Overview
Buying a bike triggers the same paperwork as a car: 6.5% excise tax on the price (or NADA book value if there's no notarized bill of sale for a private sale), a $200 title fee, and - because Maryland requires a change-of-ownership safety inspection on motorcycles too - a stop at an inspection station unless the sale is between spouses or a parent and child. There's no motorcycle-specific tax break; the excise tax rules are identical to a car's.
01 - Official fees
Maryland motorcycle fees fees at a glance
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base motorcycle registration | $105.00/yr | $210 for the standard 2-year term |
| EMS System surcharge | $40.00/yr | $80 over 2 years |
| Title fee (new purchase) | $200.00 | |
| Excise tax (new purchase) | 6.5% | of price or NADA book value, $640 floor |
| Safety inspection (used purchase) | $75–$150 | waived only for spouse/parent-child transfer |
Figures verified June 2026 against official sources (listed below). Always confirm the final amount with the Maryland MVA - counties can add small local fees.
03 - Same state, other costs
More Maryland vehicle costs
04 - Common questions
Maryland motorcycle fees FAQ
How much does it cost to register a motorcycle in Maryland every two years?
$290 total: $210 in base registration plus $80 in EMS surcharge (both figures for the full 2-year term). That's the renewal cost alone - a new purchase adds the $200 title fee and 6.5% excise tax.
Do motorcycles pay the same excise tax as cars in Maryland?
Yes, exactly the same 6.5% rate and rules - including the $640 minimum taxable value, the requirement for a notarized Bill of Sale on a private sale to be taxed on your actual price instead of book value, and the VR-103 family gift exemption.
Does a used motorcycle need the safety inspection too?
Yes - any change of ownership triggers Maryland's safety inspection requirement for motorcycles just like cars, at whatever a licensed station charges (commonly $75–$150). The only exemptions are spouse-to-spouse and parent-child transfers.
Is there an EMS surcharge exemption for motorcycles?
No - the $40-a-year EMS System surcharge applies to motorcycles the same as passenger cars. Only trailers, farm vehicles, and historic (Class L) vehicles are exempt from it.
How do I title a custom-built or kit motorcycle in Maryland?
It needs an MVA-assigned VIN and a specialized inspection (beyond the standard safety inspection) before the normal title and registration process can proceed - budget extra time for the additional paperwork compared to a factory-built bike.
Are mopeds and scooters registered the same way?
Mopeds and motor scooters get their own reduced $40 title fee (versus the standard $200), reflecting their lower value and lighter regulatory treatment, but they still register through the same MVA process as a full motorcycle.
05 - Receipts
Official sources
Every number on this page comes from these documents - check them yourself.