Dual registration means that a vehicle is registered in Maryland and in another state at the same time. By Maryland law, you must register your vehicle if it remains in Maryland for 60 (sixty) days or more within a calendar year, even it is already titled and registered in another state.

As part of the dual registration process, both a Maryland Certificate of Title (and a Security Interest Filing (SIF), if a lien is involved) and a registration card are produced. You then must decide whether to keep the other state's title, or keep the Maryland title. In either case, you must carry both states' registration cards, and the license plates issued by both states must be placed in or on your vehicle (one set on the vehicle and one set in the trunk).

The only exceptions to Maryland's registration requirements are for those who are temporarily keeping the vehicle here because they are: a student; in the military; in a temporary work situation; or receiving extended medical treatment. In these cases, you must obtain a non-resident permit by submitting to the MVA an Application for Nonresident Permit.

You can apply for dual registration in person at any of the MVA's full service branch offices. You also can mail the documents to the MVA's Title Correspondence Unit in the Glen Burnie office, or go to an MVA licensed tag and title service where they will assist you in applying.

Typically, you will need to submit the following items in order to obtain dual registration.

• Application form – Use the Application for Certificate of Title. Be sure to include your insurance information. Your policy must conform to Maryland’s minimum liability insurance requirements.
• Title from the other (initial registration) state – You must submit the original title issued by the other state. Depending upon which title you decide to hold, this title may be returned to you (or the lien holder) or it may be kept by the MVA. If a lien holder has the title, you must request that it be mailed to the Maryland MVA using the Out-of-State Lienholder Letter. The MVA can assist in preparing this request by partially completing the form.
• Maryland safety inspection certificate – This Maryland State Police form certifies that your vehicle meets Maryland safety standards. It is valid for up to 90 days from the date issued.

Under certain circumstances, additional information and/or forms may be required:

• Lien holder authorization – If a lien has been placed against the other state’s title, a letter from the lien holder authorizing dual registration in Maryland must be submitted.
• Authorization from your leasing company – If you leased the vehicle, a letter from the leasing company authorizing you to modify the vehicle’s title must be submitted.
• Power of attorney – If someone other than you, the owner, is signing the application forms, this document is required.
• Customized license plate application forms – Certain classes of vehicles are eligible to display customized license plates such as Chesapeake Bay plates or personalized message (vanity) plates. 

Upon approval of your application, you will immediately receive a Maryland registration card and Maryland license plates and stickers. If you choose to keep the other state's title, it will be returned to you immediately. However, if you choose to keep the Maryland title, the other state's title will be kept by the MVA. You will receive your new title by mail.

• The fee for titling a vehicle typically includes a title fee, excise tax, and a security interest (lien) filing fee if required.
• The fee for registration varies by the type of vehicle and/or its intended use. See Fees for Registration Plates for more information.

MVA 
Title Correspondence
6601 Ritchie Highway NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions:

MVA Customer Service Center:	1-800-950-1MVA(1682)
TTY/Hearing Impaired:	1-800-492-4575
Out-of-State:	1-301-729-4550