What you need to do to replace a Maryland driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Maryland driver's license, you will visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The process takes about 30 minutes at the MVA office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

You cannot replace your license online or by mail in Maryland — an in-person visit is required. The MVA has offices across the state, and you can check wait times and book an appointment on their website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person with a valid form of identification and proof of your current Maryland address.
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license and $100 for a Real ID-compliant license, and payment is made at the MVA office.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic replacement card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Booking an appointment online before you visit reduces wait time and is available at most MVA locations.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and monitor your credit for identity theft.

Documents you need to bring to the MVA

Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of residency. Primary identification includes a valid passport, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two secondary forms of ID instead, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or school ID.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease or mortgage document with your new address will work.

You will also need to know your Social Security number and have your current or expired license available if you still have it. If your license was stolen, bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required to get a replacement.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard Maryland driver's license replacement costs $70. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead — which is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025 — the cost is $100. You pay this fee at the MVA office when you submit your replacement request.

The MVA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have ATMs on-site if you need cash, but it is wise to bring a card to avoid any issues. There are no additional fees for the temporary paper license you receive on the day of your visit.

How to book an appointment and what to expect

Visit the Maryland MVA website and select "Schedule an Appointment" to book a time slot at the office nearest you. You can also call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to schedule by phone. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are seen first, so booking ahead will save you time.

When you arrive, bring all your documents and be prepared to answer questions about your license loss or damage. The MVA staff will take a new photo for your replacement license. The entire process usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how busy the office is that day.

You will leave with a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the MVA to check the status.

Real ID versus standard license: which should you choose

A standard Maryland driver's license costs $70 and works for driving and most everyday identification. A Real ID-compliant license costs $100 and is required to board domestic flights, enter military bases, or access federal buildings. Both licenses look similar, but a Real ID has a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you fly domestically or plan to, getting a Real ID now saves you the cost and hassle of replacing your license again later. However, if you do not fly and do not need federal building access, a standard license is sufficient and less expensive. You can always upgrade to a Real ID at your next renewal if you change your mind.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, consider filing a police report. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You do not need the police report to get a replacement from the MVA, but having one on file protects you if identity theft occurs.

After you file a report, monitor your credit report and bank accounts for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — at annualcreditreport.com. If you notice unauthorized accounts or charges, contact your bank and the credit bureaus when ready.

MVA office locations and hours

Maryland has MVA offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, Bowie, Towson, Glen Burnie, Waldorf, Hagerstown, Cumberland, Salisbury, and Frostburg. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours on certain days. A few offices have Saturday hours as well.

The busiest times are typically mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. If you book an appointment during an off-peak time — early morning or late afternoon — you will likely wait less. Check the MVA website for the specific hours and appointment availability at your nearest office before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day I visit the MVA?

You will receive a temporary paper license the same day that is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the plastic card arrives, the temporary license is legal to carry and use.

What if I do not have proof of residency in Maryland?

If you cannot find a utility bill or lease, bring a mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance bill dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved and have no documents yet, contact the MVA before your visit to ask what alternatives they will accept.

Do I need my old license to get a replacement?

No, you do not need your old license. If you still have it, bring it to make the process faster. If it was lost or stolen, the MVA can look up your information in their system using your name and Social Security number.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No, you must be present at the MVA office to have your photo taken and sign the process. The temporary paper license is given to you in person, and the plastic card is mailed to your address on file.

What happens if my replacement license arrives damaged or with an error?

Contact the MVA when ready with a photo of the damage or error. They will issue a corrected replacement at no additional cost. Bring the damaged card to the MVA office, or mail it with a letter explaining the issue.