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

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Maryland driver's license, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Maryland does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will pay a fee (currently $70 for a standard license), receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The process is straightforward if you have the right documents. Most people complete it in under an hour at the MVA office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, since a stolen ID can be used for identity theft.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at an MVA office with a valid government-issued ID and proof you live in Maryland.
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a standard five-year license; you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and consider a fraud alert with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to protect against identity theft.
  • You can schedule an appointment online at the MVA website to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are accepted at all offices.

Documents you must bring to the MVA

Maryland requires two things: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring a valid government-issued ID such as a passport, military ID, or birth certificate. If you are replacing a stolen license, your old license number helps but is not required.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A credit card bill or insurance statement does not count. If you have moved recently and your utility bill still shows an old address, bring a lease or mortgage document instead.

Bring your Social Security number or card. You will also need to complete form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the office itself.

Where to go and how to schedule your visit

Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can visit any office, not just the one nearest your address. The MVA website lists all locations with hours and current wait times. Many offices update wait times every 15 minutes, so you can check before you leave home.

Scheduling an appointment online at the MVA website reduces your wait time significantly. Appointments are usually available within a few days. If you cannot schedule online or prefer to walk in, all offices accept walk-ins, though you may wait longer during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

Some MVA offices are busier than others. If your local office shows a long wait, consider visiting a less busy location nearby or scheduling an appointment instead of walking in.

What happens at the MVA office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. The MVA staff member will verify your documents, confirm your information, and take a new photo for your license. You will pay the $70 fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The entire transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license looks like a printed receipt and works as your legal driver's license until your plastic card arrives. You can drive, show it to police, and use it for age verification. Keep it with you until the plastic card comes.

Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provide at the MVA. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, ask the MVA staff about expedited options, though these may carry an additional fee.

If your license was stolen or used fraudulently

File a police report with the Maryland police department or local police in your jurisdiction. You do not need the report to get a replacement license, but you will want it for your records if someone uses your stolen ID to open accounts or commit fraud.

Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert by phone or online at any of the three bureaus, and it will explore to all three automatically.

Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You can check your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent activity, dispute it with the bureau and the creditor directly.

Fees and what affects the cost

A standard five-year Maryland driver's license costs $70. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same. The fee does not change based on whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged — all replacements cost $70.

If you choose expedited mail delivery instead of standard mail, there is an additional fee. Ask the MVA staff for the current expedited fee when you visit, as it may vary. Some people choose expedited delivery if they need their license quickly for travel or work.

If you are replacing a license that was damaged but still in your possession, bring the old card with you. The MVA will destroy it, and you will not be charged extra.

What to do if you cannot visit an MVA office in person

Maryland does not offer remote replacements, so you must visit an office yourself. However, if you have a medical condition or disability that makes travel difficult, contact the MVA directly to ask about accommodations. Some offices may be able to arrange a special appointment or discuss alternatives.

If you are out of state temporarily, you can still visit an MVA office when you return to Maryland. Your temporary paper license is valid until your plastic card arrives, so you can drive legally in the meantime. If you will be out of state for an extended period, consider scheduling your replacement appointment before you leave or as soon as you return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to fly or enter a federal building?

No. The temporary paper license is valid for driving but not for federal purposes. If you need to fly or enter a federal building, you must have a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of federal ID such as a passport. Your plastic replacement license will be REAL ID-compliant if you brought the correct documents to the MVA.

How long does the plastic card take to arrive in the mail?

Standard delivery is 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the MVA. Expedited delivery is faster but costs extra. If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVA to check the status.

What if I moved and my proof of residency shows an old address?

Bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your new address, such as a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a signed lease or mortgage document works instead.

Do I need to bring my old license if it was stolen?

No. If your license was stolen, you cannot bring it. Just bring your other proof of identity and residency. The MVA can look up your old license number in their system.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license from the MVA?

No. Your replacement license is mailed to you automatically. You cannot pick it up at the office or have someone else collect it. The card is sent to the address you provide at your appointment.