What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost Maryland driver's license, you will need to visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, bring proof of identity and Maryland residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. You cannot replace your license by mail or online — Maryland requires you to appear in person. The whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes at the MVA office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use to drive when ready while your plastic card is mailed to you.

Your replacement license will have the same number, expiration date, and restrictions as your original license. If your license was stolen (not just lost), you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person with a valid ID and proof of Maryland residency to replace your lost license.
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license, and you will pay at the MVA office when you submit your process.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Your replacement license keeps the same number and expiration date as your original, so you do not need to update insurance or registration documents.

Documents to Bring to the MVA Office

Bring one form of valid photo identification. This can be a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two forms of non-photo ID such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or bank statement with your name and address.

You also need proof that you live in Maryland. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days with your current address will work. The document must show your name and address.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the replacement form. If you have your old license or know your license number, bring that too — it speeds up the process — but it is not required.

Finding an MVA Office Near You

Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can find the one closest to you on the official MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. The site shows office locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are busier than others; offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, and suburban areas near Washington, D.C. tend to have longer waits.

You do not need an appointment to replace a lost license — you can walk in during business hours. However, some MVA offices now offer online scheduling through the website. Scheduling ahead can reduce your wait time, especially during peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays).

Call the office before you go if you want to confirm they have the documents you plan to bring or if you have questions about your specific situation. The phone number is listed on the MVA website for each location.

What Happens at the MVA Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff you are replacing a lost license. They will give you an process form (DL 43) to fill out. The form asks for your name, address, Social Security number, and other basic information. It takes about five minutes to complete.

Hand in your completed form along with your ID and proof of residency. An MVA employee will review your documents, verify your information in the system, and take a new photo of you. You will be asked to look straight at the camera and keep a neutral expression, just as you would for any license photo.

Pay the $70 replacement fee at the counter. MVA offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Once payment is processed, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving in Maryland and nationwide for 45 days while you wait for your plastic card.

When Your New License Arrives

Your replacement plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at the MVA office within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary, so it may take a few extra days to reach you. The envelope will come from the Maryland MVA.

Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary paper license is no longer needed, though you can keep it. Your new license will have the same license number, expiration date, and driving restrictions as your original license. You do not need to notify your insurance company or update your vehicle registration — your license number has not changed.

If your new license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the MVA office where you applied. They can check the status of your replacement card and reissue it if there was a problem with the mailing.

If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. A police report is not required to get a replacement license, but it creates an official record in case the stolen license is used fraudulently.

When you go to the MVA office to replace your license, you do not need to mention that it was stolen — the replacement process is the same. However, if you have a police report number, you can provide it to the MVA staff. Some people also choose to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if they are worried about identity theft.

What If You Cannot Go to an MVA Office

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 unable to visit an office yourself due to a disability or medical condition, you can ask someone else to explore on your behalf, but you will still need to be present for the photo. Call your local MVA office to discuss your situation — staff can sometimes arrange accommodations or direct you to the best office for your needs.

If you are out of state or out of the country, you will need to return to Maryland to replace your license in person. There is no remote option. However, once you have your temporary paper license, you can use it to drive while you are away and wait to receive your plastic card by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license right away?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid for driving in Maryland and all other states for 45 days. You can use it when ready after you receive it at the MVA office, even before your plastic card arrives in the mail.

Will my new license have a different number?

No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license. Your license number does not change when you replace a lost card, so you do not need to update your insurance, vehicle registration, or other documents.

What if I lost my license and my vehicle registration at the same time?

You will need to replace them separately. Go to an MVA office to replace your license using the steps above. To replace your vehicle registration, you can explore by mail, online, or in person at the MVA — registration does not require a photo or in-person appearance. Visit mva.maryland.gov for registration replacement instructions.

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

The replacement fee is $70. You pay this fee at the MVA office when you submit your process. The fee covers the temporary paper license and the plastic card that will be mailed to you.

What if I moved since my original license was issued?

Bring proof of your current Maryland address to the MVA office. Your replacement license will show your new address. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, a bank statement, mortgage statement, or letter from your landlord dated within the last 60 days will work as proof of residency.