Not confirmed by Maryland yet: what we found

Kei Trucks in Maryland

Not confirmed: what the rules say, the historic plate question, and what to ask before you buy

No Maryland law names kei trucks, and the MVA hasn't published a kei policy. Some sources say they title like other overseas imports; others list the state as a no. Ask the MVA in writing first.

Not confirmed in MarylandNo kei rule. Sources disagree, so get the MVA's answer in writing.

See what to ask ↓

Kei lawNone

MVA policyNot published

Safety inspectionYes

Ask firstIn writing

A white 1991 Honda Acty SDX kei truck parked in a lot with full-size pickups behind it — A newly imported 1991 Honda Acty SDX in Newark, New Jersey.

The law

What Maryland rules say about kei trucks

There's no kei-truck law or MVA kei policy. Imports go through the MVA's overseas vehicle title process.

What we found (MVA overseas vehicle titling)

Imports need US customs, EPA and DOT import papers to be titled.
Before plates, a used vehicle must pass a Maryland safety inspection.
A 2024 owner thread says kei trucks are handled like other overseas imports.
A 2026 buying guide lists Maryland as a state that won't register them.

Because the sources conflict, we can't tell you yes or no. The MVA's answer, in writing, is the one that counts.

Sources: Maryland MVA overseas vehicles and historic plates pages ↗, kei import guides, owner forums. Checked Nov. 9, 2026.

Options

What to do before you buy in Maryland

Ask first. Getting an answer before you pay can save you a truck you can't plate.

1
Ask the MVA in writingAsk: can a 25-year-old kei truck be titled and registered for normal road use? Keep the reply.
2
Collect the import papersCustoms entry (CBP 7501), DOT form HS-7, EPA form 3520-1, the Japanese export certificate with an English translation, and your bill of sale.
3
Plan for the safety inspectionA licensed Maryland station must pass the truck before it gets plates.
4
Know the historic plate limitsHistoric plates skip inspections, but the MVA says they're not for general transportation. The current cutoff is model year 1999 or older.

What to ask the MVA, in writing

Can a kei truck 25 years or older be titled and registered for normal road use?
Which papers do you need: customs entry, HS-7, EPA 3520-1, the Japanese export certificate?
The MVA's overseas page: Overseas vehicles ↗.

Sources: Maryland MVA. Not legal advice.

Roads

Where you can drive one

Only once the MVA titles and registers it.

If it does, we found no rule limiting kei trucks to certain roads. On historic plates, driving is limited to occasional use. Until you have plates, keep it on private land.