What to do with Maryland plates after moving to Minnesota
The answer can be return, cancel, destroy, recycle, or keep. Follow the reviewed Maryland instruction only after the Minnesota registration and insurance handoff are safe.
Complete the replacement record
Register a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, utility trailer, or house trailer within 60 days after becoming a Minnesota resident. Registration is due immediately if the prior registration has expired.
Bring the insurer name, policy number, and policy expiration date for the registration transaction.
Return Maryland plates and wait for cancellation confirmation
Return the plates after the new registration is active. Maryland says to cancel insurance only after receiving confirmation that the plates were canceled.
Open the official Maryland instructionReviewed 2026-07-31- 1. Activate acceptable destination coverage
Confirm the effective date with the new insurer.
- 2. Register in Minnesota
Keep the issued registration or official receipt.
- 3. Complete the Maryland 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
- Maryland MVA: Returning license platesChecked 2026-07-31 ↗InsuranceExit closeout
- Minnesota DVS: Vehicle title and registration for new residentsChecked 2026-07-31 ↗RegistrationInsuranceTitle / lienTax / fees