What you need to do to get a replacement license in Maryland
To replace a lost Maryland driver's license, 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 replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not lose your place in the renewal cycle.
The process takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the MVA office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Your replacement license is issued on the spot, so you leave with a valid license the same day you explore.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to 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 and $100 for a Real ID, and you pay at the time you explore.
- Your new license will have the same number and expiration date as the one you lost, so your renewal schedule does not change.
- You receive your replacement license when ready after your photo is taken, so you can drive legally the same day.
- If you need a license before you can visit an MVA office, you can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Documents you must bring to the MVA office
Bring one form of valid 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 documents that prove your identity without a photo, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, though this makes the process longer.
You also need proof that you live in Maryland. An acceptable document shows your name and current Maryland address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance policies all count. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and your address documents are older, bring a second document or a letter from your landlord or mortgage company on letterhead.
Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the process.
The replacement fee and payment methods
A standard Maryland driver's license replacement costs $70. If you want a Real ID — a federally compliant ID that works for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings — the cost is $100. You pay the fee at the MVA office when you submit your process, and the MVA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
The fee is non-refundable even if you later find your original license. If you find your lost license after you have already received a replacement, the original license becomes invalid and you should destroy it.
How to find an MVA office and schedule an appointment
Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can find the nearest one and check current wait times on the official MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. The website lists office locations, hours, and phone numbers.
You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website or by calling the office directly. Appointments are free and can reduce your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer, especially during peak hours like mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
Some MVA offices have longer wait times than others. If your local office is consistently busy, check whether a nearby office in an adjacent county has shorter wait times — you can use any Maryland MVA office regardless of where you live.
Getting a temporary license if you need to drive before your appointment
If you need a valid license before you can visit an MVA office, ask the MVA to issue a temporary paper license when you call to schedule your appointment or when you arrive for your visit. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent replacement license.
The temporary license is printed on paper and is not a photo ID, so it will not work for air travel or federal building entry. It is meant only to give you time to get to the MVA office for your permanent replacement. You do not pay an extra fee for the temporary license — it is included in your replacement fee.
What happens if your license was stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report the theft to local police, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report is not required to replace your license at the MVA, but having one on file can help protect you if someone tries to use your stolen license fraudulently.
The replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. Bring the same documents, pay the same fee, and follow the same steps. If you are worried about fraud, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.
Real ID and whether you should upgrade during replacement
When you replace your lost license, you can choose to get a standard Maryland driver's license or upgrade to a Real ID at the same time. A Real ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025. If your current license is not a Real ID, replacing it gives you the chance to upgrade without waiting for your next renewal.
The Real ID costs $30 more than a standard replacement ($100 instead of $70). You will need one additional document: proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. If you decide to upgrade, bring this document along with your other proof of identity and residency.
If you are unsure whether your current license is a Real ID, check the upper right corner of your license. A Real ID has a gold or silver star. If your lost license did not have a star and you do not upgrade during replacement, you will still need a Real ID or passport for air travel after May 2025.
What to do if you cannot visit an MVA office in person
Maryland does not allow you to replace a lost license by mail or online. You must appear in person at an MVA office. If you are temporarily out of state or unable to travel, you have two options: wait until you can visit an office, or ask a family member or trusted person to help you get a temporary paper license by phone so you can drive legally in the meantime.
If you are a Maryland resident living outside the state temporarily, you can still use any Maryland MVA office when you return. Your license remains valid for driving in Maryland and other states even if you are not physically present in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my lost license the same day I report it missing?
Yes. If you go to an MVA office with the required documents and fee, you can receive your replacement license the same day. You do not need to wait or file a police report first. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
What if I lost my license and do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can bring two non-photo identity documents instead, such as a Social Security card and a bank statement with your name on it. The MVA will accept this combination, though the process may take longer because staff will need to verify your identity more carefully.
Will my new license have a different number than my lost one?
No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license. Your expiration date will also stay the same, so you do not move up or back in the renewal cycle.
Do I have to pay the replacement fee if I find my lost license after I get a new one?
No. The fee is non-refundable, but you do not pay it again. Once you have paid for the replacement, the fee is complete. Destroy your original license if you find it, since it is no longer valid.
Can I get a Real ID at the same time I replace my lost license?
Yes. Tell the MVA staff you want a Real ID when you arrive, bring proof of your Social Security number, and pay the $100 fee instead of $70. You will receive your Real ID on the same day.