Maryland License Plate Return & Surrender

License plates are often returned or surrendered when a vehicle is sold, transferred, registered in another state, or no longer used. Maryland vehicle owners may need to follow specific steps based on the reason for returning the plates and the status of the vehicle registration. Knowing when plates should be surrendered can help prevent registration issues, unwanted notices, or problems linked to an active vehicle record. The process may differ for standard plates, specialty plates, and certain registration situations.

License plates can carry an active connection to a Maryland vehicle registration, so returning them at the appropriate time can help keep records current. Vehicle owners may need to confirm whether plates must be surrendered, retained, transferred, or handled through an approved Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration process. Requirements can vary based on the transaction, such as a sale, move, insurance change, or registration cancellation. Checking the applicable Maryland requirements before submitting plates can help avoid delays and keep the vehicle record properly updated.

How to Return Maryland License Plates

Returning Maryland license plates is required when you no longer need them, such as after selling, trading, or junking a vehicle, canceling its insurance, moving out of Maryland, or no longer using the vehicle. The Maryland license plate MVA provides several ways to complete a plate return, including an MVA branch, a 24-hour tag return drop box, or mail. For one to four sets of plates, the MVA instructs vehicle owners to remove the plates first and select the return method that works best for them. Keep proof of the return until the MVA record has been updated.

• Returning Process Maryland License Plates:
  • https://mva.maryland.gov/title-registration/license-plates/returning-your-license-plates

What Is the Address to Mail License Plates?

The address to mail Maryland license plates is the Maryland MVA destination in Glen Burnie. For a mail-in plate return, use the following address shown in the Maryland MVA’s current return instructions.

Maryland MVA Tag Return Mailing Address:

• MDOT MVA
• Attn: CRTR / Tag Return
• 6601 Ritchie Highway N.E.
• Glen Burnie, MD 21062

Before you mail Maryland plates, package them securely so they are protected during shipping. Include the completed VR-027 Tag Return Form and make sure your name, mailing address, email address, and other required contact details are current. Accurate information helps the MVA connect the returned plates with the correct registration record.

Mailing Tips for Maryland Plate Returns

• Use a secure envelope or package that keeps the plates from shifting or causing damage during transit.
• Include the required Tag Return Form VR-027 with your plates.
• Use certified mail with return receipt requested for documented delivery.
• Keep your tracking number, postal receipt, and delivery confirmation.
• Save your return records until the MVA confirms that the plates have been processed.

The Maryland license plate return address above is for mail submissions. It is different from an MVA branch or a 24-hour tag return drop box. A branch is used for an in-person return, while a drop box is used for designated after-hours submissions. The MVA tag return mailing address should be used when you select the mail-in option.

Plate Return Form VR-027

The VR-027 is the Maryland MVA Tag Return Form used when you surrender plates or submit a plate return. The Maryland license plate return form records key vehicle and registration details so the MVA can match the returned plates with the correct record. Complete the plate return form before submitting your tags through an MVA branch, drop box, or mail. Keep a copy of the completed form with your other vehicle paperwork.

Information Needed on VR-027

Have the following information available when completing VR-027:

• Owner information, including the registered owner’s name
• Mailing and contact information, including current address, phone number, and email
• VIN for the vehicle
• Vehicle year and make
• Title number
• Tag number
• Reason for return
• Number of plates being returned

Reasons for Return on the Form

VR-027 provides several reasons for a Maryland plate return. These can include a sold/traded vehicle, insurance canceled, a salvaged vehicle, or a vehicle that was moved to new state. The form can accommodate other circumstances when the listed choices do not match your situation. Select the reason that best reflects why the plates are being returned so the MVA can process the submission under the appropriate registration record.

Should You Include the Registration Card?

The registration card contains information associated with the vehicle and its registration. When the MVA return instructions call for registration documents, including the applicable card can help keep the paperwork consistent with the returned plates. Check the current VR-027 instructions for the documents required for your return method, and keep copies of anything you submit for your records.

