Where to replace your Maryland driver's license

You can replace your Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in the state. Maryland has 26 MVA branches, with locations in Baltimore, Annapolis, Salisbury, Hagerstown, and other cities. You can also replace it by mail if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than two years.

The fastest option is usually an in-person visit to your nearest MVA office. Walk-in appointments are available, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online through the MVA website, which often reduces your time in the office.

Mail replacement is slower but requires no office visit. You send your completed process, payment, and proof documents to the MVA address listed on their website. Processing takes roughly two to three weeks after the MVA receives your envelope.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your Maryland license in person at any of the 26 MVA offices, by appointment or walk-in, or by mail if your license is not suspended or expired for more than two years.
  • In-person replacement usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on the office and time of day, and you receive your new license the same day.
  • Mail replacement takes two to three weeks but requires you to send your original license, a completed process form, payment, and proof of residency to the MVA.
  • You will need to bring or send a valid form of identification, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number or proof you do not have one.
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license, and you can pay by cash, check, money order, or card at an office, or by check or money order by mail.

Documents you need to bring or send

Maryland requires specific documents to replace your license. You must bring one form of valid identification — a passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID — and proof of your current Maryland address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work as proof of residency.

You also need your Social Security number or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you do not have one. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For mail replacement, you send the original license itself along with a completed process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43). You can read this form from the MVA website or request it by mail. Include a check or money order for $70 made payable to "Maryland MVA."

What happens at the MVA office

When you arrive at an MVA office, you check in and take a number. A staff member will review your documents, verify your information in the system, and take a new photo for your license. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

You will be asked to sign your new license and confirm your address and other details are correct. If you want to change your address at the same time, tell the staff member before they process your replacement. You pay the $70 fee at the counter, and your new license is printed and handed to you before you leave.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the MVA will note this in their system. If you are replacing a damaged license, bring the old one so staff can see the damage and process it as a replacement rather than a new license.

Replacing a license that is suspended or revoked

If your Maryland license is suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it through the standard process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVA or the court system, depending on why it was suspended.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or medical conditions reported to the MVA. Revocation is more serious and usually results from multiple violations or DUI convictions. Contact the MVA directly to learn why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to restore it.

Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can replace your license using the standard process. The MVA will confirm the status has been cleared before issuing a new license.

Replacing an expired license

If your Maryland license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it by mail or in person using the replacement process. Bring the same documents as you would for any replacement — valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use the replacement process. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time. This requires a vision test, knowledge test, and road test. Contact the MVA to schedule these tests and learn what additional documents you need.

Costs and payment methods

A replacement Maryland driver's license costs $70. This fee covers the cost of producing and issuing the new card. At an MVA office, you can pay with cash, check, money order, or debit or credit card. By mail, you can only pay with a check or money order.

If you are replacing your license because it was lost or stolen, the fee is the same — there is no additional charge for a replacement due to loss or theft. If you are replacing a license that was damaged by the MVA's error, contact the MVA to see if they will waive the fee.

How long your new license is valid

A replacement Maryland driver's license is valid for the same length of time as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement license will also expire in 2027. The expiration date does not reset when you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license.

Maryland driver's licenses are valid for eight years for drivers age 21 and older, and five years for drivers under 21. When your license expires, you will need to renew it through the MVA, which is a separate process from replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license by mail?

No. Once you send your original license to the MVA by mail, you no longer have a valid license to carry. You should not drive until your replacement arrives. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, go to an MVA office in person instead of using mail replacement.

What if I lost my license and do not remember my Social Security number?

Bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return or Social Security card. If you do not have one, the Social Security Administration can issue a letter stating you do not have a number. Bring this letter to the MVA instead.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license at an MVA office?

No, but scheduling an appointment online usually means a shorter wait. Walk-ins are accepted at all MVA offices, but you may wait longer during busy times. Check the MVA website to see current wait times at offices near you before you go.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must pick up your replacement license in person at the MVA office. The MVA does not mail licenses to your home after in-person replacement. If you cannot go to the office, mail replacement is your only option.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with wrong information?

Contact the MVA when ready with a photo of the damage or description of the error. The MVA will issue a corrected license at no additional charge. Bring the damaged or incorrect license to an MVA office, or mail it back with a letter explaining the problem.