How to Replace Your Maryland Driver's License

What you need to do to replace a Maryland driver's license

You can replace a Maryland driver's license in person at any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked, or online through the MVA website if you are renewing rather than replacing due to loss or damage. The fastest route is usually in person, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day. If you choose mail or online renewal, the process takes longer but requires no office visit.

The method you use depends on why you need a replacement. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must report it and request a replacement. If your license expired and you want to renew it at the same time, you have more options. The MVA charges a flat fee for replacements, which varies depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a Maryland driver's license in person at any MVA office, by mail, or online depending on your situation and what happened to your license.
In-person replacement gives you a temporary license on the spot, while mail and online options take one to two weeks longer.
You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency, and your current license or identification if you still have it.
The replacement fee depends on your license type and how many years you want the new license to be valid for.

Replacing your license in person at an MVA office

Walking into an MVA office is the most straightforward way to replace your license. You will need to bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized), proof of your current Maryland address, and a form of identification. If you still have your old license, bring it. If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need it, but you may want to bring a police report if you filed one.

At the office, you will fill out an process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43) and pay the replacement fee. The MVA staff will take your photograph and fingerprints on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address. The permanent license usually arrives within one to two weeks.

MVA offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and some locations have extended evening hours or Saturday appointments. You can check wait times and book an appointment online before you go, which can save you time on the day you visit.

Replacing your license by mail

If you cannot visit an MVA office, you can request a replacement by mail. You will need to complete Form DL 43, include a copy of your proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and mail everything to the MVA address listed on their website along with your fee payment. You cannot use this method if your license is suspended or revoked.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person replacement. The MVA typically takes one to two weeks to receive your process, process it, and mail your new license back to you. During this time, you will not have a temporary license, so you cannot legally drive. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must visit an MVA office in person to get a temporary license.

Renewing and replacing at the same time online

The MVA website allows you to renew your license online if it has expired or is about to expire. If you are renewing and your license was also lost or damaged, you can handle both at once through the online system. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

Online renewal does not include a new photograph, so your old photo will appear on your replacement license unless you choose to visit an office for a new one. The process takes about one to two weeks from submission to delivery. Like mail-in replacement, you will not receive a temporary license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before the new card arrives.

Documents and fees for Maryland license replacement

The documents you bring depend on whether you are replacing only or replacing and renewing. For a replacement alone, bring proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Maryland address, and your old license if you have it. For a replacement with renewal, you need the same documents plus proof that you meet any vision or medical requirements if your license has restrictions.

The replacement fee varies. A standard five-year license costs one amount, while a ten-year license costs more. If you are also renewing, the fee covers both the replacement and the renewal period. The MVA website lists current fees by license type. You can pay by cash, check, or card depending on whether you are explore in person, by mail, or online.

What to do if your license was stolen or lost

If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report, though it is not required to get a replacement. Having a report can be useful if someone tries to use your license fraudulently. Bring the report number with you if you have one, but the MVA will issue a replacement without it.

If your license was lost, the process is the same as for a stolen license. You do not need to prove how it was lost; you straightforward request a replacement and pay the fee. The MVA will cancel your old license number in their system so it cannot be used, and your new license will have a new number.

How long your replacement license is valid

A replacement license is valid for the same period as a new license would be. In Maryland, you can choose a five-year or ten-year license when you replace yours. The ten-year option costs more but means you will not need to replace it again as soon. If you are over 65, your license is valid for five years regardless of which option you choose.

Your temporary paper license, issued in person at an MVA office, is valid for 45 days. This gives you time to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card to arrive in the mail. If your permanent card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the MVA to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a temporary paper license?

Yes, a temporary paper license issued in person at an MVA office is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally. If you replace your license by mail or online, you will not receive a temporary license and cannot drive until your permanent card arrives.

What if I moved to Maryland recently and need to replace my out-of-state license?

You will need to surrender your out-of-state license and explore for a new Maryland license rather than a replacement. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Maryland address, and your Social Security number to an MVA office. The process is similar to a replacement but is technically a new license process.

Do I need a new photograph for my replacement license?

If you replace your license in person at an MVA office, you will get a new photograph. If you replace it by mail or online, your old photograph will be used unless you visit an office to have a new one taken.

How much does a Maryland license replacement cost?

The fee depends on whether you choose a five-year or ten-year license. Check the MVA website for current fees, as they may change. If you are also renewing an expired license at the same time, the fee covers both the replacement and the renewal period.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with errors?

Contact the MVA when ready with your new license and explain the problem. They will issue a corrected replacement at no additional charge if the error was made by the MVA. If the card arrived damaged, bring it in and request a replacement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.