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

If your Maryland driver's license is lost, stolen, damaged, or expired, you can get a replacement through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You do not need to retake any tests — the MVA will issue you a new card with the same license number and driving privileges you already have. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You have two main options: visit an MVA office in person, or order a replacement online if your license is straightforward expired and you have not had any address changes. The in-person route is faster for lost or stolen licenses because you can report the loss when ready and get a temporary paper license the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace an expired, lost, stolen, or damaged Maryland license at any MVA office without retaking tests or paying a road test fee.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and payment — the replacement fee is $70 for a standard license.
  • If your license is lost or stolen, report it in person at an MVA office to receive a temporary paper license on the spot while you wait for your replacement card.
  • Online replacement is available only for expired licenses with no address changes; you will need your license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
  • Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as your old one, unless you choose to renew it for a longer period at the time of replacement.

Replacing your license in person at an MVA office

Visit any Maryland MVA office with your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a payment method. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost or stolen.

The replacement fee is $70 for a standard five-year license. If you want to renew your license for a longer period at the same time — for example, upgrading to a ten-year license — you will pay an additional renewal fee. Tell the MVA representative what you want before they process your request.

After you complete the process, the MVA will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same driving privileges as your regular license and works for all driving purposes while you wait for your replacement card to arrive by mail.

Ordering a replacement online

The Maryland MVA allows online replacement only if your license is expired and your address has not changed since your last license was issued. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card.

Go to the Maryland MVA website and select the online replacement option. The system will verify your information and process your payment of $70. You will receive a confirmation email, and your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If your address has changed, your license was lost or stolen, or your license is damaged, you must visit an MVA office in person. The online option does not work for these situations.

What to do if your license was lost or stolen

Report the loss or theft at an MVA office as soon as you can. Bring your Social Security number and proof of address. The MVA will flag your old license number in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently, and they will issue you a temporary paper license when ready.

You do not need to file a police report to get a replacement license, though you may want to do so if you suspect identity theft. The MVA's report of the lost or stolen license is separate from any police report and does not require one to proceed.

Your replacement card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The new card will have the same license number as your old one, so your driving record and insurance history remain unchanged.

Replacing a damaged or unreadable license

If your license is physically damaged, warped, faded, or unreadable, you can replace it at any MVA office. Bring the damaged license itself, your Social Security number, and proof of address. The MVA will keep your damaged license and issue a replacement for $70.

You do not need to explain how the damage happened. The MVA accepts licenses damaged by water, heat, wear, or any other cause. If you cannot locate your damaged license, treat it as a lost license and follow the lost-license process instead.

Finding an MVA office near you

Maryland has MVA offices in every county. You can visit any office — you do not have to go to the one in your home county. The MVA website has a full list of office locations, hours, and phone numbers.

Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Check the website or call ahead to confirm whether your chosen office takes appointments or first-come, first-served customers. During busy times, wait times can be 30 minutes to an hour, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait.

What happens to your old license number

Your replacement license will have the same number as your old one. This means your driving record, insurance history, and any points or violations stay with that number. You do not get a new number, and you do not need to notify your insurance company of the replacement.

The only time your license number changes is if you renew your license after it expires by more than a certain period, or if you explore for a different license type. A straightforward replacement keeps your number intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive right away?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for all driving purposes — commuting, insurance, traffic stops, and identification. It is valid for 45 days while you wait for your replacement card to arrive by mail.

What if I move before my replacement license arrives?

Contact the MVA before you move and update your address. Your replacement license will be mailed to your new address if you update it in time. If your new license arrives at your old address, you can pick it up there or contact the MVA to have it reissued to your new address.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if my license was damaged by the MVA's fault?

The MVA does not waive replacement fees. You pay $70 regardless of how the damage occurred. If you believe the MVA damaged your license, you can file a complaint with the MVA customer service office, but the fee itself is not refundable.

Can someone else pick up my temporary license for me?

No. You must be present in person at the MVA office to explore for a replacement and receive your temporary paper license. The MVA will not issue a temporary license to anyone else on your behalf.

How long does a replacement license last?

Your replacement license is valid for the same length of time as your original license was. If your old license expired in 2028, your replacement also expires in 2028. You can choose to renew it for a longer period at the time of replacement if you pay the additional renewal fee.