What you need to replace your Maryland driver's license
You can get a replacement Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office by bringing proof of identity, proof of residency, and paying the replacement fee. The process takes about 15 minutes if you already have a valid Maryland ID or passport. If you don't have either, you'll need to bring additional documents to prove who you are.
Maryland issues a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally using the temporary license when ready after you leave the MVA office.
The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license and $100 for a Real ID-compliant license. If your license was lost or stolen, you pay the same fee as a regular replacement — there is no additional charge for a lost or stolen report.
Key Takeaways
- Bring a valid passport or Maryland ID card, proof of your current address, and $70 to $100 cash or card to any MVA office.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving while your plastic card is mailed to you.
- Your replacement card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you do not need to return to the MVA to pick it up.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost $30 more than standard licenses and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 2025.
Documents you must bring to the MVA
The MVA requires proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring your valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, or a valid Maryland ID card. If you have none of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card, but this takes longer and requires additional steps.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Maryland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A piece of mail from your employer or school does not count.
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not issue a replacement under a new name without this document.
When you cannot get a replacement at the MVA
If your license is currently suspended or revoked, the MVA will not issue a replacement. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation. Suspensions are usually lifted automatically once you pay outstanding fines, complete a required course, or serve the suspension period. Revocations require a hearing or a formal request to the MVA to restore your driving privileges.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended or revoked, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 or check your status online at mva.maryland.gov. You can also visit any MVA office and ask a staff member to look up your record.
If your license was suspended for unpaid child support, you must contact the Child Support Enforcement Administration to arrange payment or a payment plan before the MVA can issue a replacement.
Standard license versus Real ID license
Maryland offers two types of replacement licenses: a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. The main difference is where you can use them. A standard license works for driving and state ID purposes but cannot be used to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. A Real ID license can be used for all of these purposes.
Both licenses look similar and work the same way for driving. The Real ID license has a small star in the top right corner. The Real ID license costs $30 more ($100 instead of $70) and requires one additional document: proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This can be your passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization papers.
If you already have a Real ID license and are replacing it, you can choose to get another Real ID license or downgrade to a standard license. The choice is yours at the time of replacement.
How to replace your license by mail or online
Maryland does not offer online replacement for driver's licenses. You must visit an MVA office in person. However, you can renew a license that is not yet expired by mail if it was issued within the last 10 years and you have not had any address changes. A replacement is different from a renewal — replacement is for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses, while renewal is for licenses that are about to expire.
If your license is damaged but still in your possession and not yet expired, you may be able to renew it by mail instead of replacing it. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask whether your situation qualifies for mail renewal.
MVA office locations and wait times
Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. The busiest offices are in Baltimore, Silver Spring, and Towson, where wait times can reach 2 to 3 hours on weekdays. Smaller offices in rural areas usually have wait times under 30 minutes. You can find the full list of offices and their hours at mva.maryland.gov.
The MVA does not take appointments for replacement licenses. You arrive, take a number, and wait. To reduce your wait, visit early in the morning on a weekday, or go to an office outside your when ready area if possible. The MVA is typically less busy on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.
If you cannot visit an MVA office in person, you cannot get a replacement license. There is no exception to the in-person requirement for replacement licenses.
What happens if your license was suspended for a traffic violation
If your license was suspended because of a traffic violation — such as speeding, reckless driving, or driving without insurance — you must first resolve the violation. This usually means paying the fine, completing a defensive driving course, or serving the suspension period. Once the suspension is lifted, you can get a replacement license the same way as anyone else.
If you received a suspension notice in the mail, it will tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension. If you are unsure, contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension. Do not ignore a suspension notice — driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
Yes. An outstanding ticket does not prevent you from getting a replacement license. However, if the ticket resulted in a suspension, you must resolve the suspension first. Call the MVA to check whether your license is suspended.
How long is a replacement license valid?
A replacement license is valid for the same amount of time as your original license. If your original license was valid until 2028, your replacement is also valid until 2028. You do not get a new expiration date when you replace a license.
What if I lose my temporary paper license before my plastic card arrives?
You can still drive legally. The temporary paper license is proof that you have a valid replacement license on order. If you are stopped by police, explain that you have a replacement in the mail and show them the temporary license. If you lose the temporary license, return to the MVA and request a duplicate temporary license for $5.
Can I change my address at the same time I replace my license?
Yes. Bring your new proof of residency and tell the MVA staff that you want to update your address. There is no additional fee. Your replacement license will show your new address.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will issue a replacement license with your new name. If you do not bring this document, the MVA cannot change your name on the license.