New Resident & Out-of-State Vehicle Inspection
Just moved to Maryland? You'll need a state safety inspection before the MVA will register your out-of-state vehicle. Here's how it works.
When you become a Maryland resident, your out-of-state car, truck, or SUV must pass a Maryland state vehicle safety inspection before it can be titled and registered with the MVA. New residents are generally required to register within 60 days of establishing residency, so it's best to schedule your inspection early.
What you'll need to bring
- The vehicle itself
- Your out-of-state title or current registration
- A valid photo ID / driver's license
- Proof of insurance (recommended)
Driving an unregistered vehicle? You can obtain a temporary 30-day registration through mva.maryland.gov that legally allows you to drive your vehicle to and from the inspection station.
The new resident inspection process
Schedule Your Inspection
Call or book online. Bring your vehicle and out-of-state paperwork.
Safety Inspection
Our certified technicians run the full MVA checklist — usually 1–2 hours.
Get Your Certificate
Pass and you receive a Certificate of Inspection, valid for 90 days.
Register With the MVA
Submit the certificate with your title work to complete Maryland registration.
What if my vehicle doesn't pass?
Out-of-state vehicles sometimes need minor work to meet Maryland standards. If yours fails, you have 30 days or 1,000 miles to make repairs and return for re-inspection at the same station. Our re-inspection guide explains the rules, and the inspection checklist covers the most common failure points so you can prepare.
Related guides
Welcome to Maryland — Let's Get You Registered
Schedule your new resident safety inspection and get your vehicle road-legal quickly.