What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Maryland driver's license, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Maryland does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot if you pass the identity verification process, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $70 for a standard replacement.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, since a stolen ID can be used for identity theft. Bring that police report number to the MVA if you have it — it is not required, but it documents the theft.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an MVA office in person; there is no mail-in or online replacement option in Maryland.
  • Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license) plus proof of Maryland residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
  • The replacement fee is $70, and you will walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and bring the report number to the MVA to flag the theft in the system.
  • Processing time for the permanent card is 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the MVA office.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVA

Maryland requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a military ID, a passport card, a tribal ID, or a valid driver's license or ID card from another state. The document must not be expired by more than five years.

For proof of residency, bring an original document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Maryland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or phone), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document such as a voter registration card or tax return. A bank statement or utility bill in your name is the fastest option because the MVA can verify it on the spot.

Do not bring copies or photos of these documents — the MVA requires originals. If you cannot locate proof of residency, you can bring two documents that together show your name and address, such as a piece of mail from a government agency and a subscription or membership card.

Finding an MVA Office and Making an Appointment

Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can find the nearest one and check hours on the official MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead or check the website for current hours, as some locations have reduced schedules.

Appointments are strongly recommended and can reduce your wait time significantly. You can schedule an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov or by calling 410-768-7000 (TTY 410-768-7001). Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 1 to 3 hours depending on the office and time of day. If you walk in, arrive early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid peak times.

When you schedule an appointment, you will be asked whether you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license. Have your current address ready, and note that the appointment system will give you a specific date and time slot.

What Happens at the MVA Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and present your appointment confirmation or take a number if you are walking in. An MVA employee will review your documents, verify your identity, and check the system to confirm your license record. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if your documents are in order.

You will be asked to sign a form confirming that your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. If your license was stolen, provide the police report number at this time. The MVA will then issue you a temporary paper license — a white card valid for 45 days — and take your photo if needed. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent card for driving and identification purposes.

Your permanent Maryland driver's license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved recently, update your address with the MVA before or during your visit to may support the card goes to the correct location. The permanent card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though it can take up to two weeks during high-volume periods.

The $70 Replacement Fee and Payment Methods

The standard replacement fee for a Maryland driver's license is $70. This fee applies whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged. The MVA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). Personal checks are not accepted.

If you are replacing a license that was damaged due to a manufacturing defect — for example, the card is cracked or the information is fading — you may be able to request a replacement at no charge. Bring the damaged card with you and explain the defect to the MVA employee. They will determine whether the damage qualifies for a free replacement.

If Your License Was Stolen: Additional Steps

A stolen driver's license can be used for identity fraud, so take action beyond the MVA replacement. File a police report with your local police department or the Maryland State Police, either in person or online through your jurisdiction's website. Keep the police report number — you can reference it at the MVA and when contacting credit bureaus.

Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two. If you suspect active fraud, you can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

Monitor your credit report for unauthorized accounts or inquiries. You are may have access to to one free credit report per year from each bureau at annualcreditreport.com. Check for accounts you do not recognize and dispute them when ready with the bureau and the creditor.

Temporary License Rules and Restrictions

Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days from the date of issue and can be used for all driving and identification purposes — you do not need to wait for the permanent card to drive legally. However, some businesses or agencies may not accept the temporary license as proof of identity for purposes other than driving, such as opening a bank account or boarding an airplane. In those cases, use your passport or other government-issued photo ID.

Keep the temporary license in a safe place. If you lose it before your permanent card arrives, you will need to return to the MVA and request another temporary license, which may incur an additional fee. Once your permanent card arrives, destroy the temporary license by cutting it in half.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if it expired?

Yes. A replacement and a renewal are different transactions. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you replace it regardless of whether it is expired. However, if you are replacing an expired license, you will also need to renew it, which requires passing a vision test and may require a new photo. The combined fee is higher than a replacement alone. Ask the MVA employee which process applies to your situation when you arrive.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You can bring two documents that together show your name and address, such as a piece of mail from a government agency and a subscription or membership card. If you have neither, contact the MVA before your visit to discuss alternative documents. In rare cases, you may be able to bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone who knows you and lives at your address.

How long does the permanent card take to arrive?

The permanent card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days of your MVA visit. Delivery time depends on your location and the postal service, so allow an additional 2 to 5 days for mail delivery. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to report it and request a replacement.

Can I replace my license if I owe child support or have unpaid traffic fines?

Maryland may suspend your license if you owe child support or have unpaid court-ordered fines. The MVA will check for suspensions when you explore for a replacement. If a suspension is on file, you cannot receive a replacement until the suspension is lifted. Contact the relevant agency (child support enforcement or the court) to resolve the issue before visiting the MVA.

What if my address changed since I lost my license?

Update your address with the MVA during your replacement visit. Tell the MVA employee your new address, and they will update it in the system. Your permanent card will be mailed to the new address. If you do not update it at the MVA office, the card will be mailed to the old address on file, and you will need to request a replacement.