What you need to do to get a replacement license in Maryland

To replace a lost driver's license in Maryland, you must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with proof of identity and residency. Maryland does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online. You will need to bring your Social Security number, pay a replacement fee (currently $70 for a standard license), and complete an process. The process takes about 30 minutes at the MVA, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you may want to report it to local police first — not because it is required by the MVA, but because a police report number can help if someone uses your license fraudulently. The MVA does not require a police report to issue a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to an MVA office in person; Maryland does not replace licenses by mail or online.
  • Bring a valid photo ID, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number to the appointment.
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days.
  • Your plastic replacement license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after your visit.
  • If your license was stolen, consider filing a police report for your records, though it is not required by the MVA.

Documents you must bring to the MVA

Maryland requires two forms of identification to replace a lost license. One must be a valid photo ID — a passport, military ID, or another state's driver's license all work. The second can be a non-photo ID such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, or bank statement showing your name and current address.

You will also need to prove you live in Maryland. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days counts as proof of residency. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Bring the original documents, not copies — the MVA staff will examine them but will not keep them.

Have your Social Security number ready. You do not need to bring a card, but you must know the number to complete the process form at the MVA office.

How to find and book an MVA appointment

Maryland's MVA allows you to schedule appointments online at mva.maryland.gov or by calling 1-410-768-7000. Walk-ins are accepted at most MVA offices, but wait times can be two hours or longer, especially on weekdays. Scheduling an appointment online takes five minutes and guarantees you a specific time slot.

Choose the office closest to you — Maryland has 26 MVA locations across the state. When you book online, select "Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License" as your transaction type. The system will show you available dates and times. Appointments typically fill up one to two weeks in advance during busy seasons, so book as soon as you know your license is missing.

If you cannot reach the online system or prefer to call, the phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time. Have your name, date of birth, and current address ready when you call.

What happens at your MVA appointment

When you arrive at the MVA office, check in at the front desk with your appointment confirmation or walk-in number. A staff member will review your documents, verify your identity, and ask you to sign an process form (DL-43). You will also be asked to confirm your address and any restrictions on your license — such as corrective lenses or manual transmission only.

You will pay the $70 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. Some MVA offices accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. Once payment is processed, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used for driving, voting, or any other purpose that requires a driver's license.

Your permanent plastic license is printed at a facility in Glen Burnie and mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks. If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address online at mva.maryland.gov or at your next MVA visit.

Temporary license and what to do while you wait

The temporary paper license you receive at the MVA is a valid form of identification and proof of driving privilege. You can use it to drive, board a domestic flight, or present it as ID at a bank or store. It is not valid for international travel — you will need a passport or passport card for that.

Keep the temporary license in a safe place. If you lose it before your plastic card arrives, you will need to return to the MVA for another temporary license, which may require another fee. Some people photograph their temporary license on their phone as a backup.

If your plastic license does not arrive within four weeks of your MVA visit, contact the MVA at 1-410-768-7000 to report it. Delays are rare, but they can happen if mail is lost or if there is a printing backlog.

Replacing your license if you have an out-of-state address

If you have moved out of Maryland but your license is still valid and on file with a Maryland address, you can request a replacement by mail through a limited process. Call the MVA at 1-410-768-7000 and ask about mail-in replacement for out-of-state residents. Not all MVA staff are familiar with this option, so be prepared to ask for a supervisor if the first representative says it is not possible.

If mail-in replacement is not available or you prefer to handle it in person, you will need to visit an MVA office in Maryland. If you no longer live in the state and cannot travel, you may want to surrender your Maryland license and obtain a license in your new state instead.

Cost and payment methods at Maryland MVA offices

The replacement fee for a standard Maryland driver's license is $70. This fee covers the cost of printing and mailing your new plastic license. If your license has been suspended or revoked, you may owe additional reinstatement fees before the MVA will issue a replacement — ask about your specific status when you call to schedule your appointment.

All Maryland MVA offices accept debit and credit cards. Most accept cash. Some locations accept checks, but this varies by office. Call ahead or check the MVA website to confirm payment methods at your chosen location. If you cannot pay the full fee at your appointment, you cannot receive your temporary license that day, so plan your finances accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I report it lost?

Yes. If you visit an MVA office with the required documents, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days on the same day. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail two to three weeks later. There is no way to speed up the mailing process.

What if I lost my license and do not have a photo ID to bring to the MVA?

You will need to obtain a photo ID first. A passport, military ID, or passport card all work. If you do not have any of these, you can explore for a Maryland ID card at the MVA, which requires the same documents as a driver's license replacement. Once you have the ID card, you can use it as your photo ID to explore for a replacement license.

Do I have to report my lost license to the police?

No. The MVA does not require a police report. However, if your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, filing a police report creates a record that can help if someone uses your license fraudulently. The report number can also be useful when contacting credit bureaus.

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

Bring proof of your current Maryland address to the MVA, and the staff will update your address during the replacement process. Your new license will show your current address. If you have already moved out of state, call the MVA before your visit to discuss your options.

How long is the temporary paper license valid?

The temporary license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. If your permanent license has not arrived by then, contact the MVA to request another temporary license. You should not need to pay another fee if the delay is the MVA's fault.