When you have a damaged, stolen or lost car registration in Maryland, you must request a replacement credential as soon as possible. To operate a vehicle, motorists must register it with the state’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and hold a valid registration card at all times. In general, this credential signals to local law enforcement authorities that the car owner has maintained the proper auto insurance coverage and paid necessary taxes. As such, you must replace a car registration card in the event that you lose this document.

The process to obtain a duplicate copy of a vehicle registration in MD can be done online, via mail and in person. Each option requires applicants to submit personal and vehicle information, as well as pay a fee. It is important to note that even though registration cards often come with a sticker, the process to obtain a duplicate copy for each credential is slightly different. For a comprehensive look at replacing a DMV lost registration in Maryland, review the sections below.

When do you need to get a copy of your vehicle registration in Maryland?

One of the most common reasons to replace a car registration in Maryland is due to the loss of the credential. When motorists misplace these documents, they are deemed unable to operate a registered vehicle. That is because state law dictates that motorists must have always have proof of registration while driving. Failing to do so constitutes a traffic violation. Beyond a DMV lost registration, there are other reasons why someone may need to get a registration replacement, including:

• A stolen registration
• A damaged and/or ineligible registration

How to Obtain a Replacement Vehicle Registration in Maryland

The MVA offers several ways to obtain a new DMV copy of your registration. However, it is important to note that the methods described below provide a duplicate registration card only. As such, registration stickers are not included. For an overview of how each procedure works, read the following sections.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration Online

One of the most convenient ways to get a DMV registration replacement in Maryland is online. The first step to obtaining this credential online is by visiting the official MVA portal. Once there, applicants must complete a duplicate registration card request. Filing out this application will entail presenting information on the vehicle and locating the accurate records. This includes the vehicle’s certificate of title number as well as its license plate number.

The cost for the MD replacement vehicle registration is non-refundable. Generally, the MVA accepts check and credit card payments. For payments made with a check, applicants will have to provide the following:

• Date of birth
• Drivers license number
• Checking account number
• Bank routing number

When obtaining a copy of your vehicle registration online, travelers’ checks and money orders are not acceptable payment options. In addition, the new copy of the vehicle registration will only be mailed to the address on file. As such, applicants who want it sent to another address must perform a change of address request.

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration by Mail

For a lost or stolen car registration in Maryland, you can also submit an application via mail. To do so, you must print and fill out the VR-009 application form. Moreover, applicants must provide the following information:

• Vehicle information such as plate number, title number, vehicle identification number (VIN) and its year, make and model
• Personal information such as full name, drivers license number and mailing address

It is important to remember that the DMV duplicate registration request form serves different purposes. As such, applicants must remember to select the service they wish to get on the form. In addition, even if the vehicle has two owners, only one is required to sign the form. Once the application form is complete, make sure to include it in an envelope along with an acceptable payment method for the applicable fees.

When submitting a duplicate registration application via mail, do not send in cash. Instead, applicants must attach a money order or check made payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration. If sending a check, it must include the car owner’s drivers license number, telephone number, full name and mailing address. Then, motorists must mail the application to the following address:

Motor Vehicle Administration - Registration Renewal Section

6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.

Glen Burnie, Maryland 21062

How to Replace a Vehicle Registration in Person

To replace lost car registration papers in Maryland in person, vehicle owners can visit one of the several MVA branches located throughout the state. While some offices allow applicants to set appointment times for their visit, certain locations may not. In any case, once you arrive to the office, you will need to fill out the proper application form and have an acceptable payment method ready. Furthermore, you can typically get a copy of your car registration during the same day that you file this request.

Maryland Stolen Car Registration Requirements

In Maryland, it is not mandatory that motorists file a police report prior to obtaining a duplicate vehicle registration. The fee for the replacement will remain the same regardless of whether or not you file a report. However, in the event that your registration is used for fraud or another criminal activity, having filed a police report will protect you. To report this incident, you must contact local law enforcement authorities. Certain departments offer online reporting services, while others require in-person visits.

Maryland DMV Sticker Replacement

For a DMV sticker replacement in Maryland, there is no online service available. Instead, applicants must submit a VR-009 application form via mail or in person. If sending the request via mail, car owners must print out the form and fill it out thoroughly. Generally, the DMV replacement sticker fee is non-refundable and must be included when submitting an application. Without it, the MVA will not process the request.

Maryland Vehicle Registration Replacement Fees

When you replace a lost car registration or sticker, it comes at a cost. Overall, the MVA has a standard $5 fee for duplicates, which is the same whether you are submitting this request online, in person or via mail.

Moreover, the fee is the same for copies of registration credentials or substitute stickers.

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