It has been nearly 4 months since we moved in here, in Maryland. Yet we are not done with car registration and inspection formalities. We did a proper homework about the process, but still for one or other reason it keeps on delaying. Worst part of the story is, website does not provide sufficient information. Anyway, this process cannot be more complicated (for any other state) so I thought to note down the steps!!
Before we move further, here are some tips worth keeping in mind:
• It is required to change the license and then only you can go for car registration
• Always opt for ‘Full Services MVA’ since they offer all the services at comparatively faster manner
• Always check website for holiday schedule, since MVA observes furlough once in every 3 weeks
• Cash, debit cards and credit cards are accepted for all services
I guess now we are ready to start:
For License change:
• You must carry following documents
o Passport with current I94
o Old valid license
o Visa proof – Greencard or visa copy and/or stamping
o Social security card (If you are on dependent visa and not entitled for SSN, you need to obtain a NEW denial letter from STATE OF MD. You can visit nearby SSN office with your visa, passport and primary visa holder)
o 2 address proof – Any utility bill WITH ORIGINAL ENVELOPE, bank statement or lease agreement is fine
• Always try to reach as soon as MVA opens, since getting license is a lengthy process. They will verify your visa status with DHS (When you are on non-immigrant visa), check your eye sight and take a picture.
• On average, it takes about 1.5 – 2 hours to complete the whole process
• You will get the license only until visa date
• Approx. $28 pp
For Registration and Title Change
• Change your car insurance (They will ask for new address proof. Lease agreement, offer letter from community or license works fine. We changed it before we got the new license)
• Registration has to be completed within 60 days from license date
• Before you go for registration, car needs to be inspected
o In state of MD, only private inspection is available. They charge from $50-$100 to manually inspect the car. It takes at least couple of hours.
o They check tires, headlights, brake, mirror, seat belt etc. This is mere manual inspection and engine/transmissions are NOT CHECKED. That means, if you are getting ‘Check Engine’ Sign, you need not worry at this point of time.
o If everything is okay, they will issue an inspection certificate. If not, they will generate a report mentioning all problems. In either case, they will charge inspection fee.
o If inspection is not through, you have to fix the car and go for re-inspection.
o This inspection remains valid as long as you own the car in MD.
• If your car is on financing
o Contact your financer to send title to MVA (Send the fax)
o It takes about 7-10 days
o Once they send documents to MVA, you get a letter of notification from your
financer or you can directly call MVA to check
• Carry following documents:
o Original title or financing documents
o New License
o New insurance proof
o Old registration
o Inspection certificate
o New registration form (can be downloaded from website, it is advised to fill the form ahead and then only go to MVA)
• Whoever’s name is mentioned in title, he/she must be present, otherwise power of attorney letter is required
• If more than one name is mentioned in old title, all of them are required to be present with new license. Exactly same names will appear on new title. (It is better to have same names since change in name is a tedious process)
• It costs $200-$300 based on year, model and whether you own or finance the car.
• Once MVA checks all papers, they will issue new registration and plates. Fix these new plates and return old plates to respective state. Either return them in person or send via certified mail. No other proof is necessary.
• After new registration, with 2-3 weeks you will receive a new title, with new address
• Within 4-5 weeks you will receive a notice for emission test. You will be given 90 days of time to go for this test. You must carry this notice to inspection facility.
• Emission inspection facility is managed by government. Under this test, they check engine and transmission.
• It takes about 10 minutes to complete the process.
• It costs $14 and if inspection is through, they will issue a certificate with 2 years validity.
Now you are all set to drive a car in Maryland!!
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