1. What License Plate Designs are Available in Maryland?
In Maryland, the Motor Vehicle Administration offers several license plate designs, including personalized plates, specialty plates, amateur radio plates, antique vehicle plates, classic vehicle plates, motorcycle plates, military plates, and official state tags. Additionally, the state allows for disabled veteran and retired police officer plates. Some of the more popular specialty plates include plates to support charities, breast cancer awareness, education, wildlife preservation and many others.
2. Are Custom License Plates Available in Maryland?
Yes, custom license plates are available in Maryland.
3. How Can I Personalize My License Plate in Maryland?
In Maryland, you can personalize your license plate by visiting the MVA website and selecting the “Personalized Plates” option. From there, you can choose your plate type (standard, motorcycle, antique, etc.), select a combination of up to 7 letters and numbers, and pay the fee. Once submitted, your personalized plate should arrive in 4-6 weeks.
4. Are Special License Plate Designs Available in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland offers a variety of specialty license plate designs, including designs for colleges and universities, military service branches, environmental and conservation organizations, and various other organizations.
5. How Much Does it Cost to Design a Custom License Plate in Maryland?
According to Maryland’s Vehicle Administration website, the cost of a custom license plate is $50.
6. What are the Rules and Restrictions for License Plate Designs in Maryland?
The rules and restrictions for license plate designs in Maryland vary depending on the type of license plate. Generally, all Maryland license plates must include the words “Maryland” and “Terrapin State” as well as an image of the state flag. Specialty and vanity plates may also feature a logo or other design, but all custom designs must be approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration. Additionally, any design must not include offensive or inappropriate content.
7. What Is the Process for Obtaining a Special Plate in Maryland?
In order to obtain a special plate in Maryland, you must first complete an application form. You can find the application form online, at a Motor Vehicle Administration office, or by calling the MVA. Once you have completed the application form, you must submit it along with your payment to the MVA. The MVA will then mail you the license plate and registration cards within 10 business days.
8. How Long Does It Take to Get a Personalized License Plate in Maryland?
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) generally processes personalized license plates within 8 to 10 weeks. The processing time may vary based on the demand for those plates.
9. Are There Any Fees Associated with Customizing a License Plate in Maryland?
Yes, there are fees associated with customizing a license plate in Maryland. The fees vary depending on the plate type and design. For example, a personalized license plate costs $25 for the first two years, plus an additional $20 for each year after that. The cost for a specialty plate is also determined by the type of plate and design chosen.
10. Are There Any Age Restrictions on Customizing a License Plate in Maryland?
Yes. In Maryland, customizing a license plate is only available to persons age 65 or over.
11. Are There Any Registration Restrictions on Customizing a License Plate in Maryland?
Yes, there are some registration restrictions on customizing a license plate in Maryland. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) does not allow the following on license plates:
• Profane, obscene or sexually explicit language
• Reference to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products
• Promotion of any business
• Reference to any political organization or political message
• Discrimination of any kind
• Any words or phrases that are likely to create a disruption of the public order.
12. Are There Any Limitations on the Number of Characters on a Custom License Plate in Maryland?
Yes. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issues seven-character custom license plates. The first character must be a letter, the next five characters can be any combination of letters or numbers, and the last character must be a letter or number.
13. Is It Possible to Transfer My Current License Plate Design to a Different Vehicle in Maryland?
Yes, it is possible to transfer your current license plate design to a different vehicle in Maryland. To transfer the plate, you must complete a “Transfer Plate” form, available from any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, and provide proof of ownership of the new vehicle. The fee for transferring plates is $20.
14. What are the Characteristics of the Standard License Plate Design in Maryland?
The standard license plate design in Maryland features a black background with white characters. The top of the plate features the state name “Maryland” in blue text along with a small outline of the state. Below that is a white line, followed by a two-letter abbreviation for the county in which the vehicle is registered in blue. The center of the plate features the numbers and letters of the license plate in white, followed by “Maryland” once again in blue text along the bottom. The back of the plate contains a white “Maryland” script at the top and a black barcode at the bottom.
15. How Do I Apply for a Specialty License Plate in Maryland?
You can apply for a specialty license plate in Maryland by visiting the Motor Vehicle Administration’s website. From there, you can select the type of plate you would like and it will provide you with instructions on how to apply. You will need to provide the required documentation and pay the associated fees.
16. Is it Possible to Receive My Personalized License Plate Through the Mail in Maryland?
No, it is not possible to receive a personalized license plate through the mail in Maryland. You must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration office to apply for a personalized license plate.
17. What Kinds of Images are Permitted on Customized License Plates in Maryland?
In Maryland, the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) does not permit any kind of images or graphics to be used on customized license plates. The MVA only allows a combination of up to seven letters and/or numbers.
18. How Do I Renew My Personalized License Plate In Maryland?
You can renew your personalized license plate in Maryland either online, by mail or in person. To renew your personalized license plate online, you’ll need to provide your vehicle registration information and a credit card for payment. To renew by mail, you’ll need to fill out the application form that you received when you first registered your personalized plates and mail it, along with payment, to the Motor Vehicle Administration. To renew in person, you must bring the application form and payment to any MVA office.
19. Are There Any Costs Associated With Replacing a Lost or Stolen Customized License Plate In Maryland?
Yes, there is a fee of $20 to replace a lost or stolen customized license plate in Maryland.
20. Is it Possible to Change or Revise My Personalized License Plate Design In Maryland?
Yes, it is possible to change or revise your personalized license plate design in Maryland. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) offers a one-time free change of your personalized license plate design. After the one-time free change, there is a fee to change the plate design in the future.