Alison Wilkinson
Weights & Measures, Program Manager
- [email protected]
- Main
- 410-841-5790
- Fax
- 410-841-2765
Electric Vehicle Service Equipment Registration
Registration deadline
The Maryland Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures program has extended the open registration period for public-facing Electric Vehicle Service Equipment chargers. All chargers must be registered no later than July 1, 2026.
Please direct any questions and completed registration forms to the Weights and Measures Program at [email protected]. You will be contacted within 5 business days for the next step in the process.
Overview
This page is designed to assist and inform businesses as they enter the electric vehicle charging market by clearly establishing expectations for this new market as it applies to Maryland Weights & Measures requirements. To ensure that Maryland businesses and consumers work in a fair and reliable market, regulated equipment is required to meet applicable legal standards, including the method of sale.
Method of sale
All electrical energy sold at retail as vehicle fuel must be sold by the kilowatt-hour (kWh). Unit price for electricity must be displayed by the whole cent ($0.32) or tenth of one cent ($0.319). In addition to the fee for electrical energy, fees may be assessed for other services, such as parking. Any additional charges can be fixed or based on time. All fees must be displayed to the customer before the consumer elects to purchase the services.
Selecting a device
Devices must be selected with the intended use in mind. All Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) used commercially and available to the public must be “Legal for Trade”, comply with all the requirements in NIST Handbook 44 and are required to have a National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) Certificate of Conformance (CC), this includes all new EVSE equipment. A list of all equipment that complies with this requirement can be found on the NTEP CC Database.
These devices will have a nomenclature plate (identification plate) containing the following information:
- Make
- Model
- Serial Number
- Voltage and Type of Current
- Maximum Current Deliverable
- Temperature Limits
- Minimum Measured Quantity
- NTEP CC Number Example nomenclature plate
Requirements by device type
EVSEs not available to the public such as those found in multi-family dwellings or private residence will not currently be licensed by the Weights and Measures program.
These devices must have a means (electronic or physical) to prevent general public access.
Additionally, these devices should not appear on any websites or applications which help members of the public find and/or pay for EVSE services.
EVSE devices installed prior to January 1, 2023, are referred to as legacy chargers and are not required to have NTEP certification.
Legacy chargers are required to be registered in accordance with Maryland requirements. These devices will not require a placed-in-service report from an RSA as they are already in service.
They are required to meet the following requirements:
- Operable for customer use.
- Have a customer indication.
- Provide unit pricing per kWh and additional fees prior to the start of the charging session.
- Quantity of energy delivered throughout the session.
- Total purchase of energy and additional fees per charging session.
- Correct method of sale for electricity when used in a vehicle fueling application.
- Able to provide a paper or electronic recorded representation to a customer that includes the following information.
- The total quantity of energy delivered with unit of measurement.
- The total computed price of energy sale.
- Date and time of transaction.
- Unit price per kwh.
- The maximum rate of energy transferred.
- Any additional separate charges (for example parking time)
- Unit price of time-based service.
- The total purchase price for the quantity of time.
- The final total price of the complete transaction.
- The EVSE unique Identification.
- Business name and location.
- Can not exceed 2% accuracy tolerance in favor of the business.
If a device is not capable of meeting these minimum requirements and is removed from service, it will be required to be replaced with an NTEP certified device. These devices will receive registration decals only and will not receive a certification decal.
All legacy devices will require replacement with an NTEP certified device by January 1, 2033.
- They are required to have a traceable NTEP certificate of Conformance.
- If the device is actively undergoing Type Evaluation, it may be granted conditional use for a period of time.
- If a device has CTEP, it will be granted conditional use pending an NTEP certificate of conformance.
- These devices will not require a placed in-service report from an RSA as they are already in service.
- These devices are required to be registered with MDA prior to July 1, 2026.
- These devices are required to adhere to specifications, tolerances, and user requirements as outlined in NIST Handbook 44.
- These devices require a placed in-service notification by either the device owner or a registered service agency.
- A placed in-service report acknowledges that legal for trade devices are installed in accordance with Maryland Law and NIST Handbook 44 requirements.
- Require registration with the department ahead of being available for a customer for a transaction.
- These devices are required to adhere to specifications, tolerances, and user requirements as outlined in NIST HB 44.
Which chargers require registration
Chargers that must be registered
- EVSE publicly available commercial chargers — Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers available to the public, whereas a fee is established
- EVSE contract charging — Commercial transactions between two parties, with a contract between them defining the terms of that transaction related to operation, metering, billing, etc.
