Understanding the costs associated with vehicle registration in Maryland can be complex. This guide breaks down the fees for 2-year tags, covering various vehicle classes and potential surcharges, ensuring you have accurate information for your registration needs.
Navigating the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) fee structure can be confusing. This article focuses on clarifying the cost of 2-year vehicle registration tags, providing a detailed overview of the different vehicle classes and any applicable surcharges. Knowing these costs upfront can save you time and ensure a smooth registration process.
Maryland Vehicle Registration Fees: A Detailed Breakdown
The following table outlines the 1-year registration fees for various vehicle classes in Maryland. To calculate the cost for 2-year tags, simply double the listed price for the base registration fee. Keep in mind that certain surcharges are applied annually and must also be factored in.
| CLASS | DESCRIPTION | PRICES AS OF JULY 1, 2024 (1 YEAR) | ESTIMATED 2-YEAR COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Passenger Cars (shipping weight up to 3,500 lbs.) | $110.50 | $221.00 |
| A | Passenger Cars (shipping weight greater than 3,500 lbs. but less than or equal to 3,700 lbs.) | $120.50 | $241.00 |
| A | Passenger Cars (shipping weight over 3,700 lbs.) | $161.50 | $323.00 |
| B | Passenger Vehicle Operated for Hire | $210.00 | $420.00 |
| C | Funeral Vehicles and Ambulances | $160.00 | $320.00 |
| D | Motorcycles | $95.00 | $190.00 |
| L | Historic Vehicles | $45.50* | $91.00* |
| Historic Vehicles over 60 years old | $50 (one time)* | $50 (one time)* | |
| M | Multi Purpose Vehicle (Shipping weight up to 3,500 lbs.) | $110.50 | $221.00 |
| M | Multi Purpose Vehicle (shipping weight greater than 3,500 lbs. but less than or equal to 3,700 lbs.) | $120.50 | $241.00 |
| M | Multi Purpose Vehicle (shipping weight over 3,700 lbs.) | $161.50 | $323.00 |
| N | Street Rod Vehicles | $45.00* | $90.00* |
| Q | Limousine | $245.00 | $490.00 |
| R | Low Speed Vehicles | $75.00 | $150.00 |
* Registration fee does not require a surcharge.
It’s important to note that these are just the base registration fees. Additional costs may apply depending on your specific circumstances.
Understanding Surcharges and Additional Fees
Several surcharges and additional fees can impact the total cost of your 2-year vehicle tags:
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Surcharge: Most vehicle classes are subject to an annual $40.00 surcharge to support Maryland’s EMS system. This surcharge is already included in the prices listed in the table above, except where noted. For a 2-year registration, this adds $80.00 to the base cost.
- Chesapeake Bay and Agricultural Plates: These plates require an additional $12.50 per year renewal fee, totaling $25.00 for a 2-year renewal.
- Electric Vehicle Surcharge: Starting with vehicle registrations expiring in January 2025, zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) will have an annual surcharge of $125.00, and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) will have a $100.00 annual surcharge. This adds $250.00 or $200.00 respectively to the 2-year registration cost.
Alt text: A Maryland Chesapeake Bay license plate, featuring a blue heron graphic, illustrating the additional cost associated with commemorative tags.
Specific Vehicle Types and Their 2-Year Tag Costs
Let’s look at a few specific examples to illustrate how the 2-year tag costs are calculated:
- Passenger Car (3,600 lbs): Base registration fee (1 year) = $120.50. 2-year base fee = $241.00. Add the 2-year EMS surcharge ($40.00 x 2) = $80.00. Total estimated cost = $321.00.
- Motorcycle: Base registration fee (1 year) = $95.00. 2-year base fee = $190.00. Add the 2-year EMS surcharge ($40.00 x 2) = $80.00. Total estimated cost = $270.00.
- Electric Vehicle (Passenger Car): Base registration fee (1 year) = (Assuming weight over 3,700 lbs) $161.50. 2-year base fee = $323.00. Add the 2-year EMS surcharge ($40.00 x 2) = $80.00. Add the 2-year Electric Vehicle surcharge ($125.00 x 2) = $250.00. Total estimated cost = $653.00.
Trucks and Trailers: Calculating 2-Year Registration Fees
Truck and trailer registration fees are calculated differently, often based on weight class. Refer to the following tables for 1-year fees, and double the base registration fee for the 2-year cost. Remember to add the annual EMS surcharge where applicable.
| CLASS | DESCRIPTION | PRICES AS OF JULY 1, 2024 (1 YEAR) | ESTIMATED 2-YEAR COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | Trucks (3,500 lbs or less GVW) | $123.75 | $247.50 |
| E | Trucks (3,501 – 5,000 lbs GVW) | $133.75 | $267.50 |
| E | Trucks (5,001 – 7,000 lbs GVW) | $148.75 | $297.50 |
| E | Construction Vehicle (below 10,000 lbs GVW) | $123.75 | $247.50 |
| CLASS | DESCRIPTION | PRICES AS OF JULY 1, 2024 (1 YEAR) | ESTIMATED 2-YEAR COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | Trailer (3,000 lbs. or less) | $45.50* | $91.00* |
| G | Trailer (3,001 – 5,000 lbs.) | $71.00* | $142.00* |
| G | Trailer (5,001 – 10,000 lbs.) | $100.00* | $200.00* |
| G | Trailer (10,001 – 20,000 lbs.) | $144.00* | $288.00* |
| G | Freight trailer or semi-trailer | $58.25* | $116.50* |
*Registration fee does not require a surcharge.
For heavier trucks, fees are calculated per 1,000 lbs. GVW or GCW, with additional registration increases and surcharges. Consult the MVA fee schedule for specific details.
Payment Options and Additional Resources
The Maryland MVA accepts various forms of payment, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express, Mobile Wallet Pay, cash, or check. Checks must include your driver’s license number and phone number.
As of January 2025, the MVA offers a payment schedule for eligible renewal and title transactions. This allows you to split the registration fees into two payments.
Conclusion: Planning for Your 2-Year Tag Costs
Accurately estimating the cost of your 2-year vehicle tags in Maryland requires understanding the base registration fees for your vehicle class and accounting for any applicable surcharges. By using the information provided in this guide, you can confidently budget for your vehicle registration and ensure compliance with Maryland law. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official Maryland MVA website or contact them directly.
