Maryland License Plate Lookup
Protect yourself from damaged or stolen vehicles and fraudsters with a Maryland license plate lookup. View ownership records, odometer rollbacks, thefts, and major accidents through vehicle history records. Get an MD plate lookup now!
Table of Contents
What is a Maryland License Plate Lookup?
The Maryland license plate lookup is a useful tool for checking vehicle history through a plate number search. It can help both buyers and sellers of used cars in Maryland make informed decisions.
By simply entering a license plate number, you can access a detailed report that may include vehicle specifications, accident history, recall records, ownership changes, auction details with images, and even warranty information.
Always use the Maryland license plate lookup before buying a used car in Maryland to avoid buying a vehicle that has its odometer rolledback or was stolen.
Can You Look Up a License Plate for Free in Maryland?
You can get a free license plate lookup with our tool. At no cost at all, we will provide you with basic information about any vehicle as well as vehicle history records, including sales records, mileage, and more. Note, however, that you cannot get a full vehicle history report for free.
Here’s what our free Maryland plate number lookup provides:
- Associated VIN number
- Year, Make, and Model
- Country of Origin
- Market Value
- Transmission Type
- Fuel Type
- Drive Type
- Body Type
- Trim Information
- MSRP
- Engine Specifications
- Dimensions
- VIN
- Engine Value
- MSRP
- Manufacturer
- Fuel Type
- Body Type
- Year & Model
- Transmission
- Vehicle Type
- Sales Record
- Drive Type
- Mileage
- Market Value
- Doors
- Country of Origin
Who Should Lookup the Maryland License Plate?
Did you know salvage-title cars can lose 20% to 40% of their value? These vehicles may not look different, but a quick Maryland license plate search will check for hidden issues, protect you from fraud, and help you make reliable decisions.
Here’s why you should get a Maryland license plate lookup before purchasing or selling:
- For Buyers
- Verify Vehicle Authenticity Confirm that the vehicle is precisely what the seller says.
- Identify Hidden Issues Detect any past accidents, thefts, or liens that aren't obvious.
- Know What You’re Paying For Make negotiations based on the vehicle’s history and condition.
- Protect Yourself from FraudAvoid scams by verifying that the vehicle is not stolen or damaged, or a lemon.
- For Sellers
- Improve Transparency transparent about a vehicle's history and build trust with potential buyers.
- Price Your Vehicle Accurately Set a fair price by understanding the market value based on the car’s records.
- Avoid Future Disputes Prevent future issues by disclosing all relevant information.
- Increase Your Sales Chances Provide full details to attract more buyers.
What Can You Learn from Maryland License Plate History Records
A license plate lookup reveals everything you need to know about a vehicle. This includes ownership records, accident history, open recalls, theft information, and more. With this information, a Maryland plate lookup helps avoid fraud and makes your buying decision safer.
Some information you can find through license plate history records is:
Vehicle Specification
Detailed data on the make, model, year, engine type, transmission, MSRP, country of origin, standard seating, and more. Check this section to ensure that the vehicle matches your needs and budget.
Ownership History
Information about past owners, duration of ownership, and registration locations. Examine this section to see how many past owners the vehicle had.
Accident Reports
See the report of how many times the vehicle is involved in an accident. Check the date, location, and the damage.
Damage Records
Check if the vehicle has ever suffered from any damage caused by flood, fire, accident, dents, scratches, or more.
Auction History
The report will show the dates, prices, location, and the final price of the vehicle. You can also get up to ten pictures that show the car’s real condition during the auction.
Lien/Loan Information
Details on any existing financial claims or liens that can hinder ownership transfer. Ensure that the lien/loan record tied to the vehicle is cleared off by the previous owners.
Theft History
Confirmation of whether the car has been reported stolen in the past. See the date, location, and data source of the vehicle.
Mileage History
Check for mileage discrepancies or verification of reported mileage. Check the date and recorded mileage along with the last recorded mileage of the vehicle.