- Public utility chargers — Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers available to the public, whereas a fee is established
- Multi-fleet chargers — Level 2 and DC Fast Chargers athat are available for use by more than one fleet, whereas a fee is established either directly or through a billing agreement
- Publicly available workplace chargers — Chargers that are available at the workplace for employee, fleet, and public charging
Chargers that do not require registration
- Private residence chargers — These chargers are for personal use and are not considered commercially available
- Single fleet chargers —Chargers that are used to fuel private fleets, whereas commercial transactions do not occur
- Multi-family dwellings —If chargers meet the following requirements, registration is not required:
- Installed on the property of the housing
- Not located on a public street, parking lot, or in a public parking garage
- Can not be accessed by the public, including visitors of the community
- For residents use only
- Have permanent signage posted at the location stating “Not a Public Charger -Residential Use Only”
- Not listed on publicly available websites
- Free chargers — Free means free; a charger, whereas no fee of any kind is established. When a fee is established, it is required to be in addition to the kilowatt-hour dispensed to fuel the vehicle
- Private use workplace chargers — Chargers are available for fleet and employee charging only; in an area not available to the public, such as behind a fence; and not available or listed on public charging networks
Placed in Service Reports
Placed in Service Reports (PIS) are a form submitted to the Weights and Measures Program to inform the office of newly installed devices or repaired devices.
At this time, due to limited-service agencies and equipment, MDA Weights and Measures will accept placed-in-service reports (available on the website) from device owners.
The owner or service agency is required to:
- Submit the completed Placed In Service Form to [email protected].
- If the owner is submitting the report, it can be submitted simultaneously with the registration form ahead of being available to customers for a transaction. Please fill out ALL information on the form, including the name, representative name, and direct contact information of the installer.
- Registered Service Agencies have five days to submit a report following placing a device into service or returning a repaired device into service.
Enforcement action
MDA Weights and Measures utilizes a multi-tiered approach to enforcement action.
Rejection – 14 days
- Low level enforcement action.
- The charger will continue to be in operation.
- The owner is required to take steps to gain compliance before the Weights and Measures Inspector returns.
Condemnation – 14 days
- This is the mid-level in enforcement action.
- The charger is removed from service pending repairs.
- This action is taken when;
- A rejected charger is not repaired within the specified timeline.
- The violation poses a risk to the business or customer.
- A consumer complaint against the device has been validated through investigation.
- The charger is found to be more than 3 times the applicable tolerance as outlined in NIST HB 44.
- A yellow tag will be placed on the charger precluding it from further use.
- A charger that is under condemnation requires a return to service report be submitted upon repair from a registered service agency or a Weights and Measures inspector may return the charger to service upon verification the charger is accurate and correct.
Stop Use Order -14 days
- This is the highest level of direct enforcement action.
- A red stop-use tag will be placed on the charger precluding it from further use.
- This level of enforcement action is taken when;
- A condemned charger has not been repaired in the specified timeline.
- Repairs were attempted but did not correct the original violation with the device being returned to service.
- The device is unregistered with MDA.
- The owner is required to take steps to gain compliance before an inspector returns.
- The owner or registered service agency is required to contact the office to discuss repairs and timelines.
- If a device is capable of repair, once repairs are completed the red tag is required to be returned to the charger and a return to service report is required to be submitted to [email protected].
- Only a Weights and Measures Inspector can return the charger to service if it is placed under a stop use order
Tags & terminology
- Rejected – the device can be used while undergoing repairs, PIS report required.
- Condemned (yellow tag) – is placed on a device to preclude it from further use during repairs. Only an RSA may return a repaired device into service following condemnation. PIS report required.
- Stop-use (red tag) – is placed on a device to preclude it from further use during repairs. Once repaired only an inspector with MDA Weights and Measures may place the device back into service. Office notification and PIS report required.
- Conditional Use – can be granted for a specified time if the device complies with terms of conditional use.
- Approved – these devices have been found to be accurate and correct during inspection and have received a certification sticker. The device owner is still responsible for maintaining the device.
- White Tagged Device – these devices have specific circumstances whereas they have been removed from service for a temporary period, the device owner is required to contact weights and measures and submit a placed into service report upon removing the whitetag. PIS report required.
Removal of any tag placed on a device by a weights and measures official without proper notification can result in the assessment of civil penalties and or revocation of registration.
Registration & certification program phases
- Open registration period beginning October 1, 2025- December 31, 2025
- All EVSE devices used in a transaction with a customer is required to be registered during this time period.
