Maryland Vehicle Registration Cost
Maryland's vehicle costs changed substantially on July 1, 2025 under the Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act (HB 352 of 2025): the excise tax rose from 6.0% to 6.5%, the title fee doubled from $100 to $200, and biennial registration for vehicles over 3,700 lbs was raised. Maryland also added EV surcharges ($125/year BEV, $100/year PHEV) starting January 2025. The state is consistent across the board with no local sales tax, statewide-uniform registration rates, and no annual ad valorem (unlike neighboring Virginia, where vehicles face annual county property tax). A new $35,000 vehicle in Maryland runs about $2,712 in first-year costs (driven by the high $200 title fee and 6.5% excise tax), with annual renewals around $237 for vehicles over 3,700 lbs.
Calculate your cost
Itemized breakdown
| Biennial Registration Fee (annualized, incl. $40 EMS) (annual) | $237 |
| Title Fee | $200 |
| Motor Vehicle Excise Tax | $2,275 |
| First-year total | $2,712 |
| Annual renewal thereafter | $237 |
How Maryland calculates registration
- Biennial Registration Fee (annualized, incl. $40 EMS) — Tiered by weight (annual) Maryland registers vehicles biennially. Shown here as annualized for comparability — you actually pay double the listed amount every 2 years. Includes the mandatory $40/year EMS (Emergency Medical Services) surcharge. Fees were raised effective July 1, 2025 under HB 352 (BRFA of 2025) for vehicles over 3,700 lbs.
- Title Fee — $200 (one-time) Raised from $100 to $200 effective July 1, 2025 under HB 352 (BRFA of 2025). Among the highest title fees in the US, second only to Illinois ($165 — wait, MD is now higher).
Sales tax
Maryland charges 6.5% state Motor Vehicle Excise Tax . Trade-in credit: full. Tax basis: higher of.
Maryland's vehicle excise tax was raised from 6.0% to 6.5% effective July 1, 2025 under HB 352 (BRFA of 2025). The MVA uses the GREATER of purchase price or NADA Clean Retail value as the taxable amount — preventing buyers from reporting an artificially low private-party price. Trade-in credit is allowed for dealer sales but NOT for private-party purchases. New residents transferring a vehicle from another state get a $100 cap on excise tax if the previous state's rate was 6.5% or higher.
Electric vehicle surcharge
Maryland charges an additional $125/year for electric vehicles.
Per Maryland Statutes Transportation Code 13-956 and SB 362 of 2024, effective July 1, 2025. Zero-emission vehicles (battery EVs and fuel cell EVs) pay $125/year additional registration. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles pay $100/year. If you choose a 2-year registration, you pay both years upfront ($250 EV / $200 PHEV). Fees adjusted annually for inflation starting FY 2026.
What makes Maryland distinctive
- Maryland's title fee doubled from $100 to $200 on July 1, 2025 under HB 352 — making it among the highest title fees in the US. Combined with the simultaneous excise tax increase from 6.0% to 6.5%, the change adds about $275 to the cost of registering a $35,000 vehicle compared to pre-July 2025.
- Maryland excise tax uses the GREATER of purchase price or NADA Clean Retail value — preventing artificially low private-party sale prices. Trade-in value is credited for dealer transactions but NOT for private-party sales.
- New residents transferring a vehicle from another state get a $100 excise tax cap if the previous state's tax rate was 6.5% or higher (the new MD rate). This makes Maryland unusually friendly to relocators from high-tax states.
- Maryland charges a mandatory $40/year EMS (Emergency Medical Services) surcharge included in the registration fee — funds med-evac helicopters, ambulances, fire equipment, and trauma units statewide. It's not optional and not separately itemized on most fee schedules.
- Maryland's $125/year ZEV surcharge (plus $100 for PHEVs) started in January 2025 per SB 362 of 2024. Combined with reduced EV purchase rebates and the recent excise tax/title fee increases, MD has shifted from being EV-friendly to roughly neutral on EV ownership costs.
Frequently asked questions about Maryland vehicle registration
How much does it cost to register a car in Maryland?
Registering a new $35,000 passenger vehicle in Maryland costs approximately $2,712 in the first year, including sales tax, title, registration, and any applicable state surcharges. Annual renewal in subsequent years drops to roughly $237 once one-time fees like title and sales tax are paid.
What is the sales tax on a vehicle purchase in Maryland?
Maryland charges a 6.5% state Motor Vehicle Excise Tax with no local additions. Trade-in credit treatment is "full", applied to the higher of.
Does Maryland have an electric vehicle registration fee?
Yes — Maryland charges $125/year extra for battery electric vehicles in addition to standard registration fees, to compensate for lost gas tax revenue. Per Maryland Statutes Transportation Code 13-956 and SB 362 of 2024, effective July 1, 2025. Zero-emission vehicles (battery EVs and fuel cell EVs) pay $125/year additional registration. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles pay $100/year. If you choose a 2-year registration, you pay both years upfront ($250 EV / $200 PHEV). Fees adjusted annually for inflation starting FY 2026.
How much is annual vehicle registration renewal in Maryland?
Annual registration renewal in Maryland for a typical passenger vehicle is approximately $237, covering registration fees, plate fees, and any annual ad valorem or surcharges. This excludes one-time costs like sales tax and title fee paid only at initial registration.
Where do I register my vehicle in Maryland?
Vehicle registration in Maryland is handled by the Maryland MVA. Fees are uniform statewide. See the Maryland MVA website for the official fee schedule, online renewal options, and required documents.
Official sources: Maryland MVA • Official fee calculator
Data last updated: 2026-05-23