You'll need to visit 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. The MVA will not replace your license by mail or online, even if you've lost it. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent replacement card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The process takes about 30 minutes at the MVA office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You cannot use a third-party service or agent to do this for you — Maryland requires you to appear in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of Maryland residency to replace a lost license.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license or $100 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you must pay by cash, check, or debit/credit card.
  • You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you suspect your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to replace it.

What documents to bring to the MVA office

Bring one form of valid photo identification. This can be a passport, military ID, state ID card, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you don't have any of these, bring two documents that together prove your identity — such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a bank statement with your name on it.

You also need proof that you live in Maryland. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Your name must appear on the document. If you've recently moved and don't have a current bill in your name yet, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it. If you don't have your Social Security card, a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form will work. The MVA needs this to verify your identity in their system.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard Maryland driver's license replacement costs $70. If you want a Real ID-compliant license — which you'll need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025 — the cost is $100. You cannot pay online or by phone; payment happens only at the MVA office.

The MVA accepts cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards. If you pay by check, write it to the Motor Vehicle Administration. Some offices have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but not all do, so plan ahead.

Finding an MVA office and scheduling an appointment

Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one and check current wait times on the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. The site lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers.

You can schedule an appointment online through the MVA website or by calling 410-768-7000. Appointments are free and typically reduce your wait time to 15 to 20 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 45 minutes to over an hour depending on the office and time of day. Mornings on weekdays are usually less busy than afternoons or Saturdays.

Some MVA offices are open on Saturdays, but hours vary by location. Check the website for your specific office before you go.

What happens when you arrive at the MVA office

Tell the staff member at the counter that you're replacing a lost license. They'll ask you to fill out a short form and verify your identity using your documents. They'll take a new photo for your license unless you request a waiver (you can keep your old photo if you prefer, though this is rare).

After you pay the fee, you'll receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID, and travel with it. Your permanent plastic card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within two weeks, call the MVA to check the status.

Real ID versus standard license: which should you choose

A standard Maryland driver's license costs $70 and works for driving and most identification purposes. A Real ID-compliant license costs $100 and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building, military base, or nuclear power plant after May 7, 2025.

If you fly domestically or need to enter federal facilities, get the Real ID version now. If you don't fly and rarely need federal ID, the standard license is sufficient. You can always upgrade to Real ID later when you renew your license, though you'll pay the difference in cost.

Both licenses look similar and work the same way for driving. The Real ID version has a small star in the upper right corner.

If your license was stolen, not just lost

If you believe your license was stolen, you can report it to your local police department. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. However, reporting it to police is not required to replace your license at the MVA — you can go straight to the MVA office with your documents.

If you're concerned about identity theft, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but can protect you if someone tries to open accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail if I lost it?

No. Maryland requires you to appear in person at an MVA office to replace a lost license. You cannot do this by mail, online, or through a third party. You must bring valid identification and proof of residency to the office.

What if I don't have a Social Security card?

Bring a document that shows your Social Security number instead, such as a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form. If you don't have any of these, call the MVA at 410-768-7000 before you go to ask what alternatives they accept.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If it arrives before the 45 days are up, you can start using it right away and discard the paper one.

Do I have to get a new photo taken?

No. You can request to keep your old photo from your lost license. Tell the MVA staff member before they take your new photo. Most people do get a new photo, but the choice is yours.

What if my permanent license doesn't arrive after two weeks?

Call the MVA at 410-768-7000 and provide your temporary license number. They can check the status of your card and tell you when it should arrive. If there's a delay, they may be able to reissue it or provide another temporary license.