- Visual inspections based on consumer complaints.
- Begins January 1, 2026.
- All devices are required to be registered with associated fees paid ahead of being used in a consumer transaction, with a “placed into service report” by a registered service agency submitted to [email protected]
- Inspectors will begin collecting information to build an accurate Weights and Measures database. The following information will be collected and logged.
- Location
- Charging Network
- Make, Model, Serial Number
- AC/ DC
- Number of ports at the location
- Amperage
- Voltage Rating
- MMQ (minimum measured quantity)
- Date of Installation
- NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program) Certificate of Conformance (If installed after 01/01/2023)
- Visual Inspections with enforcement action will begin.
- Chargers that are not registered with MDA – Red Tag
- Chargers without posted responsible party information – Rejected (If properly register)
- Incorrect method of sale- Condemned
- Inoperable screens- Condemned
- Missing or damaged cords/ connectors- Condemned
- Out of Service – Rejected
- NTEP enforcement on devices installed on or after January 1, 2023.
- CTEP Only – Rejected pending submission to NTEP – 60-day grace period.
- No NTEP or CTEP – Rejected - 30-day grace period to submit an application for NTEP certification. After 30 days if a manufacturer does not submit an application and receive an assignment letter the device will be condemned.
- Inspectors will place registration decals on all chargers that are registered with fees paid, the decals are weatherproof and required to stay on the face of the charger.
- NTEP enforcement on devices installed on or after January 1, 2023.
- Inspectors will begin testing devices using certified standards in Spring 2026.
- Inspectors will adhere to NIST HB 44 for Specifications, Tolerances, and User Requirements.
- 1.10. General Code
- 3.40. Electrical Vehicle Fueling Equipment
- 5.55. Timing Devices
- Chargers that adhere to all aspects of NIST HB 44, are properly registered with MDA, and have a valid NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program) Certificate of Conformance will receive an MDA certification decal. The decals are weatherproof and will be placed on the front of the charger for consumers to see. Both the month and year the chargers are certified will be stamped on the decal.
Frequently asked questions
EVSE Registration, Inspection, and Testing Program FAQs
An EVSE charger used in a transaction with a consumer to establish a charge is required to be registered with MDA Weights and Measures.
The registration fee is $150 per port. If two vehicles are capable of being simultaneously charged, then the EVSE has two ports with a fee of $300.
Yes, each individual location will need to be separately registered. Please fill out one registration form per location and submit completed forms to [email protected]. If you have multiple locations a “mail group” can be created so that you will receive notifications for all locations at one email address.
Currently registration is open to all EVSE locations that are available to consumers through December 31, 2025. Starting January 1, 2026, all EVSE chargers are required to be registered before being available for consumer use. To register complete one application per location. Once received the office will assign an account number to the location and email an invoice for registration fees. To complete registration all fees are required to be paid upon receipt.
Starting January 1, 2026, any unregistered charger found to be available to consumers for use will be removed from service until they are registered with MDA. Weights and Measures will officially place the charger into service.
Inspection- to visually assess an EVSE charger to ensure it correctly meets specification and user requirements. Testing – to verify the accuracy of the meter dispensing the electricity to an electric vehicle.
NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Handbook 44 outlines the specifications, tolerances, technical requirements, user requirements, and test notes that pertain to weighing and measuring devices. The current edition of NIST Handbook 44 is adopted under Title 11 of the Agricultural Annotated Code of Maryland.
You will receive an emailed copy of the inspection report listing the violations. As the device owner it is your responsibility to correct any noted deficiencies within the specified time to gain compliance with Maryland law. Please contact the office with any questions.
This information is not directly available to the public. The program does not post inspection results for each device on a website.
All electrical energy kept, offered, or exposed for sale and sold at retail as a vehicle fuel shall be in units in terms of the kilowatt-hour (kWh). In addition to the fee assessed for the quantity of electrical energy sold, fees may be assessed for other services; such fees may be based on time measurement and/or a fixed fee.
An unattended EVSE shall have clearly and conspicuously displayed thereon, or immediately adjacent thereto, adequate information detailing the name, address, and phone number of the local party responsible for the device.
Any location that lacks a person physically onsite that is able to assist the customer during fueling operations.
As with any device that is unable to be verified at the time of the inspection, it will be rejected, which is the lowest level of enforcement action. The device can still be used pending a return inspection.
The manufacturer may apply to the NTEP program for evaluation. They may then be granted conditional use during evaluation period.