FAQs
Wondering how to scrap or junk a car in Maryland? Get simple answers on titles, liens, and registration from our complete FAQ guide.
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Maryland License Plate Surrender Guide
Find free guidance on Maryland license plate surrender, including required forms, return options, and MVA locations statewide.
Quick Navigation
MVA Branch Locations
Search for an MVA location to view contact information, hours, directions, and the required plate return form.
Annapolis MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Baltimore City MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Bel Air MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Beltsville MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Columbia MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Cumberland MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Easton MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Elkton MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Essex MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Frederick MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Gaithersburg MVA Branch
Contact Information
Phone (410) 768-7000
Address
15 Metropolitan Grove Rd.
Gaithersburg, MD 20878-4011
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Glen Burnie MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Hagerstown MVA Branch
Contact Information
Phone (410) 768-7000
Address
18306 Col. Henry K. Douglas Dr.
Hagerstown, MD 21740-1526
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Kemp Mill MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Largo MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Loveville MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: Closed
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Oakland MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun–Mon: Closed
Tue: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wed: Closed
Thu: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Fri–Sat: Closed
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Parkville MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Prince Frederick MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Wed: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu–Sat: Closed
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Salisbury MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Waldorf MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Walnut Hill MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Westminster MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
White Oak MVA Branch
Maryland MVA Hours
Sun: Closed
Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Extended Hours: MVA branches stay open until 6:30 PM on the first Thursday of each month. View upcoming dates.
Fees
$0
License Plate Surrender
Helpful Tip
Return both the front and rear license plates. Include a completed VR-027 form when dropping off or mailing your plates.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow this general process to surrender your Maryland license plate.
Confirm You Need to Return Your Plates
You must return your Maryland license plates when you:
- Sell, trade, or junk your vehicle.
- Move out of Maryland.
- Plan to cancel your vehicle insurance.
- No longer use the vehicle.
Planning to register another vehicle soon? You may be able to transfer your existing plate instead of surrendering it.
Prepare Your Plates & Form
- Remove your Maryland license plates from the vehicle.
- Complete the Tag Return Form (VR-027).
- Include your registration card, if available. It is preferred but not required.
- Confirm your contact information is current so the MVA can send your tag return receipt.
Choose How to Return Your Plates
Maryland offers three ways to return your license plates. Choose the option that works best for you.
Visit an MVA Branch
Return your plates at an MVA information counter during business hours and receive a printed receipt right away.
Use a Tag Return Box
Deposit your plates at a participating 24-hour MVA tag return box. Check the location details above for availability.
Mail Your Plates
Mail your plates to the MVA. Certified mail with a return receipt is recommended as proof of delivery.
Get Your Receipt & Cancel Your Insurance
After the MVA receives your plates, your license plate and registration record will be closed. You can then cancel your vehicle insurance.
- You can view or download your tag return receipt through myMVA.
- Keep your receipt or mailing confirmation as proof of return.
- Confirm that your plates and registration record have been closed.
- Cancel your vehicle insurance only after receiving confirmation.
Important: Keep your insurance active until you receive your tag return receipt. Canceling coverage while your vehicle is still registered can result in penalties and fees.
Select Your Situation
Choose your situation to learn about any additional requirements or special considerations.
I Sold My Car
+
If you sell, trade, or junk your vehicle, you must return your Maryland plates unless you’re transferring them to another vehicle you own.
- Remove your Maryland plates from the vehicle.
- Complete the Tag Return Form (VR-027).
- Return your plates using an MVA tag return box, at an information counter, or by mail.
- Keep your tag return receipt for your records.
I’m Moving Out of State
+
If you’re moving to another state and no longer need your Maryland registration, you must return your Maryland plates.
- Remove your Maryland plates.
- Complete the Tag Return Form (VR-027).
- Select “Moved to new state” as the reason for return.
- Return your plates using your preferred method and keep your tag return receipt.
My Vehicle Was Totaled
+
If your vehicle is totaled and you no longer need your Maryland registration, you must return your plates.
- Remove your Maryland plates from the vehicle.
- Complete the Tag Return Form (VR-027).
- Return your plates using your preferred method.
- Keep your tag return receipt for your records.
Lost or Stolen Plates
+
If one or both Maryland plates are missing, notify the MVA and follow the steps below.
- Report lost or stolen plates to local law enforcement and obtain a police report or report number.
- Complete the Certified Statement/Receipt (VR-461).
- Submit the completed form through myMVA Online Services or at an MVA branch.
- Keep your submission confirmation for your records.
I’m Canceling Insurance
+
Important: Keep your Maryland insurance active until your plates have been returned and you receive confirmation from the MVA.
- Return your plates using your preferred method.
- View or download your tag return receipt through myMVA.
- Confirm that your plates and registration record have been closed.
- Then cancel your vehicle insurance.
Registration Refund
+
You may qualify for a refund based on your plates and the time remaining on your registration. Submit the Registration Plate Refund Application (VR-021) with your plates.
Possible refund amounts:
- Unused plates may receive a full refund if the sticker was never attached.
- More than one year remaining may qualify for a 50% refund.
- Less than one year remaining generally does not qualify.
- Some replacement plates or stickers may not qualify.
Important Things to Remember
Keep these important reminders in mind before surrendering your Maryland license plate.
Keep Insurance Active
Wait until you receive your tag return receipt and MVA confirmation before canceling your coverage.
Save Your Receipt
Your receipt or mailing confirmation proves that your plates were returned.
Report Lost or Stolen Plates
Notify the MVA and law enforcement about missing plates. Save the police report number.
Choose the Correct Form
Use the VR-027 Tag Return Form for standard returns. Use VR-461 for lost or stolen plates.
FAQs
You may be able to transfer your plates to another vehicle you own instead of returning them. Eligibility depends on the vehicle and plate class. The standard transfer fee is $15, plus any registration difference and applicable titling fees.
Returning more than four sets may require additional documents or special handling. Contact the MVA before submitting them for instructions.
Return the plates as soon as possible and contact the MVA. Insurance penalties may continue until the plate and registration record are closed.
Log in to or create a myMVA account to send the MVA a secure message. You can also call the MVA Contact Center at 410-768-7000.
Maryland Resource Center
Everything you need to junk a car in Maryland, from paperwork and titles to pricing and expert advice.
Learn how to junk a car with no title in Maryland. Find out paperwork rules, options, and how to still get cash for your vehicle. Learn how to surrender Maryland license plates, complete the required forms, and find an MVA location. Compare return methods and know when to cancel your insurance. Find out how junk car prices work in Maryland, the environmental benefits of recycling, and which parts are worth the most cash.
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