What to do when ready after losing your Maryland license
If you've lost your Maryland driver's license, you need to report it to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and get a replacement. You can report the loss and order a replacement online through the MVA website, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The fastest route is online at mva.maryland.gov — you can complete the whole process in minutes without leaving home, and your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have two options: get a temporary paper license at an MVA office the same day, or use your Social Security card and birth certificate as proof of identity until the new one comes. A temporary license is valid for 60 days and costs nothing extra.
You do not need to file a police report unless you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, though filing one protects you if someone uses your information fraudulently. If you do file a report, keep a copy to show the MVA.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license and order a replacement through mva.maryland.gov, by mail, or at an MVA office — online is fastest and takes about 7 to 10 business days.
- A temporary paper license issued at an MVA office lets you drive when ready while you wait for your replacement to arrive by mail.
- You will need to pay a replacement fee (the amount varies based on how long your current license is valid for) and bring proof of identity and residency.
- If you suspect your license was stolen, file a police report and bring a copy when you explore for the replacement.
- Your car insurance remains valid even if your physical license is lost — you do not need to notify your insurer or get a new policy.
Replacing your license online through the MVA website
Go to mva.maryland.gov and select "Replace a Lost, Stolen or Damaged License." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the license number if you remember it (the MVA can look it up if you don't). You'll also need a valid credit or debit card to pay the replacement fee.
The MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. If you've moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you order the replacement, or your new license will go to the old address and you'll have to request it be reissued to the correct one. Check your address in the MVA system first by logging into your account on their website.
Once you submit your order online, you'll receive a confirmation number. Keep it — you can use it to track your license or contact the MVA if something goes wrong. The new license will have the same number as your lost one.
Getting a temporary license at an MVA office
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit any MVA office and ask for a temporary paper license. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
The temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid for 60 days. It costs nothing — there is no separate fee beyond the replacement fee you'll pay when you order your permanent license. The temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic license for driving, so police will accept it as proof you're licensed.
You can order your permanent replacement online or by mail on the same day you get the temporary license, or wait and do it later. Many people do both at once: get the temporary to drive home, then order the permanent online that evening.
What documents and fees you'll need
To replace your license, you'll need proof of identity (Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or military ID) and proof of your current Maryland address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. If you're ordering online, you won't physically hand over documents — the MVA will verify your information against state records.
The replacement fee depends on how long your current license is valid for. A license valid for 5 years costs less to replace than one valid for 8 years, because you're paying for the remaining validity period. The exact amount varies, so check the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 before you go to an office. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or cash at an office, or by card online.
If you're replacing a license that was damaged (not lost), you may need to bring the damaged license itself to an MVA office, though online replacement is often available for damage too. Call ahead to confirm what the office needs.
Replacing your license by mail
You can also mail a completed form DL-43 (process for Replacement License) to the MVA along with a check or money order for the replacement fee and a copy of your proof of identity and address. Mail it to Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062.
Processing by mail takes longer than online — typically 2 to 3 weeks after the MVA receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time both ways. This route makes sense only if you don't have internet access or prefer not to use a credit card online. read form DL-43 from mva.maryland.gov or request it by calling 410-768-7000.
Include a photocopy of your proof of identity and address, not the originals. The MVA will not return documents you mail in. Keep copies for your records.
What happens if your license was stolen
If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with your local police department or the Maryland State Police. You don't have to wait for the report to be filed before you order a replacement — you can do both at the same time. However, bring a copy of the police report (or the report number) when you visit an MVA office, or mention it when you call to order online.
A police report protects you if someone uses your stolen license to commit fraud or get pulled over. It creates an official record that the license was not in your possession, which helps if you're questioned about traffic violations or other incidents involving your license number.
The MVA may flag your account to watch for suspicious activity, such as someone trying to renew your license or get a duplicate. This doesn't affect your replacement process — it just adds a layer of protection.
Your insurance stays valid while you wait for your replacement
Your auto insurance policy remains in effect even though your physical license is lost. You do not need to contact your insurance company, request a new policy, or pay any additional fees. Your policy is tied to your vehicle and your driver's license number, not to the plastic card itself.
If you're pulled over before your replacement arrives, show the officer your temporary paper license (if you got one) or your Social Security card and birth certificate along with your insurance card. Police understand that licenses take time to arrive and will not cite you for not having the physical card if you can prove you're licensed.
If you're in an accident, your insurance will cover the claim the same way it would if you had your license on you. Report the accident to your insurer as you normally would — the fact that your license is lost doesn't change the claim process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in Maryland?
Online and mail orders typically take 7 to 10 business days for delivery after the MVA processes your request. A temporary paper license issued at an MVA office is ready the same day. If you need to drive when ready, get the temporary license in person; if you can wait a week or two, ordering online is faster and easier.
Can I use my temporary paper license to renew my vehicle registration?
Yes. A temporary license is valid for all driving and identification purposes, including vehicle registration renewal. You can use it at the MVA or at a vehicle services office to renew your tags or title.
What if I move before my replacement license arrives?
Contact the MVA and provide your new address before your license is mailed, or it will go to your old address. If it's already been mailed to the old address, you can request the MVA reissue it to your new address, though this may add a few days. Call 410-768-7000 or update your address through your MVA account online.
Do I need to report my lost license to my insurance company?
No. Your insurance is not affected by a lost license. You do not need to call your insurer, update your policy, or pay any additional premium. Your coverage continues as normal.
Can someone use my lost license to get a duplicate or commit fraud?
It's possible but unlikely without additional personal information. If you're concerned, file a police report — this creates an official record and alerts the MVA to watch for suspicious activity on your account. You can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if you're worried about identity theft.