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updateUpdated 2026-10-09

Maryland License Plate Lookup

Maryland License Plate Lookup powered by NHTSA. The MD license plate lookup tool above returns make, model, year, trim, recalls, and crash ratings for any Maryland-registered vehicle in seconds.

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MARYLAND1AB2345

5.0M

Registered Vehicles

Maryland (FHWA)

Since 1910

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)

1AB2345

Maryland License Plate Lookup: Quick Facts

Agency	Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
Issuance year	1910
Current format	1AB2345 — Seven characters on the current 'War of 1812' bicentennial design: one digit, two letters, four digits. Maryland is a two-plate state.
Plates required	Two (front and rear)
Replacement fee	$20
Registration validity	2 years
Registered vehicles	5.0M (approx.)
DMV contact	1-410-768-7000 · mva.maryland.gov

How do I look up a Maryland license plate?

Three steps to a complete maryland license plate lookup. The MD license plate lookup workflow below works for any Maryland-registered plate.

1
Enter the Maryland license plate number in the search field above. Spaces and dashes are optional.
2
Confirm MD is selected in the state dropdown — plate numbers can repeat across states, so the state is required for accurate matching.
3
Press Search Plate. You'll see make, model, year, trim, engine, open recalls, and NHTSA crash safety ratings in seconds.

Run a MD plate lookuparrow_forward

What does a Maryland license plate lookup reveal?

Free Maryland plate searches return vehicle-level data: make, model, year, recalls, and NHTSA crash ratings. Personal information (driver name, address, contact) is protected under the DPPA and is not available here.

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DPPA notice — vehicle data only

This Maryland license plate lookup returns vehicle information only — make, model, year, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database. We do not return the registered owner's name, address, phone number, email, driving record, or any other personal information about the driver. Personal driver and owner information is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act of 1994 (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not lawfully accessible through any free public lookup.

Free — available here

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check_circleBody style, doors, curb weight
check_circleEngine size, cylinders, fuel type
check_circleTransmission and drivetrain
check_circleOpen NHTSA safety recalls
check_circleNHTSA crash test ratings
check_circleEPA fuel economy (MPG)
check_circleManufacturing plant & country

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boltReported accident history
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boltAuction & insurance records
boltState of registration history
boltTheft / total-loss records

Registered owner name, address, contact details, and driving records are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and are not returned by this site or any other free public lookup. This tool provides vehicle-level data only — make, model, year, recalls, safety ratings, and EPA fuel economy — sourced from NHTSA and EPA public databases.

What does a Maryland license plate format look like?

Seven characters on the current 'War of 1812' bicentennial design: one digit, two letters, four digits. Maryland is a two-plate state. A free Maryland license plate lookup also works on legacy plate formats listed in the table below.

MARYLAND1AB2345

Maryland license plate formats through the years

Era	Format	Example
1910–1956	Numeric / county-prefixed	12-3456
1957–1980	Alphanumeric, varying patterns	AB-1234
1981–1986	3 letters + 3 digits ('Maryland is for Crabs')	ABC 123
1987–2009	3 letters + 3 digits (Chesapeake Bay scene)	ABC 123
2010–2015	1 letter + 2 digits + 3 letters or similar (multiple designs)	A12 3BC
2010–present	War of 1812 bicentennial — 1 digit + 2 letters + 4 digits	1AB2345

Maryland license plate laws you should know

Below are the four laws that most often trip up Maryland drivers. Rules are enforced at the stop, the inspection station, and at registration renewal.

Two plates required

Maryland requires two plates — front and rear — on every passenger vehicle under Md. Code, Transp. § 13-411. Failure to display either plate can result in fines.

Front plate rule

No exemption exists for vehicles lacking a front mounting bracket. Owners must install a bracket or face a citation under § 13-411.

Registration stickers & display

Maryland issues a registration sticker affixed to the rear plate showing the month and year of expiration. Plates are valid for 2 years and electronically verified.

Inspection / smog check

Maryland's Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) requires biennial OBD-II testing for most gasoline vehicles registered in 13 of Maryland's 24 counties (the Baltimore–Washington corridor). Vehicles less than 3 model years old are exempt. There is no statewide safety inspection requirement, but a one-time safety inspection is required when a used vehicle is titled.

