What you need to do to get a replacement license in Maryland

To replace a lost driver's license in Maryland, you must visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in person with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot renew a lost license by mail or online — Maryland requires you to appear at an MVA office. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Maryland does not issue temporary licenses while you wait for your replacement, so plan for a period without a physical license. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the MVA office, though this is not standard practice — ask the staff member helping you whether one is available in your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person with a valid ID and proof of Maryland residency to replace a lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license valid for eight years, or $100 for a Real ID-compliant license valid for ten years.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; Maryland does not issue temporary licenses as standard.
  • You can check wait times and book an appointment online at the MVA website before you go, which usually cuts your time in the office by half.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Documents you need to bring to the MVA

Bring one valid form of photo ID and one document proving your current Maryland address. The MVA accepts a U.S. passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license as photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two non-photo documents that together prove your identity — such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and your utility bill has not caught up, a lease or mortgage document works even if it is older.

Bring your Social Security number or card. You do not need to bring the original Social Security card, but you must know your number to complete the process. If you have your old license or a copy of it, bring that too — it speeds up the process, though it is not required.

The two types of replacement licenses and their costs

Maryland offers a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant license. The standard license costs $70 and is valid for eight years. The Real ID license costs $100 and is valid for ten years. Both are physical cards mailed to your address.

The Real ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. If you travel by air or need to enter federal facilities, the Real ID is worth the extra $30. If you rarely fly and do not need federal building access, the standard license is sufficient for driving and most other uses.

Both licenses are replaced using the same process at the MVA office. You choose which type when you explore. If you are unsure which you need, ask the MVA staff member — they can tell you based on your situation.

How to book an appointment and what to expect at the office

Visit the Maryland MVA website and use the online appointment system to book a time slot at an office near you. Booking an appointment usually reduces your wait time from 45 minutes to 15 minutes. You can also walk in without an appointment, but you may wait longer, especially during lunch hours and late afternoon.

When you arrive, check in at the front desk with your documents. A staff member will verify your identity and residency, take your photo, and process your replacement license process. The entire transaction takes about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will pay the fee at the end and receive a receipt confirming your process.

Ask the staff member whether Maryland can issue you a temporary paper license while you wait for your replacement card. Some offices can print one on the spot; others cannot. If one is available, it will show your license number and photo and is valid for driving until your new card arrives.

When your new license will arrive and what to do if it does not

Your replacement license is mailed to the address you provided at the MVA office within 7 to 10 business days. Standard mail delivery in Maryland usually means it arrives within that window, though weather or postal delays can extend it by a few days. You do not need to do anything while you wait — just watch your mailbox.

If your license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the MVA by phone at 410-768-7000 or visit an office in person. Have your receipt from the replacement appointment ready. The MVA can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one if you still have it. You do not need to return it to the MVA. If your old license was stolen, you may want to keep a note of the license number for your records in case someone tries to use it fraudulently, though this is unlikely.

Whether to file a police report if your license was stolen

Filing a police report is not required to replace a stolen license, but it is a good idea if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report creates an official record that your license was stolen, which can help if someone uses your information fraudulently. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or in person at a station.

If you file a report, bring a copy to the MVA office when you explore for your replacement. The MVA does not need it to process your license, but it documents the theft for your records. If your license was straightforward lost, a police report is not necessary.

What happens to your old license number

Your replacement license will have a new license number. Maryland does not reissue the same number. This means any records tied to your old number — such as vehicle registrations or insurance policies — will need to be updated with your new number.

Contact your insurance company and provide your new license number so they can update your policy. If you registered a vehicle under your old license, contact the MVA or your vehicle registration office to update that as well. Most insurance companies and the MVA can make these changes over the phone or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license online or by mail?

No. Maryland requires you to appear in person at an MVA office to replace a lost license. You cannot do it online or by mail. You must bring valid ID and proof of residency and have a new photo taken.

What if I do not have a current utility bill for proof of residency?

A lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works just as well. If you have recently moved, bring a lease or mortgage document even if it is older — the MVA accepts these as proof of residency regardless of date.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license in Maryland?

A standard driver's license costs $70 and is valid for eight years. A Real ID-compliant license costs $100 and is valid for ten years. Both prices are for replacement licenses. Payment is made at the MVA office when you explore.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

Some MVA offices can print a temporary paper license on the spot, but it is not may provide. Ask the staff member when you explore. If one is available, it will be valid for driving until your new card arrives by mail.

What if someone uses my lost license to commit fraud?

File a police report and contact the MVA when ready. Provide the police report number to your insurance company and any other organizations that use your license number. The MVA can flag your old license number in their system to prevent misuse.