Maryland military vehicle fees are facing federal scrutiny after the Justice Department challenged the state’s current permit policy. Federal officials say some military families are effectively taxed twice when stationed in Maryland, as Baltimore Chronicle notes.
The U.S. Department of Justice issued its warning on September 3, 2026. It says Maryland’s nonresident permit fee conflicts with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
DOJ says Maryland’s $27 permit fee violates federal protections
Maryland requires certain out-of-state vehicles kept in the state for at least 60 days to have a nonresident permit. The Maryland MVA currently lists the fee at $27. Its guidance specifically includes military personnel stationed in Maryland.
The vehicle still remains registered in the servicemember’s home state. That distinction is central to the federal dispute.
| Issue | Current Maryland policy | DOJ position |
|---|---|---|
| Home-state registration | Remains required | Remains valid |
| Maryland permit | Required in qualifying cases | Can still be required |
| Permit fee | $27 | Military families should be exempt |
| Previous payments | Already collected in some cases | DOJ seeks refunds |
The Justice Department is not demanding that Maryland abolish the permit itself. It is challenging the fee charged to protected military households.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said, “Relocation for military service is already a costly endeavor.” She argued families should not pay new vehicle charges after military-ordered moves.
What the Justice Department wants Maryland to change
The DOJ asked Maryland transportation officials to take several specific actions.
- Stop collecting the nonresident permit fee from servicemembers and military spouses.
- Refund fees already collected from eligible military families.
- Revise MVA websites, procedures, and employee training.
- Train frontline staff about the federal exemption.
These requests come directly from the Justice Department’s letter to Maryland transportation officials. The department says the changes would bring state practice into line with the SCRA vehicle protections.
The dispute was also reported by WMAR in Baltimore. Its report described the policy as leaving affected military families “effectively taxed twice.”
What military families in Maryland should know
The DOJ says servicemembers and dependents can seek help if they believe their SCRA rights were violated. They can contact an Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program office.
The case could also affect families who already paid the Maryland nonresident permit fee. DOJ has specifically requested refunds for qualifying servicemembers and spouses.
For now, Maryland MVA pages still describe the nonresident permit requirement and its fee. Military families should therefore check current MVA guidance before applying or renewing.
Earlier we wrote that MARC Train Montgomery County to Baltimore service starts September 28 with direct weekday trains