Title Information
Whether the title is clean, salvaged, rebuilt, flood-damaged, etc., see if the vehicle has a clean title before you buy it.
Past Vehicle Usage
This helps you assess the vehicle’s past usage. Check if the vehicle was used as a personal vehicle, rented, leased, or even government-owned.
Safety Recalls
List any unresolved safety recall issues, as well as their dates and consequences. See the date of recall, what problems caused the recall, and the steps taken by the manufacturer to fix the issues.
Service Records
The service records help show whether the vehicle was regularly serviced and if major components, like brakes or the transmission, have been replaced. Consistent service history is a good sign of proper care and reliability.
How to Lookup a Maryland License Plate Number?
Enter the License Plate Number
Find the plate number on the vehicle and input it into the form on this page.
Review and Purchase
Submit the form, check the vehicle’s specifications, and proceed to payment.
Get Your Report
Get your vehicle history report instantly, ready to download and print
The Importance of the Maryland License Plate Report
Actual Condition
- 1 Record(s) of damage
- 6 service & repair record
Seller’s Claim
- Popular listing
- Minor damage
- Never been in an accident
Outcome
- Kyle decided not to purchase the vehicle because of the vehicle’s 6 service and repairs
Why Checking the License Plate is a MUST
- Look up the license plate and get the vehicle history report before buying.
Why Should You Run a Maryland License Plate Lookup With Detailed Vehicle History?
- Access Complete Vehicle Records: A plate lookup reveals over 150 key details, such as ownership history, mileage, accidents, title changes, and theft records, helping you make a smart decision.
- View Auction Photos: Check up to 10 images from previous auctions to see the car’s real condition before it was listed for sale.
- Reliable Support Anytime: Get assistance through 24/7 customer service if you need help understanding your report or have questions about the process.
Maryland Laws/Legislation on License Plates
Maryland License Plate Design and Format
The current Maryland license plate design features the state’s iconic “Maryland” script along with a vibrant red and gold color scheme. It showcases the state’s official flag pattern, which includes alternating red and yellow sections with black and white stripes. This design highlights Maryland’s rich heritage and pride.
Types of Maryland License Plates
Maryland provides a wide range of license plates, each serving a different purpose. Below are the main types available:
Standard Passenger Plates
These are the most common plates for everyday vehicles such as cars, vans, and SUVs. They come in the standard Maryland design and are required for all passenger vehicles. Standard tags are the most affordable and easiest to renew.
Non-Passenger Plates
Issued to vehicles that don’t fall under the standard passenger category, such as trucks, trailers, and motorcycles. Each vehicle type has its own plate style and registration requirements. These plates make it clear what type of vehicle is on the road.
Specialty Plates
Maryland offers a wide variety of specialty tags featuring designs that support charities, environmental causes, or cultural initiatives. They usually come with extra fees, and part of the proceeds go to the sponsored program. Specialty plates allow drivers to express personal values or support a cause.
Military and Veteran Plates
These plates honor service members and veterans, with designs specific to each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Some are available at reduced costs or free for eligible applicants. They serve as recognition of military service and sacrifice on Maryland roads.
Government Plates
Used exclusively for vehicles owned by federal, state, or local government agencies. They help clearly identify official vehicles while on duty. These plates are not available to the general public.
Temporary Plates
Provided to drivers who purchase a vehicle but are still waiting for their permanent registration. Temporary plates are valid for a limited period, usually 30 days. They ensure the vehicle can be driven legally while paperwork is being processed.
Organization Plates
Issued to members of recognized groups, associations, or clubs. These plates usually display the group’s logo or emblem. They allow drivers to show affiliation and pride in their membership while supporting the organization.
License Plate Price in Maryland
- Passenger car (shipping weight up to 3,500 lbs): $120.50 per year.
- Passenger car (ship. weight > 3,500 lbs but ≤ 3,700 lbs): $125.50 per year.
- Passenger car (shipping weight > 3,700 lbs): $191.50 per year.
- Motorcycle registration: $105 per year.
- Historic vehicle (model year 1999 or older): $55.50 per year.
- Standard personalized/vanity plate renewal: $50 annually.
- Chesapeake Bay / Agricultural plate fee: $25 per year extra
How to Get a License Plate in Maryland?
Vehicle owners are expected to register their cars immediately after purchase, and new residents must complete registration within 60 days of relocating to the state.
You can register and request plates either:
- At any local MVA branch office,
- By mailing the required documents, or
- Through the MVA’s online services.
When applying, applicants generally need to provide:
Once the application is submitted, the MVA usually delivers new plates within 4–6 weeks.
Renewing Your Maryland License Plate
When you receive your vehicle registration renewal in the mail, you can call 1-410-768-7000 and follow the instructions. You can also renew by mail, online, at your local Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in Maryland, or through a title service agent. No matter what method you choose, make sure renewal is done before expiration, as fines will not be waived. You can even renew 60 days before the expiry.
Transferring a License Plate in Maryland
When transferring plates to a new vehicle, the request must be made at the time of registration. You can apply:
- In person at any full-service MVA office
- By mailing your documents to the MVA in Glen Burnie
- Through a licensed tag and title service (extra fee applies)
Documents required include:
- A completed application form (depends on whether the vehicle is titled in Maryland or out of state)
- Proof of insurance that meets Maryland’s liability requirements
- The registration card from your old vehicle
- A Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate (for used vehicles)
If your current registration has less than a year left, you’ll need to renew for another year. New registration cards and stickers are issued right away if you apply in person, or mailed if you apply by mail. Dealers using the MVA’s electronic system may also handle the transfer on the spot and issue temporary permits if needed.
Maryland License Plate Lookup – What You Can and Cannot Find
Doing a Maryland license plate lookup can reveal important details about a vehicle’s history, but certain information is protected by privacy laws. Here’s what you should know:
What You Can Access:
- Ownership history, showing how many times the vehicle has changed hands
- Registration records, useful for spotting gaps or irregular renewals
- Title transfer information, including the status and timeline of ownership changes
What You Cannot Access (Protected by DPPA and Maryland Law):
- Names, home addresses, or contact details of past or current owners
- Phone numbers or personal identifiers connected to the vehicle
Although personal data remains restricted, a Maryland license plate lookup is still helpful for verifying a car’s background. Buyers can use this information to confirm that the details provided by a seller line up with official records, reducing the risk of fraud.
Get More Than a License Plate Lookup
Easily access all the tools you need to get a full car background check and make the best decisions:
VIN Decoder
Window Sticker Lookup
Build Sheet by VIN
Classic Car History Report
License Plate Lookup By States
FAQs About Maryland License Plate Lookup
Q. Can you look up MD license plates?
A. Yes, you can look up MD license plates using the form on this page. Just enter the plate number, select “Maryland,” and submit it. You will get all vehicle specifications and history records instantly.
Q. Can I find a person’s name from their license plate?
A. No, you cannot find a person’s name from their license plate due to privacy laws in Maryland.
Q. How do you find out who owns a vehicle in Maryland?
A. You cannot find out who owns a vehicle, but you can view the ownership history of any vehicle in Maryland. This includes information about the number of previous owners, duration of ownership, and location of registration. Fill out the form on this page to get started.
Q. What information can I obtain from a license plate search?
A. With a Maryland license plate check, you can view vehicle specifications, ownership history, accidents and damages, sales records, auction history with up to 10 photos, lien and loan records, theft records, mileage, title brand records, market value, open recalls, service history, maintenance tips, repair suggestions, and more.
Q. Are Maryland license plate lookup services illegal?
A. No, MD license plate lookup services are not illegal as long as they comply with the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and maintain the confidentiality of the information provided.
Q. How Can I Register a Vanity License Plate in Maryland?
A. In Maryland, drivers can request personalized or specialty plates by applying online through the MVA system, visiting a full-service branch, or sending an application by mail. The cost for vanity plates generally falls between $20 and $50, depending on the type selected.
