We’ve all heard cops in movies and shows ask for the character’s driver’s license and car registration, and drivers in Frederick, MD, know how important it is to make sure that a car is properly registered. Of course, drivers can expect to pay registration fees on their vehicles, whether they have a new or used car.
Moving to Maryland From a Different State – Same Tax Rate
The fees assessed on your vehicle will depend on whether or not your previous state has the same tax rate as Maryland. If it does share the 6% tax rate, the owner of the vehicle will have to pay only a flat $100 fee.
Moving to Maryland From a Different State – Different Tax Rate
If your previous state has a lower tax rate than Maryland, then you will have to make up the difference in fees based on the value of the vehicle. For example, if your previous state imposes 0% tax, you will be required to pay the full 6% vehicle value tax.
If your state has a 4% tax rate, then you will pay a total of 2% of your vehicle’s value to reach a total of 6% based on what you have already paid. The minimum total tax to be paid on any vehicle is $640 regardless of the value of your car if you haven’t paid up to that 6% tax.
Renewal Fees
Unlike other states, Maryland’s vehicle registrations are valid for two years at a time. Fees may vary, but in general, passenger vehicles up to 3,700 pounds are $135, and passenger vehicles above 3,700 pounds cost $187.
If you don’t renew on time, you will have to pay an additional fee or may get a ticket for having out-of-date registration. Luckily, the state of Maryland sends you a reminder 60 days before your registration expires and has streamlined the process so that you can renew online, at a kiosk in a branch, by mail, or in person with a teller.
Buying a New Car
If you’re in the market for a new car and you go to a dealer to buy one, the dealers will usually take care of the titling and registration paperwork for you. That isn’t to say that you won’t pay for the registration, which is that 6% of the value of the car.
But usually, the dealer will do the paperwork for you and can give you a temporary or permanent license plate and simply add the cost onto what you pay at the time of signing. If the dealer doesn’t offer that, you will have to follow the steps to register that car yourself at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration branch offices.
Now that you know the fees of registering a car in Maryland, you can plan your budget for buying a new or used car! Whether you wish to speak with our finance team about the finance plans you qualify for or get started by checking out our cars for sale in Frederick, MD, we have you covered! As your trusted Toyota dealer, we look forward to seeing you soon at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick!
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