Your driver's license number appears in four places on your card

Your Maryland driver's license number is printed on the front of your card in the upper right corner, just below your photo. It is an eight-digit number that starts with a letter. You will also find this same number on the back of your card, printed near the bottom. If you have your physical card in hand, that is the fastest way to locate it.

If your card is lost, stolen, or not yet arrived, you can find your license number through your Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) account online, by calling the MVA, or by visiting an MVA office in person. Each method takes a different amount of time, so the right choice depends on how urgently you need the number.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Maryland driver's license number is an eight-digit code starting with a letter, printed on the front of your card below your photo and on the back near the bottom.
  • You can look up your license number through your online MVA account without visiting an office or making a phone call.
  • If you do not have an online MVA account yet, you can create one using your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • The MVA phone line can provide your number over the phone, but wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week.
  • Visiting an MVA office in person guarantees you will speak to someone who can confirm your number, but you will need to bring a valid ID.

How to find your number through your online MVA account

The Maryland MVA website lets you log into your account and view your license information without leaving home. Go to mva.maryland.gov, click "Sign In" in the upper right, and select "Create Account" if you do not already have one. You will need your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to set up your account.

Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Driver License" or "My License Information." Your eight-digit license number will be displayed there along with your expiration date and any restrictions on your license. This method works any time of day and does not require you to wait on hold or travel to an office.

If you have trouble creating an account or logging in, the MVA website has a help section that walks through common problems. You can also contact the MVA by phone or visit an office if the online method does not work for you.

Calling the Maryland MVA by phone

You can call the Maryland MVA at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-888-769-0100 (toll-free from anywhere in Maryland). Have your name, date of birth, and address ready when you call. The representative will verify your identity and provide your license number over the phone.

Wait times vary depending on when you call. Early morning (before 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) tend to be less busy than midday. Calling on a weekday is usually faster than calling on a weekend. The MVA phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Visiting an MVA office in person

If you prefer to speak with someone face-to-face, you can visit any Maryland MVA office. Bring a valid form of identification such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. The staff member will look up your license number in the system and provide it to you on the spot.

Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland MVA website by entering your zip code. Most offices do not require an appointment for this type of quick lookup, but some locations do accept appointments to reduce wait time. You can also check the website to see current wait times at different offices before you go.

What your Maryland license number tells you

Your eight-digit Maryland license number is unique to you and does not change unless your license is revoked and you receive a new one. The first letter in your number is based on your last name, which is why two people with different last names will never have the same license number.

This number is what the MVA, law enforcement, and insurance companies use to look up your driving record and license status. When you renew your license, your number stays the same. If your license is suspended or revoked and you later receive a new license, you will receive a new number.

If your license number does not match your card

If you look up your number online or by phone and it does not match the number on your physical card, contact the MVA right away. This can happen if your card was damaged, if there was an error when your license was issued, or if your license status has changed since your card was printed.

The MVA can issue you a replacement card with the correct number. You may need to visit an office in person or request a replacement through your online account, depending on the reason for the mismatch. The MVA website explains the replacement process, or you can call to ask what you need to do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find my license number if my license is suspended or revoked?

Yes. Your license number does not change when your license is suspended or revoked. You can look it up through your online MVA account, by phone, or in person at an MVA office using the same methods as anyone else. The number itself remains valid even if you are not permitted to drive.

Is my Maryland license number the same as my driver's license card number?

No. Your license number is the eight-digit code on your card. Your card itself also has a separate card number printed on it, but that is different from your driver's license number. When you need to provide your license number, use the eight-digit number, not the card number.

What if I moved to Maryland from another state and have an old license?

Your old out-of-state license number is not valid in Maryland. Once you receive your Maryland license, you will be assigned a new eight-digit Maryland license number. You can find this number on your new card or through the methods described above.

Do I need my license number to renew my license online?

The Maryland MVA does not currently offer online renewal for all drivers, but when you do renew—whether online or in person—you will need to provide your current license number. Having it ready before you start the renewal process makes the process faster.

What should I do if someone asks for my license number and I am not sure it is safe?

Only provide your license number to law enforcement, insurance companies, the MVA, and other official agencies that have a legitimate reason to request it. If you are unsure whether a request is legitimate, contact the MVA directly to verify before sharing your information.