How to Replace a Lost Maryland Driver's License

What to do if your Maryland driver's license is lost

If your Maryland driver's license is lost, you need to report it to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and request a replacement. You can do this in person at an MVA office, by mail, or online through the MVA website — the online route is fastest if you meet the requirements. The replacement license will have a new number and arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not have to file a police report unless you suspect the license was stolen or used fraudulently. However, if someone else might be using it, contact the MVA right away so they can flag your old license number in the system.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost Maryland license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office, with online being the fastest option if your license is not expired or suspended.
The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license and covers a new card with a new license number that arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at an MVA office the same day.
Reporting a lost license prevents someone else from using your old number and protects you from liability if the lost card is misused.

Replace your license online through the MVA website

The Maryland MVA allows you to replace a lost license online if your current license is not expired, suspended, or revoked. Go to the MVA website, select "Replace a Lost or Stolen License," and follow the prompts. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The fee is $70.

After you submit the form, the MVA will mail your new license to the address on file. If your address has changed, update it before you submit the replacement request. You should receive the new card within 7 to 10 business days. This method works best if you do not need to drive when ready and your license status is current.

Get a same-day temporary license at an MVA office

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, visit an MVA office in person and ask for a temporary paper license. The MVA will issue a temporary document on the spot that is valid for 30 days. You will still pay the $70 replacement fee, and your permanent license will arrive by mail as usual.

Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a second form of ID if you have one. The temporary license is not a plastic card — it is a printed document — but police will recognize it as valid. If your 30 days expire before the permanent license arrives, you can request another temporary at any MVA office.

Replace your license by mail

You can mail a replacement request to the MVA if you prefer not to go in person or use the online system. Complete the process for a Duplicate License (Form DL-43), include a check or money order for $70 payable to the Maryland MVA, and mail it to the address listed on the form. You can read the form from the MVA website.

Mail replacement takes longer than online or in-person — typically 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mail delivery time. Include a note with your request explaining that your license is lost, and provide your current address so the MVA sends the new license to the right place. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, include proof of your new address.

What information the MVA needs from you

Whether you replace your license online, by mail, or in person, the MVA will ask for your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. If you are replacing the license in person, bring your Social Security card and proof of residency. If your name has changed since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The MVA will also ask whether your license was lost or stolen. If you believe it was stolen or used fraudulently, tell the MVA staff. They can place a fraud alert on your record and monitor for misuse. This does not cost extra and takes only a few minutes.

Your new license number and what changes

Your replacement license will have a new license number — the MVA does not reissue the old number. This means the old number is no longer valid, and anyone who finds your lost license cannot use it to drive legally. The new license will have the same expiration date as your original license unless your license was already expired, in which case you may need to renew it separately.

Your new license will look the same as your old one and carry the same restrictions, endorsements, and class (such as Class C for regular passenger vehicles). If you have a Real ID-compliant license, your replacement will also be Real ID-compliant. The plastic card itself is the same quality and durability as the original.

If your lost license was suspended or revoked

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person. The MVA staff will review your record and explain what you need to do to lift the suspension or revocation before a new license can be issued. This might include paying fines, completing a driver improvement program, or waiting out a suspension period.

If your license is currently suspended, you cannot legally drive, and a temporary paper license will not be issued. Once your suspension is resolved, you can then request a replacement. If you are unsure of your license status, call the MVA at 410-787-7758 before you visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?

Only if you get a temporary paper license from an MVA office. The temporary is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent replacement is in the mail. Without a temporary, you cannot legally drive, even if you have reported the loss to the MVA.

What if someone finds my lost license and tries to use it?

Once you report the loss to the MVA, your old license number is flagged as invalid. If someone tries to use it, the system will show it as lost or stolen. You are not liable for traffic violations or crimes committed with your lost license once you have reported it, but report it as soon as you realize it is missing to protect yourself.

Do I have to pay the replacement fee if the MVA lost my license?

No. If the MVA made an error or lost your license while it was in their possession, contact the MVA office where the error occurred and explain the situation. They may waive the fee, but you will need to provide details about when and where the loss happened.

How long does the replacement license take if I order it online?

The MVA processes online requests within 1 to 2 business days, and the license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days total. If you need it faster, get a temporary paper license in person at an MVA office instead.

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

Update your address with the MVA before or during the replacement request. If you are replacing in person, bring proof of your new address such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you are replacing online or by mail, the MVA will use the address you provide in the form, so make sure it is current.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.