Moving to Maryland brings a lot of tasks. Packing, changing your address, finding new doctors, and grocery stores. In all that rush, vehicle registration is easy to overlook.
But the truth is, you need to register your car. And you need Maryland insurance to do it. If you’ve had trouble getting insurance in the past, don’t panic. You still have options. Let’s walk through what you need to know.
The Legal Requirement for New Residents
If you’re moving to Maryland and bringing a car with you, Maryland law says you must register it with the Maryland Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Here’s your timeline: you have 60 days from the date you become a Maryland resident.
What counts as becoming a resident? Any of these:
- You move into a home or apartment in Maryland
- You start a job in Maryland
- Your kids enroll in a Maryland school
Once the clock starts, you have 60 days to register your car. Wait too long, and you could face fines. Worse, if you get pulled over or into an accident before registering, you could be in serious trouble.
What You Need to Register Your Car
Before you go to the MVA, gather your paperwork. Having everything ready saves time and frustration.
You’ll need:
- Your valid out-of-state title
- Proof of Maryland car insurance (more on this below)
- A completed application for a certificate of title
- Payment for registration fees
Most vehicles also need to pass a Maryland safety inspection. This is tougher than in many other states. If your car doesn’t pass, you’ll need repairs before you can register it.
Depending on your car’s age and the county you live in, you may also need an emissions test.
Maryland Insurance Is a Must
New residents often don’t know that you can’t keep using your out-of-state insurance. Maryland law requires that every vehicle registered in the state have insurance from a company authorized to do business in Maryland. Your old policy from another state won’t cut it.
Before you even start the registration process, you need to secure a Maryland-approved insurance policy. Maryland requires minimum coverage levels for:
- Bodily injury
- Property damage
- Uninsured motorist protection
Driving with out-of-state insurance after becoming a Maryland resident can lead to fines, license suspension, or even your car being impounded. Don’t risk it.
What If You Can’t Get Insurance Because of Your Record?
This is where a lot of new residents get stuck. If you move to Maryland, you need to register your car, but every insurance company you call turns you down because of your driving record.
Maybe you have tickets or an accident still on your record. Maybe you let your insurance lapse in your old state.
MAIF insurance can help. MAIF stands for the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund. It’s a program Maryland created to ensure every driver can get the coverage they need, even when private insurance companies say no.
If you’ve been turned down by at least one private insurer, you likely qualify for MAIF car insurance. As a third-party provider for the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund, Roadway Auto can help you get covered.
Once you have MAIF insurance, you have the proof of Maryland car insurance you need to register your vehicle with the MVA.
Don’t Rely on Temporary Plates for Too Long
Some people assume they can just keep using temporary tags from their old state. That’s a risky move.
Temporary plates from another state are generally not recognized once you become a Maryland resident. Even within your 60-day window, police officers can still ticket you for expired or out-of-state tags.
If you’re waiting for an inspection appointment or dealing with other delays, call the MVA directly. They may issue a temporary registration or explain how to remain legal during the transition.
But the cleanest path? Get your Maryland insurance first. Then register your car. Then drive with peace of mind.
Register Your Car Today
Moving is stressful enough. Don’t let car registration and insurance add to that stress.
At Roadway Auto, we specialize in helping Maryland drivers who’ve been turned down elsewhere. We’re a trusted third-party provider for MAIF car insurance through the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund. If you’re a new resident and can’t find coverage because of your record, we can help.
Call us today at 301-476-1183 or get a free insurance quote online. We’ll help you get the insurance you need so you can register your car and drive legally in Maryland.