What to do with Alabama plates after moving to Maryland
The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Alabama instruction only after the Maryland registration and insurance handoff are safe.
Complete the replacement record
Title and register the vehicle within the same 60-day period. MVA offers a combined new-resident appointment for the license, title, and registration.
Have Maryland insurance information ready for the title and registration application, including the company and policy or binder number.
Keep proof of the new registration for Alabama insurance notices
After the destination registration is active, you may voluntarily surrender the Alabama plate. Keep the new registration receipt or title; if Alabama sends a mandatory-liability-insurance verification notice, respond through MyDMV with that proof.
Open the official Alabama instructionReviewed 2026-07-31- 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage
Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.
- 2. Register in Maryland
Keep the issued registration or official receipt.
- 3. Complete the Alabama plate action
Keep the surrender, cancellation, mailing, destruction, or retention record the state provides.
- 4. End or rewrite the old policy
Ask the insurer to use dates that do not create an uncovered active registration.
Sources for this closeout sequence
- Alabama DOR: Out-of-state registration and plate handlingChecked 2026-07-31 ↗InsuranceExit closeout
- Maryland MVA: New resident guideChecked 2026-07-31 ↗LicenseRegistration
- Maryland MVA: Title and register an incoming vehicleChecked 2026-07-31 ↗RegistrationInsuranceInspection / VINTitle / lienTax / fees