Maryland Adopts Virtual Currency Kiosk Registration Regulations

MD OFR Industry Advisories

Published March 30th, 2026

Detected March 27th, 2026

Summary

The Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation has adopted new regulations for virtual currency kiosks, effective March 30, 2026. These rules establish registration procedures, fee structures, fraud prevention measures, and operational requirements for virtual currency kiosk operators and kiosks, in accordance with recent legislative changes.

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What changed

The Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation has finalized and adopted new regulations under COMAR 09.03.16, establishing a registration framework for virtual currency kiosks and their operators. This action, prompted by legislative changes (Ch. 117, Acts of 2025), introduces definitions, registration procedures, fee refund policies, fraud prevention requirements, communication standards, physical kiosk requirements (lighting, safety, signage), screen disclosure timing, receipt information mandates, and annual reporting obligations.

Virtual currency kiosk operators and kiosks operating in Maryland must now comply with these new registration and operational requirements by the effective date of March 30, 2026. Failure to register or adhere to the specified operational standards could result in penalties or enforcement actions by the Office of Financial Regulation. Compliance officers should review the detailed requirements outlined in the Maryland Register to ensure their operations meet the new regulatory standards.

What to do next

Review COMAR 09.03.16 for detailed requirements on virtual currency kiosk registration and operation.
Initiate registration process for virtual currency kiosk operators and kiosks by March 30, 2026.
Implement required fraud prevention, communication, signage, and disclosure measures.

Source document (simplified)

Notice of Final Action: Virtual Currency Kiosks - Financial Regulation

March 24, 2026

The Commissioner of Financial Regulation has adopted Regulations .01 through .10 under new chapter, COMAR 09.03.16 Virtual Currency Kiosks.

To view the final rule, see the Maryland Register, Volume 53, Issue 6, Page 285 (issued March 20, 2026). The final rule goes into effect on March 30, 2026.

The purpose of this action is to ensure Maryland’s virtual currency kiosks can register in compliance with the Legislature’s adoption of Ch. 117 (S.B. 305), Acts of 2025, which created a registration requirement for virtual currency kiosk operators and created a registration requirement for each virtual currency kiosk.

This action establishes the Office of Financial Regulation’s (OFR’s) registration regulations by adding:

Definitions for certain undefined terms used for virtual currency kiosks;
A description of the registration procedure for kiosk operators and kiosks;
Procedures for fee refunds;
A description of the fraud prevention requirements;
A description of the communications and notice requirements;
A description of the lighting, safety, and signage required;
A description of the screen disclosures timing;
A description of the information required on receipts; and
A description of the annual report required.

Questions

Please send questions to Clifford J. Charland, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Financial Regulation, by email at [email protected] or by phone at 410-230-6167.

Industry Advisories Issued Before the Current Calendar Year

Named provisions

Definitions Registration Procedure Fee Refunds Fraud Prevention Requirements Communications and Notice Requirements Lighting, Safety, and Signage Screen Disclosures Timing Information on Receipts Annual Report