Get a replacement license by visiting the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration in person
To replace a lost driver's license in Maryland, you must go to a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office with proof of identity and residency. You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online — Maryland requires you to appear in person and have your photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
The cost is $70 for a standard replacement license. If your license is expiring within the next year, you may want to renew it at the same time instead of replacing it, since a renewal costs the same amount and gives you a fresh expiration date. You can check your license expiration date online through the MVA website before you go.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of Maryland residency to replace a lost license.
- Bring documents like a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement to prove you live in Maryland, since the MVA will not accept a phone bill or credit card statement.
- The replacement fee is $70, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You can find your nearest MVA office and check wait times online before you go, and scheduling an appointment ahead of time can reduce your wait.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA office
Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents instead, such as a Social Security card and a birth certificate, but this takes longer and the MVA staff will ask more questions.
You also need proof that you live in Maryland. The MVA accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name and dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill, credit card statement, or bank statement will not work. If you recently moved and your documents are not yet in your name, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a copy of your lease along with an older utility bill.
Bring your Social Security number or card. You do not need to bring the old lost license — in fact, you cannot, since it is lost — but if you remember your license number, write it down and bring it with you.
Finding an MVA office and scheduling an appointment
Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, check current wait times, and schedule an appointment on the official MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. Scheduling ahead is free and can cut your wait time from 45 minutes to 15 minutes or less, depending on the office.
Some offices are busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, try an office in a nearby county — you can use any MVA office in the state, not just the one in your county. Early morning visits, especially on weekdays, tend to have shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your identity and residency, take your photo, and process your replacement request. You will be asked to sign a form confirming that your license was lost. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Before you leave, the MVA will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Use this as your license while you wait for your plastic card. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file, so make sure the address you provide is correct and that you will be there to receive it.
If your license was stolen, not just lost
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should file a police report before or after you visit the MVA — it is not required, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number fraudulently. Bring a copy of the police report to the MVA if you have one, though the staff will still process your replacement without it.
If you are concerned that your identity information has been compromised, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is a free service and does not affect your credit score.
Replacing a license that is also damaged or unreadable
If your license is damaged but you still have it, bring it with you to the MVA. The process is the same as replacing a lost license — you still need proof of identity and residency, and the fee is still $70. The MVA will take your damaged card and issue a new one.
If your license is water-damaged, cracked, faded, or the barcode no longer scans, the MVA will replace it. You do not need to explain what happened to the card; just bring it along with your other documents.
What to do if you cannot visit an MVA office
Maryland does not offer mail-in or online replacement for a lost license. You must appear in person. If you are temporarily out of state or unable to travel, you can wait until you return to Maryland, but remember that driving without a valid license is illegal. If you are disabled or have a medical condition that makes travel difficult, call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to ask about accommodations or alternatives.
Some MVA offices have accessible parking and facilities for people with mobility issues. When you schedule your appointment online, you can note any accommodations you need, and the office will have staff ready to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in the mail?
Your plastic license card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your visit. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 45 days, so you can drive legally while you wait. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call the MVA at 410-768-7000.
Can I use my temporary paper license to fly or cross state lines?
No. A temporary paper license is valid only for driving in Maryland. For air travel or crossing into another state, you will need your plastic license card or a passport. If you are traveling before your card arrives, bring your passport instead.
What if I moved to Maryland from another state and lost my old license?
You still need to replace your lost license at an MVA office with proof of Maryland residency. Bring your out-of-state license if you still have it, along with a utility bill or lease showing your Maryland address. The $70 replacement fee applies.
Do I need to take a new photo or written test to replace a lost license?
No. A replacement is just a new card with your existing information and a new photo. You do not retake any tests. Your driving record and license class stay the same.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
Bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order, along with your other documents. The MVA will update your name on your new license at no extra cost.