What you need to do right now

If you've lost your Maryland driver's license, you can replace it through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in person, by mail, or online. The fastest route is the MVA website — you can order a replacement there without leaving home, and it will arrive in about 7 to 10 business days. If you need it sooner, you can visit an MVA office for a same-day replacement, though you'll pay a higher fee and may wait in line.

You'll need to prove your identity and Maryland residency. A passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card works for identity; a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works for residency. The replacement fee is $70 if you order online or by mail, or $85 if you get it the same day at an office.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration lets you order a replacement license online at mva.maryland.gov, and it arrives in 7 to 10 business days for $70.
  • If you need your license the same day, visit any MVA office with proof of identity and residency; the fee is $85 and wait times vary by location.
  • You must bring original or certified copies of documents — a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card for identity, and a utility bill or lease for residency.
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to the MVA at the time of replacement; you do not need a police report first.
  • Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, unless your original was already expired.

Ordering online or by mail

The MVA website at mva.maryland.gov has a section for replacing a lost or damaged license. You'll answer questions about your current license, confirm your identity information, and pay the $70 fee by credit or debit card. The MVA will mail your replacement to the address on file.

If you prefer to mail in your request, you can read the DL/ID-44 form from the MVA website, fill it out, and send it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of identity and residency. Mail-in processing takes about 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives your envelope, so add time for postal delivery both ways.

Online ordering is faster and simpler than mail because you get confirmation when ready and don't have to worry about documents getting lost in the post. Most people choose the online route.

Getting a same-day replacement at an MVA office

If you need your license today, visit any Maryland MVA office with your proof of identity and residency documents. Bring originals or certified copies — the MVA will not accept photocopies. You'll fill out a form, pay $85, have your photo taken, and walk out with a temporary license printed on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days.

Wait times at MVA offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Offices in rural areas and smaller cities usually have shorter waits than those in Baltimore or the Washington, D.C. suburbs. Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to be less crowded than afternoons or Saturdays. You can find your nearest office and current wait times on the MVA website.

The temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for driving and identification. If your permanent replacement arrives before the 45 days are up, the temporary becomes invalid.

What documents count as proof of identity

The MVA accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Social Security card, a military ID, a federal employee ID, or a tribal ID as proof of identity. You must bring the original document or a certified copy — a photocopy will not work. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes a high school diploma, a college transcript, a marriage certificate, or a divorce decree.

If your birth certificate is not certified, you can order one from the Maryland Department of Health's Vital Statistics Administration. This takes about 5 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you're going the mail-in route.

What documents count as proof of residency

Bring a current utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a property tax bill. The document must show your name and current Maryland address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill is the easiest option because it's current and clearly shows your address.

If you've recently moved and don't have a bill in your name yet, a lease or rental agreement works as long as it's signed and shows your new address. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a notarized letter from them stating that you live at that address, along with the utility bill.

If your license was stolen

You don't need a police report to replace a stolen license, but you can file one if you want. When you order your replacement through the MVA website or at an office, you'll have the option to report it stolen. The MVA will flag your old license number so it can't be used fraudulently.

If you're concerned about identity theft — for example, if your wallet contained other documents — you can also contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This is separate from the MVA process but worth doing if other cards or documents were in your wallet.

What happens to your license number and expiration date

Your replacement license will have the same number as your original. The expiration date stays the same too, unless your original license was already expired. If your license expired before you lost it, your replacement will be valid for eight years from the date you get it (or five years if you're under 21).

If your original license was not expired, you don't need to renew it again until the original expiration date. This means your replacement might expire sooner than a brand-new license would, but you won't have to pay for a renewal in the meantime.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?

If you order online, expect 7 to 10 business days after you submit your order. If you mail in the DL/ID-44 form, add time for postal delivery — usually 3 to 5 days each way — so plan for 2 to 3 weeks total. The MVA processes mail-in requests in the order they arrive.

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement?

If you get a same-day replacement at an MVA office, you'll receive a temporary license that's valid for 45 days. If you order online or by mail, you cannot legally drive until your replacement arrives. Some people keep a photo ID like a passport in their car for this reason.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can bring two documents from the secondary list instead, such as a high school diploma and a marriage certificate. If you don't have any of these, you can order a certified birth certificate from the Maryland Department of Health, which takes 5 to 10 business days. Plan ahead if you need your license quickly.

Do I have to go to the same MVA office where I got my original license?

No. You can visit any Maryland MVA office for a same-day replacement. If you're ordering by mail or online, location doesn't matter — your replacement will be mailed to your address on file.

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

Your replacement will be mailed to the address currently on file with the MVA. If you haven't updated your address yet, you can do that at the same time you order your replacement, either online or at an MVA office. Bring proof of your new residency when you visit in person.