Types of Maryland license plates

Maryland issues dozens of plate designs. These are the main categories you'll encounter on the road or see at the DMV counter.

Standard Maryland / War of 1812

Default plate with 'Maryland' and the War of 1812 bicentennial design issued in the 1AB2345 format.

Personalized / Vanity

Up to 7 characters on the standard or specialty backgrounds for $50 initial and $25 annual through the MVA.

Disabled / Disabled Veteran

ISA wheelchair symbol; qualifies for accessible parking statewide. DV plates carry reduced or waived fees.

Military specialty

Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Silver Star, POW, Pearl Harbor Survivor, Gold Star Family, and branch-specific plates.

Special interest / Organization

University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Navy/Army/Air Force, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Baltimore Ravens, Orioles, and many cause plates.

Historic / Antique

For vehicles 20+ years old used primarily for exhibitions, parades, and club events. Restricted to occasional use.

How much does a Maryland license plate cost?

Typical Maryland DMV fees for plates, registration, and related services. Always confirm current amounts on the official DMV site before paying.

Biennial registration (passenger, 3,700 lb or less)	$135 ($67.50/year)
Biennial registration (passenger, over 3,700 lb)	$187 ($93.50/year)
Replacement plate (per pair)	$20
Personalized plate (initial)	$50
Personalized plate (annual)	$25
Title fee	$100

Source: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) — https://mva.maryland.gov

What if my Maryland plate is lost, stolen, or damaged?

Follow these steps to replace a Maryland license plate. Do not keep driving with a missing plate — it is a citable offense in most states.

1
File a police report immediately if the plates were stolen.
2
Complete the Application for Substitute Plates (Form VR-019) available at any MVA branch or online.
3
Submit the form, vehicle registration, and the $20 replacement fee at an MVA branch.
4
Surrender any remaining plate from the pair before substitute plates are issued.
5
Most MVA branches issue substitute plates on the spot.

Maryland DMV contact & privacy

Official agency

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)

call1-410-768-7000

languagemva.maryland.gov

DPPA privacy notice

Personal information tied to a Maryland license plate — driver name, address, date of birth, phone number, email, and driving record — is protected by the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (18 U.S.C. § 2721) and is not returned by this site. This page and the lookup tool provide vehicle-level data only: make, model, year, trim, recalls, and safety ratings from NHTSA's public database.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about Maryland license plate lookups, DMV rules, and plate replacement.

How do I run a Maryland license plate lookup?expand_more

Enter any Maryland plate in the search field above and press Check Plate. You'll get the vehicle's make, model, year, trim, open NHTSA recalls, and crash ratings — free, no signup required.

Does Maryland require a front license plate?expand_more

Yes. Md. Code, Transp. § 13-411 requires passenger vehicles to display two plates — one on the front and one on the rear. There is no exemption for vehicles sold without a front bracket.

How much does a replacement Maryland plate cost?expand_more

The replacement fee is $20 for a new plate pair. Substitute plates are processed at any MVA branch using Form VR-019; a police report is required if the plate was stolen.

What is the current Maryland license plate format?expand_more

The standard Maryland passenger plate uses a 7-character format: one digit, two letters, four digits (e.g., 1AB2345) on the War of 1812 bicentennial design.

Are Maryland license plate records public?expand_more

No. Owner information tied to a Maryland plate is protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Md. Code, Transp. § 12-111. Free lookups return only vehicle-level data.

Does Maryland require an inspection?expand_more

Maryland requires a one-time safety inspection when a used vehicle is titled. Maryland's VEIP requires biennial OBD-II emissions testing in 13 counties (Baltimore-Washington corridor) for most gasoline vehicles 3 model years or older.

How do I get a personalized Maryland plate?expand_more

Personalized plates are ordered through the MVA at mva.maryland.gov for $50 initial fee and $25 annual renewal. Up to 7 characters are allowed.

How often do I renew my Maryland registration?expand_more

Maryland vehicle registration is valid for 2 years. The MVA mails a renewal notice approximately 60 days before expiration. Renewal costs $135–$187 every 2 years depending on vehicle weight.

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