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Virtual Currency Kiosks: Operating Without Registration is Prohibited - Office of Financial Regulation

February 3, 2026

The Maryland Office of Financial Regulation is issuing this advisory to remind virtual currency kiosk (“VCK”) operators of new registration requirements established under Senate Bill 305—the Virtual Currency Kiosks Registration and Regulation Act. Senate Bill 305 requires that operators of VCKs register their VCKs with the Office of Financial Regulation (OFR). No person may operate a VCK in Maryland on or after January 1, 2026, unless it is properly registered.

Registration Requirement

Under the new law, a VCK operator must register as a Virtual Currency Kiosk Operator and must also register each VCK individually. Registration must include:

  • Operator name and address
  • Unique identifying information for each kiosk such as the manufacturer name, model number, serial number, or asset tag
  • Physical address or geographic area of kiosk operation
  • Any additional information required by OFR regulations

OFR issued an Industry Advisory and Regulatory Notice in October 2025 that includes additional information about the registration requirements, including how to register.

Prohibition on Unregistered Operation

Operating a virtual currency kiosk in Maryland without registration on or after January 1, 2026 is a violation of State law. Operators who fail to comply are subject to investigation and enforcement action.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Under the statute, the Commissioner may:

  • Exercise all investigative and enforcement powers under §§ 2-113 through 2-116 of the Financial Institutions Article, and
  • Impose civil penalties of up to $1,000 per knowing and willful violation.

Each day an unregistered kiosk operates constitutes a separate violation.

Contact

Operators with questions regarding registration or compliance obligations may contact Clifford Charland, Assistant Commissioner of Financial Services Licensing and Supervision, at [email protected] or 410-230-6167.

Industry Advisories Issued Before the Current Calendar Year