Moving to Maryland
About 162,700 people moved to Maryland from other states in 2023.
- Virginia sent about 21,700, the District of Columbia about 20,300, Pennsylvania about 16,900, New York about 14,400, California about 10,100, and Florida about 8,200.
- Maryland gives you 60 days after you move to get a Maryland driver license and to title and register your vehicle.
- The vehicle needs a safety inspection before the MVA will title it.
- This page covers every Maryland-destination route we track.
Maryland at a Glance
Taxes
Climate
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Cost of Living
Why People Move to Maryland
Maryland costs more than most states.
- The MERIC first quarter 2026 series put the cost of living index at 121.1, ranked 47th of 51, with housing at 149.1.
- The Tax Foundation lists state income tax rates from 2.00 to 6.50 percent.
- Counties add their own income tax of up to 3.3 percent, so your county matters.
- The state sales tax is 6 percent, and the effective property tax rate on owner-occupied homes is 0.92 percent.
Electricity costs more than the national average.
- In EIA 2024 data, the average Maryland home used about 929 kWh a month at about 17.9 cents per kWh.
- The average bill was about $166, against about $142 nationally.
- If you buy a home, apply once for the Homestead Tax Credit.
- It limits how much your taxable assessment can go up each year, at 10 percent or less.
Popular Routes Moving to Maryland
After You Arrive in Maryland
Get a Maryland driver license within 60 days
Exchange your out-of-state license within 60 days of moving here. A commercial license must transfer within 30 days. You can exchange a valid license, or one that expired in the last 12 months. If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must pass the knowledge, skills, and vision tests. You surrender your old license at the appointment.
Source: Maryland MVA, Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID CardBring original documents to a New to Maryland appointment
Make a New to Maryland appointment on myMVA. You can do the license, title, and registration in one visit. Bring proof of age and identity, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents with your Maryland address. MVA does not accept copies or scans. You must also pass a vision screening done in the previous 24 months.
Source: Maryland MVA, Get a Maryland Driver's License or ID CardPass a safety inspection before you title the vehicle
Most vehicles must pass a Maryland safety inspection before MVA will title and register them. Go to a station licensed by the Maryland State Police. The station sets the fee. The certificate is valid for 90 days. If you cannot drive legally to the station, you may qualify for a 30-day temporary registration.
Source: Maryland MVA, Safety InspectionsTitle and register within 60 days to keep the tax credit
Title and register the vehicle within 60 days of moving here. If you miss the deadline, you lose the credit for titling tax you paid in another state. Maryland charges a 6.5% excise tax. Inside the 60 days, a vehicle 6 model years old or newer pays $100 if your old state taxed it at 6.5% or more. If your old rate was lower, you pay the difference in rates on the retail value. A vehicle 7 model years or older pays $41.60.
Source: Maryland MVA, Excise TaxWatch for a VEIP emissions notice
Emissions testing is separate from the safety inspection. Vehicles registered in these places need VEIP tests: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, and Washington. MVA sends your first notice about three months after you register. After that, most vehicles test every two years.
Source: Maryland MVA, Vehicle Emissions InspectionCarry at least 30/60/15 liability insurance
Use an insurance company approved to do business in Maryland. The minimum is $30,000 for injury to one person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Keep the insurance active for as long as the vehicle is registered, even if you do not drive it.
Source: Maryland MVA, Auto Insurance RequirementsMaryland DMV & Registration
Make a New to Maryland appointment on myMVA.
- You can do the license, title, and registration in one visit.
- For the license, bring original proof of age and identity, proof of your Social Security number, two documents with your Maryland address, and your out-of-state license.
- For the vehicle, first pass a safety inspection at a station licensed by the Maryland State Police.
- Then bring the out-of-state title and your Maryland insurance information.
- Title and register within 60 days, or you lose the credit for titling tax you paid in another state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to get a Maryland driver license after moving?
60 days after you move to Maryland.
- A commercial driver license must transfer within 30 days.
- You can exchange a valid out-of-state license, or one that expired within the past 12 months.
- If it expired more than 12 months ago, you must pass the knowledge, skills, and vision tests.
- You surrender your old license at the appointment.
What documents do I need for a Maryland driver license?
Bring originals only.
- The MVA does not accept copies or scans.
- You need proof of age and identity, such as a US birth certificate or passport, and proof of your Social Security number.
- You also need two documents with your name and Maryland address, such as a lease, a utility bill, or a bank statement.
- Bring your out-of-state license, and pass a vision screening done in the previous 24 months.
How do I register my car when I move to Maryland?
Get a Maryland safety inspection first.
- The certificate goes to the MVA electronically and is valid for 90 days.
- Then make a title and registration appointment.
- Bring your Maryland license or proof of a Maryland address, the out-of-state title, and your Maryland insurance information.
- If a lender holds the title, bring the lender's mailing information and your registration card.
- Do all of this within 60 days of your move.
How much is the Maryland excise tax when I move here?
Maryland charges a 6.5% excise tax to title a vehicle, with a credit for tax paid in your old state.
- If you title within 60 days and the vehicle is 6 model years old or newer, you pay $100 when your old state's rate was 6.5% or higher.
- If it was lower, you pay the difference in rates on the clean retail value.
- If your old state had no tax, you pay the full 6.5%.
- A vehicle 7 model years or older pays $41.60.
- After 60 days you lose the credit.
Does Maryland require emissions testing?
Yes, in most of the state.
- VEIP testing applies to vehicles registered in Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, and Washington.
- It is separate from the safety inspection.
- The MVA sends your first notice about three months after you register.
- After that, most vehicles test every two years.
What do I need to do with my guns when I move to Maryland?
Register your regulated firearms with the Maryland State Police within 90 days of becoming a resident.
- Regulated firearms include all handguns.
- Registration is online and costs $15 total, however many firearms you register.
- Maryland law also bars bringing an assault weapon into the state, with narrow exceptions.
- You may not buy, sell, receive, or transfer a detachable magazine that holds more than 10 rounds.