What to do if your Maryland driver's license is lost or stolen
If your Maryland driver's license is lost or stolen, you need to request a replacement from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The MVA will issue you a new license with the same number as your original — you do not need to retake the written or road test. You can request a replacement in person at an MVA office, by mail, or online through the MVA website, depending on which method works for your situation.
The fastest route is usually online if your license has not expired and you have a valid email address. If your license is expired or you prefer to handle it in person, you can visit any MVA office. By mail is the slowest option but requires no trip.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace a lost Maryland driver's license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office without retaking any tests.
- Online replacement takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $25 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID.
- In-person replacement at an MVA office usually takes the same day or within a few days and requires proof of identity and Maryland residency.
- If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and provide the police report number when you request the replacement.
- A temporary paper license is not issued during the replacement process, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
Replacing your license online through the MVA website
Online replacement is available if your current license has not expired and you have a valid email address on file with the MVA. Go to the Maryland MVA website, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and follow the prompts. You will need to provide your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also choose whether you want a standard Maryland license or a REAL ID (which costs $5 more and can be used for federal purposes like air travel).
The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID. You pay by credit card or debit card during the online process. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file with the MVA within 7 to 10 business days. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address on the MVA website before you request the replacement, or your new license will go to your old address.
Replacing your license in person at an MVA office
You can walk into any MVA office and request a replacement license on the same day. Bring a valid form of identification (such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card) and proof that you live in Maryland (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You will fill out a form, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Most offices can issue your new license the same day or mail it within a few days.
Wait times at MVA offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning on a weekday usually means a shorter wait than visiting in the afternoon or on a Saturday. You can check wait times on the MVA website before you go. If you do not have a valid form of ID with you, you can still request a replacement, but the MVA may ask you to return with proof of identity before they issue the license.
Replacing your license by mail
You can mail a request to the MVA if you prefer not to visit an office or use the online system. read the "process for a Maryland Driver's License or Permit" form (DL 43) from the MVA website, fill it out, and mail it along with a copy of a valid ID and proof of Maryland residency to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $25 (standard license) or $30 (REAL ID) made payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope, plus mailing time in both directions. This method is slower than online or in-person replacement, so use it only if the other options are not available to you. Keep a copy of everything you mail in case the MVA needs to contact you with questions.
If your license was stolen, not just lost
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should report the theft to your local police department and get a police report number. When you request your replacement through the MVA (online, by mail, or in person), mention that the license was stolen and provide the police report number if you have it. This alerts the MVA to flag your old license number in case someone tries to use it fraudulently.
You may also want to monitor your credit report for signs of identity theft, especially if your Social Security number or other personal information was on the stolen license. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com.
What happens while you wait for your new license
Maryland does not issue a temporary paper license while you wait for your replacement card to arrive. If you need to drive before your new license reaches you, you have limited options. Some insurance companies will accept a police report of the lost license as proof of a valid license during the replacement period, but this varies. Contact your insurance company before you drive.
If you are pulled over by police while your replacement is in progress, explain that you have requested a replacement and provide the confirmation number or receipt from your online request, or the police report number if your license was stolen. Police can verify with the MVA that a replacement is pending. It is not a may provide you will not be cited, but it shows you are acting in good faith.
Replacing an expired license that was also lost
If your license has expired and you have also lost it, you cannot use the online replacement system. You must either visit an MVA office in person or mail in a request. The process is the same as replacing a lost license, but you will need to bring or mail in proof of identity and Maryland residency, just as you would for a regular renewal.
An expired license that is lost is treated as a replacement request, not a renewal, so the fee is the same ($25 or $30) and you do not need to retake the written or road test. However, if your license expired more than a year ago, the MVA may require you to pass a vision test before issuing a new one. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to confirm what documents you need before you visit an office or mail in your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a lost Maryland driver's license?
The replacement fee is $25 for a standard Maryland driver's license or $30 for a REAL ID. This is a one-time fee; you do not pay again if your replacement is delayed or lost in the mail.
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?
Maryland does not issue a temporary paper license during replacement. You may be able to drive if you have your confirmation number or police report number from your lost license report, but this depends on whether police and your insurance company accept it as proof. Contact your insurance company first.
What if I moved since my last license was issued?
Update your address on the MVA website before you request your replacement online, or bring proof of your new address if you go in person. If you mail in your request, include proof of your current Maryland address. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.
Do I have to retake the written or road test to get a replacement license?
No. A replacement license has the same number and restrictions as your original license, so you do not need to retake any tests. The only exception is if your original license expired more than a year ago, in which case the MVA may require a vision test.
How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?
Online requests take 7 to 10 business days after you submit them. Mail-in requests take 2 to 3 weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope, plus mailing time. In-person requests at an MVA office are usually processed the same day or within a few days.