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Maryland License Plate Display Law — 2025 Guide

Front + Rear Required
Quick Answer

Maryland requires both front and rear license plates.

The Law at a Glance

Statute
Maryland Transportation Code §13-411
Mounting
Front + Rear Required
Plate Format
1AB 2345
Penalty
Fines vary by jurisdiction.
Plate Design
Blue heron imagery, 'Maryland Proud' or older variants.

Recent Changes

Maryland mandated plate replacement every five years until 1986. Motorcycle plate size changed to standard 4×7 inches in 2008.

State-Specific Notes

Maryland is a strict two-plate state.

Plate Design Details

First Issued
September 2016
Plate Style
Embossed serial; reflective sheeting
Full Design
Black on reflective white with Maryland flag graphic — 'Maryland Proud'
Current Format
1AB2345 — one digit, two letters, four digits

Letter Exclusions

I, O, Q, and U are not used. E and F stopped being used in late 2023; the last plate with either was 9FR9999.

Historical Plates Still Valid

Earlier February 1986–2005 plates (with no slogan, formats 1AB C23 and ABC 123) and 2005–2010 'www.Maryland.gov' plates (1AB C23) remain valid.

Notable Facts

Maryland's plate features the distinctive Maryland flag — one of the few U.S. plates to prominently incorporate the state flag's design. Maryland mandated plate replacement every 5 years until 1986. Motorcycle plate size changed to standard 4×7 inches in 2008.

How atroq Frames Stay Compliant in Maryland

atroq frames in Maryland are engineered to comply with all display requirements. The frame's recessed sticker windows keep renewal stickers visible. The frame's thickness does not obscure the alphanumeric serial, state name, or the issuing jurisdiction. atroq's universal mounting fits Maryland's standard 6 × 12 inch passenger plates. Since Maryland requires both plates, customers typically order frames in pairs.

Design your Maryland-compliant frame

Premium custom license plate frames built for Maryland's display requirements. MOQ 500. From $1.30 / frame.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a front license plate required in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires both a front and rear license plate on all registered passenger vehicles. Maryland requires both front and rear license plates.
What is the Maryland license plate format?
Maryland uses the format 1AB 2345 for standard passenger plates.
Are there any recent Maryland license plate law changes?
Maryland mandated plate replacement every five years until 1986. Motorcycle plate size changed to standard 4×7 inches in 2008.
Are decorative license plate frames legal in Maryland?
Yes. Decorative frames are legal in Maryland as long as they do not obscure the alphanumeric serial, the state name, or any registration sticker. atroq frames are designed to comply with Maryland display requirements.
What size are Maryland license plates?
Maryland issues plates in the U.S. standard 6 × 12 inches (150 × 300 mm) for passenger vehicles, matching the 1956 SAE / Automobile Manufacturers Association dimensional agreement.

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