Maryland MVA Updates

October 21, 2026

The following bullets are excerpted from Maryland MVA’s April 2026 “Talking Points” newsletter. We hope you find this information useful, and if you have a topic, you’d like us to cover in a future newsletter, please send it to Kristin Orlando-Dillahunt at korlando@mdot.maryland.gov.

Vehicle Services – Tips & Reminders    

• It has come to our attention that the excise tax rate for Virginia on the MVA website was 5.3%. The website was updated to reflect the current rate of 4.15%.

• MVA would like to report that funding for the Fiscal Year 2027 excise tax credit for electric vehicles is available.  As of October 1, 2026, there is still $2,200,000.00 available for excise tax credit for the State’s FY27 budget.  See MVA’s October 1, 2026, bulletin for information on how to submit a request for the credit.

• The following vehicle-related laws went into effect on October 1, 2026.  MVA issued a bulletin (available here) on the new laws.

1. SB111/HB212 Vehicle Laws Out of State Vehicles – Improper Legislation
   1. SB 111 is effective October 1, 2026. This bill requires the MVA to notify Maryland residents with vehicles registered in another state, while maintaining a Maryland driver license, that they have 60 days to title their vehicle in Maryland, obtain a non-resident permit if appropriate, or submit documentation explaining why the vehicle does not need to be titled and registered in Maryland

• SB125/HB251 – Vehicle Laws- Transfer of Used Vehicles – Repeal of Notarized Bill of Sale Requirement 
  • Effective October 1, 2026, a notarized bill of sale will no longer be required for the transfer of a used vehicle less than 7 years old for a private party sale.  Title transactions will be taxed on the reported purchase price if within $500.00 of the JD Power value.  Customer Connect will use the JD Power value to determine taxes if the reported price is more than $500.00 lower than the JD Power value.

• SB145/HB174- Motor Vehicles and Marine Vessels – Transfer-on-Death Designations
  • Effective October 1, 2026, a beneficiary may be designated on a jointly owned vehicle.  Since the designation is made prior to the death of the individual or last surviving owner, the vehicle will not be considered part of the estate, therefore Letters of Administration will not be required for transfer.

• MVA issued a bulletin issued on August 17, 2026, reminding dealers and title services that the MVA allows plates to be transferred between vehicles class A (passenger vehicles), E (trucks) and M (Multipurpose vehicles) and the preference for this to be an option at the time of sale for all title transfers. Additional information about transferring plates is available in an April 2025 bulletin.

Business Licensing & Compliance Updates & Reminders

• Courier Service contracts- As of July 1, 2026, a courier picking up and transporting MVA inventory (such as plates and registration stickers) must be qualified by MVA to perform these services.  Currently, there are two approved Inventory Courier services.
  • Motor Car Courier
  • KD Elite Transportation Inc. (must obtain a client within 90 days of approval) 

If you are seeking these services, please make sure that the courier you select is qualified by MVA.

• The following licensing-related laws went into effect on October 1, 2026.  MVA issued a bulletin (available here) on the new laws.

1. HB1120/SB418 – Professional Licensing Portability- Members of the Foreign Service and Spouses 
   1. Effective October 1, 2026, the MVA will allow a member of the U.S. Foreign Service or spouse who relocates to Maryland because of an assignment or detail and holds a license in another state to practice in Maryland for the duration of the orders if the member/spouse: (1) submits an application with proof of assignment or detail, (2) is in good standing by the license issuing agency, (3) actively used the license in last 2 years, and (4) complies with standards of practice, discipline and fulfillment of continuing education requirements.

• Customers will upload the required documents via the business portal, and the review will be completed by the Business Licensing & Compliance Division.

• SB0242 – Modernizing Civil Relief for Service Members Act 
  • Effective October 1, 2026 the MVA will allow an active service member or spouse who relocates to Maryland because of orders and holds a license in another state to practice in Maryland for the duration of the orders if the member/spouse: (1) submits an application with proof of orders and other required documents, (2) is in good standing by the license issuing agency, and (3) has no disciplinary action, no pending investigation related to unprofessional conduct, and has not voluntarily surrendered the license while under investigation. MVA is authorized to conduct a criminal history check and issue a temporary license if the review process takes more than 30 days.

• Customers will upload the required documents via the business portal, and the review will be completed by the Business Licensing & Compliance Division.

Investigations

• Continue to be cautious with out-of-state buyers of expensive vehicles.  We are experiencing an increase in lien washing when there are issues with registering the vehicles in their home state.  Please continue to update WANADA and/or MADA when fraud or possible fraud occurs.

If you have a topic, you’d like us to cover in a future newsletter, please send it to Kristin Orlando-Dillahunt at korlando@mdot.maryland.gov.