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Historic tags in Maryland
Maryland's historic plate rules changed in 2025 and change again in 2027. Here's who qualifies today, what you can and can't do with historic tags, and agencies that handle them.
Who qualifies today
- Cars, motorcycles and trucks under 10,000 lb: model year 1999 or older, and not substantially altered from the original design.
- Street rods: at least 25 years old and substantially altered from the original design. These register as "Rod Street," on the same VR-096 form.
- Trucks over 10,000 lb, motorhomes and tractors: at least 60 years old and unaltered, with a historic, antique or show vehicle insurance policy.
- The vehicle needs a manufacturer-assigned VIN. Trailers don't qualify.
What's changing: before July 1, 2025, any vehicle 20 years or older could qualify. The 2025 budget law froze the cutoff at model year 1999. News reports say a 2026 law brings back a rolling rule at 25 years old, starting July 1, 2027. Until then, the 1999 cutoff applies.
What historic tags allow
The MVA limits historic vehicles to exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours and similar uses, plus occasional transportation. You can't use them for daily driving, getting to work or school, or any commercial use. Historic registration also can't be combined with special or vanity plates.
How to apply
- Fill out the Application for Rod Street or Historic Registration (VR-096).
- Have your insurance company name and policy or binder number ready.
- Ask the agency or MVA what else to bring. It usually includes the title or current registration and your ID.
- Apply at an MVA branch, or ask a private tag and title agency to handle it for you. Agencies add their own service fee.
Already have historic tags on a 2000 or newer car?
News reports say these owners can keep historic tags until they expire, then switch to standard registration. A standard plate may need a Maryland safety inspection if your vehicle doesn't already have one on file. A tag and title agency can tell you what your switch involves.
Summarized from the Maryland MVA, checked November 2026: VR-096, Application for Rod Street or Historic Registration (05-26). The 2027 change is based on news reports (WMDT, July 2026). Rules are changing; the MVA's pages are the final word.
Agencies that list historic tags
These agencies mention historic tags in their public information. We haven't confirmed it by phone yet. Call first.
Questions people ask
Which cars qualify for historic tags in Maryland right now?
Since July 1, 2025, historic registration for passenger cars, motorcycles and light trucks (under 10,000 lb) is limited to model year 1999 or older, according to the MVA's VR-096 application. The vehicle can't be substantially altered from its original design.
Is Maryland going back to a rolling age rule?
News reports say a 2026 law moves eligibility to vehicles at least 25 years old, starting July 1, 2027. Until then the 1999-or-older rule applies. Check the MVA before you apply.
Can I drive a car with historic tags every day?
No. The MVA limits historic vehicles to exhibitions, club activities, parades, tours and occasional transportation. They can't be used for daily driving, commuting to work or school, or commercial use.
What form do I need for historic tags?
The MVA's Application for Rod Street or Historic Registration, form VR-096. It asks for vehicle details, the use you'll make of it, and your insurance company and policy number.
My 2003 car has historic tags. What happens now?
News reports say vehicles newer than 1999 can keep historic tags until they expire, then move to standard registration, which may require a Maryland safety inspection if none is on file. Ask an agency or the MVA what applies to your vehicle.
Other things you might need
Tag & Title Finder is not the MVA. This page summarizes public MVA information to help you prepare; it isn't legal advice. Agencies set their own service fees.