Helpful Relocation Resources for Baltimore, MD Newcomers

Driver's License

New residents must get a Maryland driver's license within 60 days of becoming a resident. Apply at an MDOT MVA branch and bring documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Maryland residency. → Get Your Driver's License

Vehicle Registration

Title and register your vehicle within 60 days of moving to Maryland. A Maryland Safety Inspection is required before titling a used vehicle, and the MVA can issue a 30-day temporary tag so you can drive to an inspection station. Baltimore City is also in Maryland's Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP), which requires an emissions test every two years. Vehicles kept in Maryland with out-of-state plates can be fined $7 per day after a 60-day warning period. → Title & Register Your Vehicle

Voter Registration

Register to vote online, by mail, or through the Maryland MVA. The advance registration deadline is 21 days before election day. Maryland also offers same-day registration during early voting and on election day. → Maryland State Board of Elections

Utilities Setup

Baltimore's primary electricity and natural gas provider is Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE). The Baltimore City Department of Public Works handles water and sewer, plus trash and recycling. For internet access, find private providers available at your address.

Toll Pass

Maryland tolls are fully electronic, with no cash lanes. E-ZPass Maryland accounts are managed through DriveEzMD. → DriveEzMD (E-ZPass Maryland)

Pet Registration

Baltimore City requires a license for all dogs and cats over 4 months old. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required. A lifetime license ($100) is available for pets that are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. Animal Control complaints go through 311. → Baltimore City Pet License

K–12 Public Schools

Baltimore City Public Schools serves over 76,000 students. Children who are five years old by September 1 must be enrolled in kindergarten. → Find a City School

School Enrollment

Register online on the Student Enrollment Management System or bring proof of address, birth certificate, and up-to-date immunization records to the Office of Enrollment, Choice, and Transfers. Middle and high school students who want a school other than their zoned option apply through City Schools' choice process, which typically opens in December with applications due in mid-January.→ City Schools Enrollment

Charter & Private

City charter schools run their own applications, and most charter deadlines fall in early February. Maryland's BOOST Scholarship Program provides awards for some students eligible for free or reduced-price meals to attend participating nonpublic schools. → BOOST Scholarship Program

Higher Education

Colleges and universities in the city include Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland Baltimore, Morgan State University, Coppin State University, University of Baltimore, Loyola University Maryland, Notre Dame of Maryland University, and Baltimore City Community College. In-state tuition eligibility is set by each public institution's residency policy.

Child Care

Maryland's Child Care Scholarship Program helps eligible families pay for child care. → Child Care Scholarship Program

Major Health Systems

Major health systems in Baltimore include Johns Hopkins Medicine, University of Maryland Medical System, LifeBridge Health, and MedStar Health.

Finding a PCP

Use your health insurer's online provider directory to find in-network primary care doctors, then confirm the practice is accepting new patients. Each health system above also offers an online provider search.

Urgent Care

Hospital systems and independent chains operate urgent care and walk-in clinics throughout Baltimore. Many accept walk-ins and online check-in; confirm network status with your insurer before your visit.

Mental Health

The Baltimore City Health Department offers various mental health resources, including a 24/7 line for mental health and substance use help. The Behavioral Health System Baltimore offers various other mental health resources

Pharmacy

Pharmacies in Baltimore include local options, supermarket pharmacies, and national chains such as CVS and Walgreens. To transfer a prescription, give your new pharmacy your previous pharmacy's contact information.

Toll Pass Setup

Open an E-ZPass Maryland account through DriveEzMD to pay the base toll rate. Without a transponder, you can register your plate and card for Pay-By-Plate on Maryland toll facilities. Drivers who use neither are billed a Video Toll by mail at a higher rate. E-ZPass Maryland transponders work across the E-ZPass network. → DriveEzMD (E-ZPass Maryland)

Key Toll Roads

Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95) and Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895) cross the harbor. The I-95 Express Toll Lanes run northeast of the city toward Harford County.

Public Transit

MDOT MTA operates buses, light rails, subways, and trains. Pay with the CharmPass mobile app. A one-way core-service fare includes free transfers for two hours. The city also runs the Charm City Circulator, a free downtown bus service.

Airport Access

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the primary airport in Baltimore. It is reachable by car and by public transport. Follow airport signage for rideshare pickups.

Major Roadways

I-95 runs through the city between Washington, DC, and Philadelphia. I-83 (Jones Falls Expressway) connects downtown to northern neighborhoods and Baltimore County. I-695 (the Baltimore Beltway) circles the region, with the Key Bridge segment closed until the replacement opens. I-895, I-70, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD 295) also serve the metro.

State Income Tax

Maryland has a graduated state income tax, plus a local income tax collected on the same state return. Baltimore City's local rate is 3.20% (tax year 2026). Update your withholding with your employer using Maryland Form MW507.

Homestead Exemption

Maryland does not offer a traditional homestead exemption. Instead, the Homestead Tax Credit limits how much the taxable assessment on a principal residence can rise each year. Baltimore City's cap is currently 4%, and the City Council has approved raising it to 5% beginning in fiscal year 2028. Homeowners must submit a one-time application to the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). Income-based relief is available through the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit. → Maryland Homestead Tax Credit (SDAT)

Homeowners Insurance

Some Baltimore homeowners may need to purchase flood coverage, in addition to their standard homeowner or renter policy. Check your address on the FEMA Flood Map before choosing coverage.

Vehicle Insurance

Maryland requires liability coverage of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage, matching uninsured motorist coverage, and $2,500 in personal injury protection (PIP). Coverage lapses are reported to the MVA and can result in daily fees. → Maryland Insurance Administration

Address Updates

Update your address with the IRS (Form 8822), Social Security Administration, banks, your health insurer, your voter registration, and USPS. → USPS Change of Address

Emergency

911

Baltimore City Non-Emergency

Call 311 for non-emergency police and fire calls and other city services (inside city limits). → Baltimore City Important Phone Numbers

Poison Control

1-800-222-1222

State Crisis Line

Maryland residents can reach crisis support by calling or texting 988.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 (call or text)

Emergency Alerts

Sign up for BMORE Alert, Baltimore City's official mass notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, text, and email. → BMORE Alert

Natural Disaster Info

Baltimore can be affected by hurricanes and tropical storms, extreme summer heat, winter storms, and flooding. The Office of Emergency Management publishes preparedness guidance and local hazard information. → Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management

FEMA Flood Map

Check your property address to see if you are in a flood-prone area. → FEMA Flood Map

Major Industries

Healthcare, higher education, biomedical research, financial services, and port and logistics operations.

Top Employers

Major employers in Baltimore City include Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medicine, the University of Maryland, the U.S. Social Security Administration, H&S Bakery, and Marriott International.

Job Search Tools

LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor list Baltimore openings. Filter by city or ZIP code.

State Job Portal

The Maryland Workforce Exchange lists job openings and connects job seekers with American Job Centers. → Maryland Department of Labor — Employment

Unemployment Benefits

File and manage claims through the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Portal (BEACON), and document weekly job searches in the Maryland Workforce Exchange. Benefits depend on prior wages and eligibility. If you're moving after a job loss, check how a move affects your claim. → Maryland Unemployment Insurance

Professional Networking

The Greater Baltimore Committee, a regional business and civic organization, connects employers, nonprofits, and institutions across the Baltimore region. Industry associations and alumni groups also host local events. → Greater Baltimore Committee

Staffing & Temp Agencies

Robert Half operates a Baltimore office placing temporary and full-time candidates in finance, technology, administrative, and legal roles. Baltimore City's Mayor's Office of Employment Development (MOED) also runs free job centers with career assistance and training. → MOED Job Centers