What About More Than Four Sets of Plates?

The Maryland MVA provides separate instructions for customers returning larger quantities of plates. When you have more than four sets of plates, check with the MVA before sending or depositing them. Special handling may apply, so contacting the agency can help confirm the correct return method and documentation for a larger plate submission.

Plate Return After Selling a Vehicle

After a sold vehicle or sold car, the Maryland license plates generally remain with the seller rather than being handed to the buyer. The correct sequence is to complete the sale and title transfer, remove the plates from the vehicle, then return plates after selling or transfer eligible plates to another vehicle. Keeping the plates with the seller helps separate the seller’s registration record from the vehicle that has changed ownership. The Maryland MVA provides several options for completing a Maryland plate return.

Remove the Plates After the Sale

Once the vehicle sale is complete, remove the Maryland license plates from the front and rear of the vehicle where applicable. The buyer should receive the vehicle and required ownership documents, but the seller keeps the registration plates unless an approved plate transfer applies.

Return or Transfer the Plates

The seller can return plates to the Maryland MVA using an approved return method, such as an MVA branch, return drop box, or mail. When eligible, the seller may instead transfer plates to another vehicle registered in their name. The correct choice depends on the seller’s next vehicle and current MVA requirements.

Keep Proof Before Handling Insurance

After submitting the plates, keep the MVA receipt, electronic confirmation, or mailing records as proof of the transaction. Once the Maryland license plates have been properly returned and confirmation is available, the seller can handle the vehicle’s insurance according to MVA requirements. Keeping documentation helps show that the registration was properly closed or transferred after the sale.

Change License Plates Return, Transfer or Replace?

The process for maryland change license plates depends on why you need different plates. In Maryland, changing plates can mean transferring existing tags to another eligible vehicle, returning plates after a sale or registration cancellation, or getting plate replacement when a tag is lost or stolen.

When You Can Transfer Existing Plates

You may be able to transfer plates when you replace your current vehicle with a new vehicle and the registration remains under the same owner. The MVA applies requirements based on the vehicle and plate class.

A plate transfer may be appropriate when:

• The new vehicle is titled in the same owner’s name.
• The existing Maryland license plates are eligible for transfer.
• The new vehicle meets the applicable vehicle and plate-class requirements.
• The MVA requirements for the transfer are satisfied.

When You Need to Return the Plates Instead

You may need to surrender plates rather than transfer them when the vehicle is no longer part of your Maryland registration.

Situations include:

• A sold vehicle that is no longer registered to you.
• Cancel registration after the vehicle is no longer in use.
• Moving out of Maryland and registering the vehicle in another state.
• A situation where the existing plates are not eligible for transfer.

When You Need Substitute Plates

Substitute plates or replacement plates are used when your existing tag cannot be used because of a lost plate, stolen plate, damaged plate, or another qualifying situation.

The key difference is:

• Transfer plates: Move eligible plates to another vehicle.
• Return plates: Give up plates when they are no longer needed.
• Replacement plates: Obtain another plate when the original is lost, stolen, or otherwise unusable.

What to Do If You Have a Lost License Plate in Maryland

A lost license plate Maryland situation should be handled through the Maryland MVA rather than treated as a normal plate return. A missing or stolen tag cannot simply be placed in the mail, since the physical plate is no longer available for submission. The MVA requires owners to report lost or stolen plates, complete the applicable VR-461 Certified Statement / Receipt, and request substitute plates when the original tags are not recovered.

If One or Both Plates Are Lost

If you have a lost Maryland plate, do not attempt to complete a standard plate return for the missing tag. Report the loss as required and complete Form VR-461, providing the available plate and vehicle information. The form records whether the plate was lost, the date of loss, and the related report information. If one or both physical plates are missing, the MVA can process the record based on the circumstances rather than requiring you to mail a plate that you no longer possess.

If the Plate Was Stolen

For a stolen license plate, report the theft to your local law enforcement agency and obtain a copy of the police report or at least the report number. Notify the MVA and complete VR-461 through your myMVA account or at an MVA branch. The form records the police report number, jurisdiction, and date of theft. Keep the report information for your records while the MVA processes the stolen plate notification.

Ordering Substitute Plates

When lost or stolen plates are not recovered, you will need substitute license plates for the vehicle. The MVA states that replacement tags can be ordered through myMVA or obtained by making an appointment for vehicle services. For an in-person appointment related to a stolen plate, bring the police report. A replacement plate is different from returning an existing tag because the original physical plate is unavailable.

Lost Plate vs Returned Plate

A lost plate is reported to the MVA because the physical tag cannot be submitted. A returned plate is physically surrendered through an approved MVA return method. Lost or stolen tags require the applicable statement and replacement process rather than a standard mail-in or drop-box return.

What Happens If You Do Not Return License Plates?

If you do not return Maryland license plates when required, your vehicle’s registration and insurance records may remain connected. This can create problems when required insurance coverage has been canceled or allowed to lapse. Returning the plates and keeping proof of submission helps show that the registration was properly handled.

What Problems Can Occur?

• Active registration: If the plates remain associated with an active registration, the vehicle may still be subject to Maryland insurance requirements.
• Insurance compliance: An active registration with canceled insurance can create an insurance compliance issue.
• Insurance penalties: A lapse in required coverage may result in penalties, fees, or other action under Maryland rules.
• Registration suspension: Unresolved insurance violations can contribute to registration suspension.
• Surrender plates: When the vehicle is no longer being used or the registration is no longer needed, surrender plates through an approved Maryland MVA return method.
• Proof of return: Keep the MVA receipt, electronic confirmation, or mailing records after submitting the plates.

Do Not Cancel Insurance Too Early

Before canceling insurance, wait until you have confirmation that the Maryland MVA has received and processed the returned plates. The MVA recommends keeping insurance active until you have proof of the plate return. This helps avoid a situation where the registration remains active after canceled insurance.

Keep Your Return Receipt

After you surrender plates, save the receipt or electronic confirmation with your vehicle records. For mail returns, keep the tracking number and delivery confirmation. For drop-box returns, allow the MVA’s stated processing time before checking for the electronic receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Maryland license plates, including when plates must be returned, available return methods, the VR-027 Tag Return Form, mailing requirements, drop-box options, and the steps to follow after selling or no longer using a vehicle. The answers are based on Maryland MVA plate-return information and focus on the most common questions vehicle owners have.

Do I have to return my Maryland license plates after selling my car?

After a sold vehicle or sold car, the Maryland license plates generally stay with the seller rather than the buyer. Remove the Maryland license plates from the vehicle and either return plates to the MVA or transfer eligible plates to another vehicle in your name. Keep the MVA receipt or other confirmation as proof of the completed plate transaction.

Can I return Maryland license plates by mail?

A mail-in return is one of the options available for returning Maryland plates. Securely package the plates and include the required VR-027 Tag Return Form and other requested information. The MVA recommends certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep your postal tracking information and delivery confirmation until the MVA has processed the return.

What is the address to mail Maryland license plates?

The address to mail Maryland license plates is the MVA tag-return destination in Glen Burnie. The current mailing information is MDOT MVA, Attn: CRTR / Tag Return, 6601 Ritchie Highway N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Use this MVA mailing address for the mail-in return option and retain your tracking and delivery records.

Can I use a Maryland license plate return drop box?

The Maryland MVA provides designated drop box locations, including a 24-hour tag return box, for eligible plate returns. Place the plates and required paperwork in a secure package before depositing them. Drop-box submissions do not necessarily provide an immediate printed receipt. Allow the MVA’s stated processing time before checking for an electronic receipt.

Do I need Form VR-027 to return Maryland plates?

The VR-027 Tag Return Form is used for Maryland plate returns and records important vehicle and registration information. Complete the form with details such as the owner’s information, VIN, tag number, and reason for return. Include the form with the plates when required for your selected return method, and keep a copy for your records.