Maryland vs Pennsylvania: Vehicle Registration Cost Comparison
Comparing what the same vehicles cost to register each year in Maryland versus Pennsylvania, computed from both states' current official fee schedules:
| Scenario | Maryland | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| New $45k gas SUV | $120.50/yr | $48.00/yr |
| 3-yr-old $35k gas car | $120.50/yr | $48.00/yr |
| New $55k EV | $245.50/yr | $298.00/yr |
| 10-yr-old $8k car | $120.50/yr | $48.00/yr |
For most vehicles, Pennsylvania is the cheaper state to register in — though the gap varies a lot by vehicle value and age. Keep in mind annual registration is only part of the picture: sales/excise taxes at purchase, insurance, and local property taxes on vehicles can outweigh the registration difference.
Maryland in short
Maryland raised registration fees 60–75% across 2024–2025: a passenger car up to 3,500 lbs now costs $120.50 per year ($241 per two-year cycle) including the $40 emergency-services surcharge, and heavier cars $191.50 per year. The title fee doubled to $200 in July 2025 and the titling excise tax rose to 6.5%. EVs pay a $125 annual surcharge and plug-in hybrids $100.
Pennsylvania in short
Pennsylvania charges a $48 annual passenger registration (inflation-indexed, with an optional $5 county fee), a $72 title fee, and an annual EV Road User Charge of $250 for 2026 (CPI-indexed from 2027) with plug-in hybrids paying $63.
All figures computed from official fee schedules — sources: https://mva.maryland.gov/title-registration/fees-payment-options — last reviewed 2026-07-16.