Maryland Express Services (MES) — MVA-Authorized Tag & Title
New to Maryland or still using an out-of-state driver’s license? Here’s how MES can legally process your Maryland title and registration, issue a 30-day temporary tag, and move you to permanent plates once you’re ready.
Who This Applies To
If you don’t yet have a Maryland driver’s license (you just moved here, you’re waiting on an appointment, or you’re military with an out-of-state ID), you can still title and register your vehicle in Maryland with MES. The MVA allows creation of a Maryland customer record (MDID) using a valid out-of-state license, as long as you provide a Maryland address and required documents.
What You’ll Need
- Application for Certificate of Title (VR-005).
- Out-of-state title (or other ownership document).
- Valid Maryland auto insurance policy (carrier licensed in MD; include policy/binder #).
- Maryland Safety Inspection certificate or a Temporary Inspection Waiver (VR-129) for a 30-day temporary registration.
- Out-of-state driver’s license or U.S. military ID (used to create your MDID record).
- Lien release or lienholder contact info, if applicable—MVA may process as a Hold Title while it requests the paper title from your lender (VR-056).
Temporary vs. Permanent—What We Can Do Today
| Option | When It’s Used | What You Get | Key Fees* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Day Temporary Tag | Waiting on inspection, lien release, or MD license issuance | Temporary plate + registration so you can legally drive | Temporary Registration: $50 (effective 9/1/24). |
| Permanent Tag & Title | All docs ready (inspection passed or exempt) | Maryland title + 2-year registration (staggered by month) | Title Fee: $100; Lien Filing (if any): $20; Excise Tax: 6%. |
*See the MDOT MVA Fees page for full details.
💰 About Maryland Excise Tax (6%)
Maryland collects a 6% vehicle excise tax based on the vehicle’s fair market or taxable value.
If you’ve recently paid sales or excise tax in another state as a new Maryland resident, you may qualify for a credit toward Maryland’s 6% rate.
Minimum excise tax amounts can apply in some cases.
Maryland Express Services (MES) will review your paperwork and calculate the correct tax amount during your visit.
🚗 Why Do This with MES?
We guide you through the process the right way — no Maryland driver’s license required to start.
If you’re new to Maryland or still using an out-of-state ID, we’ll help you prepare your forms, verify your MDOT MVA Customer ID (MDID) through official channels, and submit your Tag & Title transaction electronically using Maryland’s ERT system when eligible.
MES does not issue state credentials or create MDIDs — those are handled directly by the MDOT MVA.
Once everything checks out — insurance, inspection, taxes, liens or flags, and system availability — we can issue same-day 30-day temporary tags.
After your inspection or lien items are cleared, we’ll convert those to permanent Maryland plates.
All documents are uploaded and stored according to MDOT MVA’s ERT scanning standards and may be subject to audit.
Our process ensures full compliance and a smooth handoff to the MVA database.
📋 What to Bring to MES
- Valid out-of-state driver’s license or U.S. military ID
- Current out-of-state title or registration
- Maryland insurance details (company, policy, or binder number, agent)
- Inspection certificate, if already complete
- If not, MES can issue a 30-day temporary tag while you finish the inspection
- Lienholder details or lien release, if applicable
- Maryland mailing or residential address
🔗 Helpful Links & Forms
- Form VR-005 — Application for Certificate of Title
- Form VR-129 — Temporary Inspection Waiver (30-Day Temp)
- MDOT MVA Fee Schedule
📚 Related MES Guides
- No Lien Release Letter? Here’s What to Do
- What Happens When My Temporary Tag Expires Before Inspection?
- Understanding Maryland ERT
- License Plate Requirements by State (2025)
Ready to Get Your Maryland Tags?
See Tag & Title Services Contact MES
FAQ
Can I register in Maryland with an out-of-state driver’s license?
Yes. The MVA can create a Maryland customer record (MDID) from your out-of-state license so you can title/register now, then switch your driver’s license later.How much is the temporary tag?
The 30-day temporary registration fee is $50 (effective 9/1/24).Do I have to pass the Maryland inspection first?
Not to start. If you don’t have an inspection yet, MES can issue a 30-day temp using the VR-129 waiver while you complete it.What taxes and fees should I expect?
Excise tax is 6% of the vehicle’s taxable value, plus a $100 title fee and, if applicable, a $20 lien filing fee. Tax credits may apply if you recently paid another state’s vehicle tax.
References (MDOT MVA)
- Interactive Title & Registration Manual (Dealer/Title Services/Vehicle Programs).
- VR-005 — Application for Certificate of Title (MDOT MVA).
- VR-129 — Temporary Inspection Waiver (30-Day Temporary Registration).
- MDOT MVA Fee Schedule (Title fee, temporary registration, etc.).
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