Frequently Asked Questions

The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) assists the Comptroller of Maryland and the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DLLR) in collecting outstanding state tax liabilities and unpaid unemployment insurance contributions by holding the driving privileges and/or vehicle registration renewal of customers who have not satisfied their outstanding liabilities. The customer whose privileges have been held must first satisfy their Maryland tax and unemployment liabilities, either fully or partially, before the hold can be released.

1. Under what conditions will the MVA hold my driver's license or registration if I have not satisfied all outstanding Maryland tax obligations?

The Comptroller's Office will decide whether or not to hold your driver's license or vehicle registration renewal if you have failed to pay all outstanding taxes. Individuals or businesses actively paying off tax debts through a payment plan approved by the Comptroller's Office will be allowed to renew a driver's license and/or vehicle registration. Once held, the MVA will release the hold on your renewal only with the approval of the Comptroller's Office and/or DLLR.

2. What should I do if I receive a notice from the MVA that I have an outstanding tax obligation that may prevent the renewal of my driver's license and/or vehicle registration?

You should immediately contact the Comptroller's Office, not the MVA, and arrange to pay your outstanding tax obligation. If you do not take any action by the renewal date printed on your notice, your driving privileges or vehicle registration will be held.

3. I'm a business owner with outstanding unemployment insurance obligations. Will the renewal of my vehicle registration(s) be held?

Yes. Any business with outstanding tax debt and/or unemployment insurance obligations is subject to a hold on vehicle registration renewals. Please contact DLLR, not the MVA, at (410) 767-2699 or via email at licnrelease@dllr.state.md.us to address unpaid unemployment insurance contributions. You can also contact DLLR by phone to discuss payment options.

4. What should I do once my license or vehicle registration renewal has been held?

If you are unable to renew your driver's license or vehicle registration due to an outstanding tax debt, you must immediately contact the Comptroller's Office to resolve the outstanding tax issue. Visit the Comptroller's website at www.marylandtaxes.com to make an individual or business tax payment or request a payment plan. You can also email the Comptroller at mvahold@comp.state.md.us or call us toll free at (855) 213-6669 to resolve the outstanding tax issue. You may return the notice by mail with full payment or in person to any Comptroller of Maryland branch office. All payments must be made with certified funds. If you are unable to renew your vehicle registration due to an outstanding unemployment insurance debt, you must contact DLLR at (410) 767-2699 or via email at licnrelease@dllr.state.md.us.

5. What happens if I am not able to pay the full amount of the taxes that I owe?

Even if you can't pay the full amount, the Comptroller's Office may permit you to make alternate payment arrangements. You may pay your personal tax bill, pay your business tax bill , or request a payment plan online. You can also contact the Comptroller's Collection Unit via email at mvahold@comp.state.md.us or by phone to discuss payment options. For questions about individual income tax liabilities, call us toll free at (855) 213-6669, or for business tax liabilities call (410) 649-0633.

6. Can I dispute the hold?

If you feel you have received the notice of drivers license or vehicle registration renewal hold in error, contact the agency listed on the notice.

7. If my account has been flagged by the Comptroller's office, will it affect any other MVA transactions?

Replacement tags, substitute tags, substitute stickers, and tag transfer with renewals will also be held until you have addressed any outstanding tax or unemployment insurance issues.

8. What outstanding business taxes may cause my company's vehicle registration renewal to be held?

Unpaid sales and use tax, admissions and amusement tax, corporate income tax, withholding tax, pass-through entity tax, alcohol tax, tobacco tax, and motor fuel and motor carrier taxes can cause your vehicle registration renewal to be held by the Comptroller's Office.

Unpaid unemployment insurance contributions can cause your vehicle registration renewal to be held by DLLR.

9. How long after I make full payment or enter an approved payment plan before the hold on my license or registration renewal can be released?

You should allow up to 2 business days after receipt of payment by certified funds to the Comptroller or DLLR or beginning an approved payment plan for a hold on renewals to be released. Do not wait until the last day for renewal to address unpaid tax or unemployment insurance contribution debts.

For a list of Comptroller of Maryland local offices, click here.