensed tag and titling stations, expect to pay more on top of the $20 processing fee.
I am military and stationed outside of Maryland. Do I need to obtain temporary tags?
If you’re in the military stationed out-of-state with a Maryland-titled vehicle but with a home record in Maryland, you may qualify for a Military Personnel Inspection Waiver. To be eligible for the waiver, you must fill up the Maryland Temporary State Inspection Waiver (VR-129 form) and an Address Certification with the signature of your superior officer. You’ll receive the registration card and license plates after successful processing.
Is it possible to extend or apply for another 30-day temporary registration?
No. Every applicant is only entitled to one (1) 30-day registration, which can’t be extended or renewed. After 30 days, you can’t legally drive your vehicle on state roads without a permanent registration. After receiving the 30-day temporary registration, you should work on getting a safety inspection and obtaining your permanent registration.
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