Maryland VIN check and VIN inspection
Decode any VIN for free with official NHTSA data, then see what Maryland asks for when you title a vehicle that comes from another state.
VIN inspection when you bring a vehicle to Maryland
| Inspection for vehicles titled in another state | Required |
|---|---|
| Who does it | A vehicle from another state needs a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate from an authorised Maryland inspection station before it can be titled (valid 90 days). Salvage vehicles need a separate salvage inspection. |
| Agency | Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) |
| Source | official page (checked 12 November 2026) |
Fees, hours and exceptions (salvage, rebuilt, imported, leased or military vehicles) vary. Confirm with the agency or your county office before you go.
How to check a used car's VIN in Maryland before you buy
- Decode the VIN above and check that the year, make, model, engine and body match the listing.
- Look at the recalls NHTSA lists for that model year, and ask the seller or a dealer which were repaired.
- Compare the VIN on the dashboard, the driver door label and the title. They must be the same 17 characters.
- Get a vehicle history report for title brands (salvage, flood, rebuilt), accidents and odometer records.
- Ask the Maryland agency which papers you need to title the vehicle, especially if it comes from another state.
Maryland VIN questions
Do I need an inspection to title a car from another state in Maryland?
A vehicle from another state needs a Maryland Safety Inspection Certificate from an authorised Maryland inspection station before it can be titled (valid 90 days). Salvage vehicles need a separate salvage inspection. Confirm details with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
How do I check a VIN for free in Maryland?
Enter the 17-character VIN on this page. VinGear decodes it with official NHTSA data (year, make, model, engine, plant) and lists the recalls for that model year. It works the same for vehicles from any state.
Does a free VIN check show accidents or a salvage title?
No. A free decode shows what the VIN says about the vehicle and its recalls. Title brands, accidents and odometer records come from a paid vehicle history report.
VIN check in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming