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VR-027: Maryland's Tag Return Form
VR-027 is the MVA form you send in with license plates you're giving back. Here's what each box asks for, where the plates go, and how to make sure the return is on record.
You need VR-027 when you sell or trade a car and keep the plates, cancel the insurance, junk or salvage the vehicle, or move out of Maryland. In Maryland the plates belong to the owner, not the car, so they go back to the MVA unless you're moving them to another vehicle you own.
Keep your insurance active until you have the return receipt. The MVA says returning the plates is what stops the insurance requirement, and the receipt is your proof.
Filling out VR-027, box by box
| Box on the form | What to put, and where to find it |
|---|---|
| Full name of vehicle owner(s) | Every owner exactly as shown on the registration card. |
| Daytime phone number | A number the MVA can reach you at during business hours. |
| Current physical and mailing address | Where you live now. Add a mailing address only if it's different. |
| Moved out of state checkbox | Check it if you've moved and want a paper copy of your cancellation receipt mailed to you. Also pick "Moved to new state" as the reason and include your email. |
| Today's date | The day you drop off or mail the plates. |
| Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) | 17 characters, on the registration card, the title, or the driver-side dashboard. |
| Year and make | From the registration card or title. |
| Title number | Printed on your Maryland title. |
| Tag number, tag expiration and sticker number | The plate number, the expiration date and the sticker number, all on the registration card. |
| Number of tags returned | 1 or 2. Most cars have two plates; return both. |
| Reason for return | Sold/Traded, Insurance Cancelled, Salvaged, Moved to new state, or Other (write it in). |
| Stickers affixed to plate? | Yes or No. This matters for refunds (see below). |
| Registration card included? | Yes or No. The MVA says it's preferred but not required. |
The current version of the form (09-24) has no signature line.
Where to return the plates
- MVA counter: go during business hours and you get a printed receipt on the spot.
- 24-hour MVA drop box: put the form, the registration card and stickers with the plates (the form says to hold them together with a rubber band) and drop them in.
- By mail: package the plates securely with the form and your contact details. The MVA recommends certified mail with return receipt.
- Tag and title agency: many private agencies take plate returns and can give you a receipt the same day. Agencies charge their own service fee, so ask first.
Your receipt
Drop-box and mail returns aren't instant. The MVA says to allow up to 72 hours, then download your tag return receipt in myMVA. Returns made after hours get the receipt by email. Keep it: it's your proof the plates were cancelled.
Will you get money back?
- Unused plates with the sticker not on the plate: 100% refund.
- More than one year left on the registration: 50% refund.
- Less than one year left: no refund.
- Plates turned in because substitute plates or a sticker were issued: no refund.
Refunds are paid by the Maryland Comptroller's Office, usually within about 6 weeks of the return. The MVA also has a separate Registration Plate Refund Application (VR-021).
Summarized from the Maryland MVA, checked November 2026: Tag Return Form VR-027 (09-24) · Returning Maryland License Plates. Requirements change; the MVA's pages are the final word.
Agencies that list plate returns
These agencies mention plate returns in their public information. We haven't confirmed it by phone yet. Most agencies handle everyday tag work, so any agency near you may help. Call first.
Questions people ask
What is Maryland form VR-027?
VR-027 is the Maryland MVA's Tag Return Form. You fill it out when you return license plates you no longer need, for example after selling the car, cancelling the insurance or moving out of state.
Does VR-027 need a signature?
The current version of the form (09-24) has no signature line. It asks for owner, address, vehicle and tag details, the reason for the return, and today's date.
Where do I get my plate return receipt?
At an MVA counter you get a printed receipt right away. For drop-box returns, the MVA says to allow up to 72 hours, then download the receipt in myMVA.
Will I get a refund when I return Maryland plates?
According to the form, unused plates with the sticker not affixed get a 100% refund, plates with more than one year of registration left get 50%, and plates with less than one year left get no refund. Refunds come from the Maryland Comptroller's Office within about 6 weeks.
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.