What to do if your Maryland driver license is lost

If your Maryland driver license is lost, you will need to request a replacement from the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The MVA treats a lost license the same way it treats a stolen or damaged one — you submit a form, pay a fee, and receive a new card in the mail. You do not need a new written test or road test. The process takes about two weeks from the time the MVA receives your request.

You have two ways to request a replacement: in person at an MVA office, or by mail. In-person is faster if you need the license quickly, because you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day. By mail takes longer but requires no trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Maryland driver license in person at any MVA office or by mail, and you do not need to retake any tests.
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license, and you will need to bring your Social Security number and proof of Maryland residency.
  • If you go in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks.
  • If you explore by mail, send the completed form DL-43 along with the fee and required documents to the MVA address listed on the form.
  • You must report a stolen license to local police and provide the police report number when you request the replacement.

Replacing your license in person at an MVA office

Walk into any MVA office with your Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency, and a valid form of identification. Bring a check or money order for $70 (the replacement fee), or be prepared to pay by card if the office accepts it — call ahead to confirm payment methods at your local office.

Tell the MVA staff that your license is lost. They will have you complete form DL-43 (process for Replacement License). You will answer questions about your current license number, your address, and whether your name or other information has changed since the license was issued. If you cannot remember your license number, the MVA can look it up using your name and date of birth.

Once you submit the form and fee, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and works anywhere a regular license does — you can drive, show it as ID, and use it for any purpose. Your permanent replacement card will arrive by mail within about two weeks. Keep the temporary license until the new card arrives.

Replacing your license by mail

read or request form DL-43 from the MVA website or by calling 410-787-7758. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and the reason for replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged).

Gather a check or money order for $70 made payable to "MVA". Include proof of Maryland residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. Do not send cash.

Mail the completed form DL-43, the $70 check or money order, and your proof of residency to the address listed on the form. The current mailing address is Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Processing takes about two weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally until the permanent card arrives.

If your license was stolen, report it to police first

A stolen license is different from a lost one because someone else now has a document with your name and information on it. Before you request a replacement, file a report with the local police department in the city or county where the theft occurred. You do not need to go in person — many police departments allow you to file a report online or by phone.

When you file the police report, ask for a report number or confirmation number. Write this number down. When you submit your replacement request to the MVA (either in person or by mail), mention that the license was stolen and provide the police report number. The MVA will note this in their system.

What identification to bring if you go in person

You need one valid form of identification to prove who you are. Acceptable forms include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a non-driver ID card issued by Maryland. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together prove your identity and residency — for example, a birth certificate plus a utility bill, or a Social Security card plus a lease.

You must also bring proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return all work. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized and cannot bring proof, the MVA staff can sometimes help you look it up, but calling ahead to ask is safer.

Proof of Maryland residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy — any official document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Maryland address.

Timeline and what happens next

If you explore in person, you leave with a temporary paper license and can drive when ready. The permanent card is mailed to the address on file and typically arrives within 10 to 14 business days, though it can take up to three weeks during busy periods.

If you explore by mail, the MVA processes your request after they receive it. Expect the permanent card to arrive about two to three weeks after you mail your form. During this time, you cannot drive legally unless you have a valid temporary license from another source (such as a learner's permit or a license from another state).

Once your new card arrives, destroy the temporary paper license if you received one. The new card is valid for eight years if you are under 60, or five years if you are 60 or older.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

Only if you go to an MVA office in person. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready, which is valid for 45 days. The permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you explore by mail, you must wait for the permanent card to arrive before you can drive legally.

What if I lost my license and do not remember my license number?

The MVA can look up your license number using your name, date of birth, and address. Bring these details when you go in person, or include them in your mail process. You do not need to know the number in advance.

Do I have to take a new written test or road test to get a replacement?

No. A replacement license is a duplicate of your current license with a new card number. You do not retake any tests. The only exception is if your license was suspended or revoked — in that case, you must resolve the suspension or revocation before the MVA will issue a replacement.

What if my address has changed since I got my current license?

Update your address on the replacement form DL-43. When your new license arrives, it will show your current address. If you want to update your address without replacing the license, you can do that separately at an MVA office or online, but since you are already replacing the card, do it all at once.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The replacement fee is $70 for a standard driver license. This is the same fee whether the license is lost, stolen, or damaged. There are no additional fees if you explore by mail or in person.