How to Replace Your Maryland Learner's Permit

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged learner's permit in Maryland, you must visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot replace it by mail or online. The MVA will issue a replacement permit on the spot if your original permit is still valid — you do not need to retake the written test. The cost is $35 for a replacement permit, and the new permit will have the same expiration date as your original.

The process takes about 30 minutes at an MVA office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You should bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) because the MVA will need it to look up your record. If you cannot locate your original permit number, the MVA can find it using your name and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an MVA office in person with a valid photo ID and proof of Maryland residency to get a replacement permit.
  • A replacement permit costs $35 and keeps the same expiration date as your original permit.
  • You do not retake the written knowledge test when replacing a valid permit — the MVA issues the new one when ready.
  • Bring your Social Security number or ITIN so the MVA can locate your record if you do not have your original permit number.
  • If your permit expired while it was lost or damaged, you must renew it instead of replacing it, which requires retaking the written test.

What Documents You Need to Bring

Bring one valid photo ID issued by a government agency. This can be a passport, military ID, out-of-state driver's license, or state ID card. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

You also need proof that you live in Maryland. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them stating that you live there, plus the utility bill or lease.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must bring their own photo ID and sign the process. If your parent or guardian cannot come, you can bring a notarized consent form signed by them instead.

Finding an MVA Office and Making an Appointment

Maryland has 25 MVA offices across the state. You can find the nearest one and check current wait times on the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. The website shows which offices are open today and which are closed for maintenance or staffing.

You can make an appointment online through the MVA website, which typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 20 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 45 minutes to an hour depending on the office. Some offices are busier than others — smaller regional offices often have shorter waits than downtown Baltimore or Annapolis locations.

If you make an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early. If you miss your appointment, you can walk in, but you will go to the back of the queue. The MVA does not charge a fee for missed appointments, but you will lose your reserved time slot.

What Happens If Your Permit Expired While Lost

If your original permit expired before you report it lost or damaged, you cannot straightforward replace it. Instead, you must renew it, which means retaking the written knowledge test. Renewal costs $35, the same as a replacement.

To renew, bring the same documents you would bring for a replacement, plus proof that you studied the Maryland Driver's Manual. The MVA does not require a specific study certificate — you just need to tell them you have reviewed the manual. You will take the 25-question written test at the MVA office. You must score at least 19 questions correctly to pass.

If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost. Most people who study the manual pass on the first try. If you pass, the MVA issues your new permit when ready with a new expiration date five years from the date of issue.

Replacing a Permit That Was Suspended or Revoked

If your learner's permit was suspended or revoked by the MVA, you cannot straightforward replace it. A suspension is temporary — your permit will be reinstated automatically on a specific date set by the MVA. A revocation is permanent, and you must wait a set period before you can request a new permit.

Check your suspension or revocation letter to see the reason and the date when you can reapply. Common reasons for suspension include failing the written test multiple times, not paying a traffic fine, or being convicted of a traffic violation. If you are unsure of your status, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 before going to an office.

If your suspension has ended, bring the same documents as you would for a replacement. If your revocation period has ended, you will need to retake the written test and pay the $35 renewal fee. The MVA will tell you which applies to your situation.

Replacing a Permit Damaged by Water or Wear

If your permit is still readable but damaged — water-damaged, faded, cracked, or worn — you can still replace it. Bring the damaged permit itself to the MVA along with your proof of identity and residency. The MVA will accept the damaged permit as proof that you held a valid permit and will not charge you to replace it if the damage is obvious.

If your permit is so damaged that the MVA cannot read your name, permit number, or expiration date, they may treat it as lost rather than damaged. In that case, you still pay $35 for the replacement. Either way, the new permit will have the same expiration date as the original damaged one.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Permit Number

You do not need your permit number to get a replacement. The MVA can look up your record using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number or ITIN. Bring a valid photo ID so the MVA can confirm your identity, and they will find your permit in their system.

If you want to know your permit number before you go to the MVA, you can call 410-787-7758 and provide your name and date of birth. The MVA staff can tell you over the phone whether your permit is still valid and what your number is. This can save you time if you want to check your status before making the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my learner's permit by mail?

No. Maryland requires you to replace a learner's permit in person at an MVA office. You must bring original documents and a photo ID so the MVA can verify your identity. Mail-in replacement is not an option for learner's permits.

How long does a replacement permit take?

The MVA issues a replacement permit on the spot, usually within 30 minutes of arriving at the office. If you make an appointment, your wait is typically shorter. The new permit is valid when ready and has the same expiration date as your original.

What if I lost my permit out of state?

You still must go to a Maryland MVA office to replace it. If you are currently out of state, you can wait until you return to Maryland, or you can ask a family member to go to the MVA on your behalf with a notarized power of attorney. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask about this option.

Do I have to retake the written test to replace my permit?

No, not if your original permit is still valid. You only retake the test if your permit expired while it was lost or damaged. If the permit is still within its five-year validity period, the MVA straightforward issues a replacement with no test required.

What if the MVA cannot find my record?

If the MVA cannot locate your permit in their system, they will ask you to take the written test and pay the $35 fee to issue a new permit. This can happen if your record was deleted due to inactivity or if there was an error in the original issuance. Bring all your documents and be prepared to test if needed.