Get a replacement license by visiting the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration in person with proof of identity and residency
You cannot replace a lost Maryland driver's license online or by mail. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires you to appear in person at a branch office with specific documents. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and a plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but missing even one can delay you. Plan to spend 30 to 60 minutes at the MVA, depending on how busy the branch is.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person with a valid ID and proof of Maryland residency to get a replacement license.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the MVA will verify it before issuing a new 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.
- You will walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card in the mail within one to two weeks.
- If you cannot find your documents, the MVA can sometimes verify your information through their records, but this takes longer.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA
Bring one form of valid photo ID and one proof of Maryland residency. The MVA accepts a wide range of documents, so you likely have what you need at home.
For photo ID, bring your passport, military ID, out-of-state driver's license, or a state ID card. If you have none of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus a Social Security card or a document showing your number.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with a Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works. If you live with someone else and have no bills in your name, a notarized letter from the homeowner or landlord stating you live there will work.
Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it — your Social Security card, a W-2, a tax return, or a bank statement. The MVA verifies this number before issuing a new license.
Choosing between a standard license and a Real ID
When you replace your license, you can choose a standard Maryland driver's license or a Real ID-compliant license. The difference is cost, validity period, and what you can use it for.
A standard license costs $70 and is valid for eight years. A Real ID license costs $100 and is valid for ten years. Both work for driving. The Real ID matters only if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building — starting May 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not accept a standard driver's license at airport security checkpoints. If you fly or visit federal offices, a Real ID is worth the extra $30.
If you choose Real ID, bring one additional document proving your date of birth and legal name. This can be your birth certificate, passport, or marriage certificate if your name changed. You do not need this extra document for a standard license.
Finding an MVA office and making an appointment
Maryland has 26 MVA branch offices across the state. You can visit any branch — you do not have to go to the one nearest your address. Check the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov to find office locations, hours, and current wait times.
You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. Some branches have short lines in the morning; others have waits of an hour or more during lunch and late afternoon. The MVA website shows real-time wait times for each branch, updated every 15 minutes. If you want to may provide a time slot, you can book an appointment online through the MVA website. Appointments are free and usually available within a few days.
A few branches offer evening and Saturday hours. Check your nearest location before you go, because hours vary by branch.
What happens at the MVA office
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are replacing a lost license. The clerk will ask for your documents, verify your information against MVA records, and take a new photo if your old license photo is more than eight years old.
You will sign a form confirming your address and any other information on your license. If anything is wrong — your name, date of birth, or address — tell the clerk before you sign. Corrections take a few extra minutes but are easier to make now than to fix later.
The clerk will collect the $70 or $100 fee. The MVA accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works everywhere a plastic license does — you can drive, show it to police, and use it as ID. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen and you suspect fraud
If someone stole your license and you are worried they might use it to open accounts or commit fraud, report it to the Maryland State Police non-emergency line at 410-653-4000 or file a report online at mva.maryland.gov. You do not have to do this to get a replacement, but it creates an official record in case fraudulent activity shows up later.
You should also place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to make it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. This is free and takes about 15 minutes per bureau.
Replacing your license if you cannot find your documents
If you do not have a birth certificate, passport, or other standard ID, you can still get a replacement license, but the process takes longer. Bring whatever documents you do have — old bills, a lease, anything with your name and address. The MVA can sometimes verify your identity through their own records and the Social Security Administration.
Tell the clerk at the MVA that you do not have standard ID documents. They will fill out a form requesting verification from other agencies. This can take two to four weeks instead of the usual one to two weeks. You will still receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
If you need a license faster and do not have documents, consider ordering a certified birth certificate from the Maryland Department of Health. You can order online at vitalrec.com or by mail. A certified birth certificate costs $30 to $35 and arrives in 5 to 10 business days. Once you have it, you can return to the MVA and complete your replacement the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
No. The MVA will not issue a replacement license if you have an unpaid traffic fine or a suspended license. You must pay the fine or resolve the suspension first. Contact the District Court that issued the ticket or call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to find out what you owe.
How long does the plastic license take to arrive in the mail?
The MVA says 7 to 10 business days, but it often arrives faster — usually within 5 to 7 days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 with your temporary license number. They can check the status and reissue if needed.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Your license will be mailed to the address you gave the MVA. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online at mva.maryland.gov or call 410-787-7758 to have it reissued to your new address. There is no fee for this change.
Do I need to replace my license if I only lost my Social Security card?
No. Your driver's license and Social Security card are separate documents. If you lost only your Social Security card, you can order a replacement from the Social Security Administration without touching your license. Visit ssa.gov or your local Social Security office.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must appear in person at the MVA to get a replacement license. The MVA requires you to sign forms and have a new photo taken. No one can do this on your behalf.