What You Need to Do to Replace Your Maryland License
To replace a Maryland driver's license, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Maryland does not issue replacements by mail or online. The process takes about 15 minutes at the counter, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready; your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The fee for a replacement license is $70 if your current license is still valid, or $85 if it has expired. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license was suspended or revoked. If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report and bring documentation of the theft to the MVA office.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at an MVA office with a valid government-issued ID and proof of Maryland residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- Replacement licenses cost $70 for valid licenses or $85 for expired ones, and you receive a temporary paper license at the counter.
- Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; do not rely on the temporary license for air travel.
- If your license was stolen, bring a police report or case number to the MVA office to document the theft.
- You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website to avoid waiting in line, though walk-ins are also accepted.
Documents You Must Bring to the MVA Office
Bring one form of government-issued photo ID and one proof of Maryland residency. Acceptable photo IDs include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo IDs such as a Social Security card and birth certificate, but this route takes longer.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A mail piece from a government agency also works. Do not bring a PO box address; the MVA requires a physical street address.
If your license was stolen, bring a police report number or case number. If you do not have a report yet, you can still replace the license, but documenting the theft protects you if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently.
Where to Go and How to Schedule Your Visit
Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can visit any office, not just the one nearest your address. The MVA website has a full list with hours and locations. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours.
You can schedule an appointment online at the MVA website to skip the waiting line. Appointments are free and typically available within a few days. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning visits and weekday afternoons tend to have shorter lines than lunch hours or late afternoon.
If you live in Baltimore City or Baltimore County, the MVA has dedicated offices in those areas. Rural counties may have fewer locations, so check the website before you travel.
What Happens If Your License Expired Before You Lost It
If your license expired and you also lost it, you must renew it rather than straightforward replace it. The fee is $85 instead of $70. You will still need the same documents—photo ID and proof of residency—and you do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than two years.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you must pass the written test and the road test to restore it. You will need to schedule a separate appointment for the road test after you pass the written test. This process takes longer than a standard replacement.
Temporary License and Waiting for Your Permanent Card
When you complete your replacement at the MVA office, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and has the same driving privileges as your permanent license. You can use it to drive when ready after you leave the office.
Do not use the temporary license for air travel, even though it is a valid form of ID for driving. TSA does not accept temporary licenses at airport security checkpoints. If you need to fly before your permanent card arrives, bring your passport or passport card instead.
Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to the address you provided at the MVA office. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the MVA to report the delay. Do not discard your temporary license until the permanent card arrives.
Special Situations: Suspended, Revoked, or Restricted Licenses
If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVA or the court that issued it. Suspensions are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or medical issues. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or multiple serious violations.
Contact the MVA's Administrative Hearings and Licensing Appeals Division to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to restore it. You may need to pay fines, complete a substance abuse program, or wait out a mandatory suspension period. Only after the suspension or revocation is lifted can you replace your license.
If your license has restrictions—such as corrective lenses required or automatic transmission only—those restrictions carry over to your replacement license. You do not need to do anything special; the MVA will print them on your new card automatically.
If You Need Your License Urgently
Maryland does not offer expedited replacement or rush delivery. Your permanent card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days regardless of when you explore. If you need to drive before the card arrives, use your temporary paper license. If you need a form of ID for air travel or banking, bring your passport or passport card instead.
If you are traveling out of state and need your license before the card arrives, you can request a duplicate temporary license at any MVA office. Bring your temporary license and photo ID, and the MVA will print you another copy at no charge. This second temporary license is also valid for 45 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a current address in Maryland?
No. You must provide proof of Maryland residency with a physical street address dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved to Maryland and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a notarized letter from your landlord or a mortgage statement. If you are homeless, contact the MVA directly to discuss options.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You must still replace it in Maryland at an MVA office. You cannot replace a Maryland license at an out-of-state DMV. If you are traveling and need to drive, contact the MVA to ask about a temporary extension or bring your passport as backup ID.
Do I need to bring my old license to replace it?
No. If your license is lost or stolen, you obviously cannot bring it. If you have it but it is damaged, you can bring it to the MVA, but it is not required. The MVA can look up your record by your name and date of birth.
Will replacing my license change my license number?
No. Your license number stays the same when you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card. Your new card will have the same number as your old one. If your license was suspended or revoked and then restored, the number may change, but a straightforward replacement keeps the same number.
What if I moved to Maryland from another state and my old license is lost?
You cannot replace an out-of-state license in Maryland. You must obtain a new Maryland license instead. Bring your out-of-state license if you have it, or bring your passport and proof of Maryland residency. You will need to pass the written test and road test unless you are under 25 or have held a valid license for the past five years.