Moving to Maryland comes with a 60-day clock: that’s how long the MVA gives new residents to retitle and register an out-of-state car before late fees and a full 6 % excise tax kick in.  Follow the steps below and you can drive away legal in a single visit to Xpress Tags n Title — often in 30 minutes or less.
1. Beat the 60-Day Deadline
Transfer title and tags within sixty days of establishing residency to preserve any tax credit you paid in your old state and avoid citations for an unregistered vehicle. 
2. Collect These Six Documents Before You Arrive
1.Original out-of-state Certificate of Title (or a notarized bill of sale if the title is being mailed)
2.Completed MVA Form VR-005 — we can finish missing lines on-site
3.Maryland Safety-Inspection Certificate dated within 90 days
4.Maryland insurance card that meets the 30 / 60 / 15 minimum liability limits 
5.Government-issued ID showing your Maryland address
6.Lien release or lender letter if a bank is listed on the old title
Bring originals, not photocopies, or the MVA rejects the packet.
3. Schedule (or Confirm Exemption From) VEIP
Most 1996-and-newer gasoline cars registered in Prince George’s or Charles County must pass the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program every two years.  Diesel, electric, and certain historic vehicles are exempt. Ask us to check whether your VIN needs testing before we submit paperwork.
4. Know the Exact State Fees
•Title fee: about $100 for standard passenger titles
•Excise tax: 6 % of the higher of book value or purchase price, minus any credit from a state whose tax rate is equal to or higher than Maryland’s 6 % rate 
•Registration fee (includes $40 EMS surcharge):
* up to 3,500 lb — $120.50 per year
* 3,501 – 3,700 lb — $125.50 per year
* over 3,700 lb — $191.50 per year 
Budget tip: electric-vehicle owners pay an additional $125 each year; plug-in hybrids pay $100. 
5. Decide: Transfer Your Old Plates or Order New Ones
If your out-of-state plates still have more than 30 days left and your vehicle class matches Maryland’s Class A (passenger), you can transfer them for a $10 fee and apply any unused registration credit. Otherwise, plan to purchase new Maryland tags on the spot.
6. Skip the Long MVA Line — Here’s What Happens at Xpress
1.Walk in (no appointment): 17515 Indian Head Hwy, Accokeek
2.Clerk review: we catch missing signatures and notarize if required
3.Instant fee calculation: you see the exact tax, title, and registration cost before you pay
4.Electronic submission: documents go straight to the MVA in real time
5.Same-day plates & registration card: you drive out legal; if a lien exists, the paper title is mailed to the lender
Average total time in office: 15–30 minutes.
7. Limited-Time Welcome Offer
Bring this printed checklist (or show it on your phone) within 30 days of moving to Maryland and get $15 off our processing fee — just mention code ACCOKEEK15 at the counter.
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Ready to Get Road-Ready?
Call (240) 377-8626 or simply stop by Xpress Tags n Title Monday–Saturday. Beat the 60-day deadline, skip the MVA wait, and drive away with Maryland tags today.
