What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace a lost Maryland driver's license, you must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with proof of identity and residency. You cannot replace a lost license by mail or online. The MVA will issue you a replacement license on the same day if you bring the correct documents and pay the replacement fee, which is $70 for a standard license valid for eight years.
If your license was lost outside Maryland, you should report it to the police in that jurisdiction and keep the report number — some MVA offices ask for it. You do not need the police report to get a replacement, but having one protects you against identity theft and shows the MVA you took the loss seriously.
Key Takeaways
- You must appear in person at an MVA office; there is no mail-in or online replacement option for a lost license in Maryland.
- Bring one government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or out-of-state license) and one proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
- The replacement fee is $70 for a standard eight-year license, and you will receive your new license the same day.
- If your license was lost abroad or in another state, a police report is not required but can help protect you against identity theft.
Documents You Must Bring to the MVA
The MVA requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, a passport card, a REAL ID-compliant state ID from another state, or a non-compliant out-of-state driver's license. A school ID, work ID, or credit card will not work.
For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Maryland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit union statement, an insurance policy, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A utility bill is the fastest option because the MVA accepts it without additional paperwork.
If you cannot produce a residency document dated within 60 days, bring two documents from the following list, even if older: a lease, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a vehicle registration, or a bank statement. The MVA will accept these as a pair even if they are several months old.
Finding an MVA Office and Making an Appointment
Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can visit any of them; you do not have to go to the office in your county. The MVA website (mva.maryland.gov) has a full list with addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings.
You can make an appointment online through the MVA website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary widely — some offices have waits of 30 minutes to two hours during peak times. Making an appointment online typically gives you a specific time slot and reduces your wait. If you call the office, ask when they have the shortest wait times; many offices report that early morning and mid-week visits are faster.
If you are unable to visit an MVA office yourself, a family member or authorized representative can pick up your replacement license on your behalf, but you must still appear in person to explore. The MVA will not process a replacement process by proxy.
What Happens at the MVA Office
When you arrive, bring your documents and be ready to pay the $70 replacement fee in cash or by card. The MVA staff will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and print your replacement license on the spot. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you are called, though your total time at the office depends on how busy it is.
Your new license will have the same license number as your lost license. It will be valid for eight years from the date of issue. If your original license was set to expire soon, your replacement will still use the original expiration date, so you will not get extra time.
The MVA will ask you to sign the back of your new license before you leave. Do not sign it until you are at the office — a blank signature line is normal and expected.
If Your Lost License Was Commercial (CDL)
If you held a commercial driver's license (CDL), the replacement process is the same, but the fee is higher: $95 instead of $70. You still bring the same documents and visit an MVA office in person. Your replacement CDL will be valid for eight years and will retain your original license number and expiration date.
If your CDL had endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger), those endorsements will appear on your replacement license automatically. You do not need to retake any tests or provide additional paperwork for endorsements.
Protecting Yourself After Losing Your License
A lost driver's license can be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. If you are concerned about identity theft, contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates an official record and gives you a recovery plan if fraud does occur. If you reported the loss to police, keep that report number for your records.
Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or charges. You are may have access to to one free credit report per year from each bureau through AnnualCreditReport.com. If you spot fraud, contact the FTC and the relevant creditor when ready.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake is bringing the wrong documents. The MVA will not accept a school ID, work ID, or expired passport as proof of identity. If you do not have a valid government-issued photo ID, you cannot get a replacement license that day and will need to explore for a state ID first, which requires additional steps.
Another mistake is bringing a residency document older than 60 days when you only have one. If your utility bill is from three months ago and you have no other residency proof, the MVA will ask you to come back with a second document or a more recent one. Bring two documents if you are unsure whether one will be recent enough.
Do not assume you can mail in your process or use a third-party service. Maryland does not offer mail-in replacement for lost licenses, and no private service can do this for you. You must go to an MVA office yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?
No. Maryland does not issue temporary licenses for lost driver's licenses. Your replacement is issued the same day you explore, so there is no waiting period. If you need to drive before you can visit an MVA office, you will need to arrange a ride or use another form of transportation.
What if I lost my license in another state or country?
You still must visit a Maryland MVA office to explore for a replacement. A police report from the other state or country is not required, but it is a good idea to file one anyway to protect yourself against identity theft. Bring the same documents you would bring for any replacement: proof of identity and proof of Maryland residency.
Will my replacement license have a different number?
No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your lost license. The MVA keeps your original license number on file and reissues it when you replace a lost license.
How long does a replacement license take if I mail in my process?
Maryland does not accept mail-in applications for lost license replacements. You must visit an MVA office in person. If you cannot visit an office, you will need to arrange for someone to help you, though you must still appear in person to explore.
What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?
If your wallet was stolen, report it to police and keep the report number. When you visit the MVA, bring your passport, military ID, or another government-issued photo ID as proof of identity. If you do not have any government ID, you will need to explore for a state ID first before you can get a replacement driver's license.