What You Need to Do to Replace a Maryland License
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Maryland driver's license, you must visit a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person with proof of identity and Maryland residency. You cannot replace your license by mail or online. The MVA will take a new photo, issue a replacement card, and charge you a fee based on how much time remains on your current license.
The replacement process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you should also file a police report, though the MVA does not require it to issue a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to an MVA office in person with a valid ID and proof of Maryland residency; no online or mail replacement is available.
- The replacement fee depends on your license expiration date and ranges from about $27 to $97, with no refund for unused time on a lost or stolen card.
- You will get a temporary paper license when ready and receive your plastic replacement card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report separately; the MVA does not require it but it protects you against fraud.
Documents and Proof You Must Bring
Bring one document from the primary identification list and one document proving Maryland residency. Primary ID options include a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a REAL ID-compliant ID from another state. An expired Maryland license also counts as primary ID for replacement purposes.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement showing your current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or utility bill is the fastest option because the MVA accepts them without additional verification.
If you do not have primary ID, you can bring a combination of secondary documents: a Social Security card, birth certificate, or school ID, paired with a document showing your name and address. This route takes longer and may require additional paperwork, so bring primary ID if you have it.
MVA Office Locations and Wait Times
Maryland has 26 MVA branch offices across the state. The busiest offices are in Baltimore, Prince George's County, and Montgomery County, where wait times often exceed one hour during midday and early afternoon. The shortest waits are typically before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., and on Tuesdays through Thursdays.
You can find your nearest office and check real-time wait times on the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. The site shows current wait times for each location and lets you see which offices have the shortest queues before you leave home. Some offices are appointment-only; check the website to confirm whether your location accepts walk-ins.
If you live in a rural area far from an MVA office, you may be able to use a Motor Vehicle Agent — a private business licensed by the MVA to handle certain transactions. Not all agents offer replacement licenses, so call ahead to confirm. Agents charge a small service fee on top of the MVA fee.
Replacement Fees and What Affects the Cost
The replacement fee depends on your license expiration date. If your license expires within one year, the fee is approximately $27. If it expires in one to five years, the fee is approximately $47. If it expires in five to eight years, the fee is approximately $97. These amounts are current as of 2024 but may change; confirm the exact fee at the MVA office or website before you go.
The MVA does not prorate fees or refund unused time on a lost or stolen license. You pay the full replacement fee based on your expiration date, regardless of how long you have already held the card. If your license is damaged but still readable, you may be able to renew it early at a lower cost, but the MVA treats lost and stolen cards as full replacements.
Payment methods at MVA offices include cash, debit card, and credit card. Some offices do not accept checks. Bring enough cash or a card to cover the fee plus any Motor Vehicle Agent service charge if you use an agent.
Timeline: From Office Visit to Receiving Your Card
The replacement happens in stages. At the MVA office, you will complete an process form (DL 43), have your photo taken, and pay the fee. This takes 15 to 20 minutes if the office is not busy. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while you wait for the plastic card.
Your plastic replacement card is mailed to the address on file at the MVA. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of issue. If you do not receive your card within 10 business days, contact the MVA to confirm your mailing address and request a replacement card.
The temporary paper license is valid for driving and identification during the wait. Keep it with you until the plastic card arrives. If you lose the temporary license before the plastic card arrives, return to the MVA office and request another temporary license; there is no additional fee.
What to Do If Your License Was Stolen
File a police report with the local police department or Maryland State Police. The report creates an official record and protects you if someone uses your license number for fraud or traffic violations. You do not need the police report to get a replacement license from the MVA, but it is important for your protection.
When you file the report, provide your license number, date of birth, and the date and location where you discovered the theft. Ask for a report number or a copy of the report for your records. Keep this documentation in case you need to dispute fraudulent charges or traffic tickets later.
After you receive your replacement license, monitor your credit report and driving record for signs of fraud. You can check your Maryland driving record free of charge on the MVA website. If you see unauthorized traffic violations or tickets, contact the court listed on the ticket and explain that your license was stolen at that time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume you can renew your license at the same time as replacing it. Replacement and renewal are separate transactions. If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it at the same office visit, but you must request both services and pay both fees. Ask the MVA staff whether renewal makes sense for your situation.
Do not bring only a secondary ID document. The MVA requires primary ID for replacement. If you bring only a birth certificate or Social Security card, you will be turned away or asked to return with additional documents. Check the primary ID list before you go.
Do not expect the temporary paper license to work for air travel or as a federal ID. It is valid for driving and in-state identification only. If you need to fly, bring your passport or passport card instead. The temporary license is not REAL ID-compliant.
Do not wait to file a police report if your license was stolen. The longer you wait, the harder it is to prove when the theft occurred. File the report as soon as you discover the license is missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my Maryland license at an MVA office outside Maryland?
No. Only Maryland MVA offices can issue Maryland licenses. If you are out of state, you must wait until you return to Maryland or have someone else pick up your replacement card if it has already been mailed. You can drive with your temporary paper license in any state.
What if my address changed since my last license was issued?
Tell the MVA staff when you arrive at the office. They will update your address during the replacement process at no extra cost. Bring proof of your new Maryland address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
Do I need a new photo for a replacement license?
Yes. The MVA takes a new photo every time you replace or renew your license. You cannot use your old photo. Wear clear glasses if you normally wear them, and avoid hats or head coverings unless for religious reasons.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days. If your plastic card has not arrived by then, return to the MVA office and request another temporary license. There is no fee for a replacement temporary license.
What if I never receive my replacement card in the mail?
Contact the MVA at 1-410-768-7000 or visit the website at mva.maryland.gov to report the missing card. Provide your name, date of birth, and the date you received your temporary license. The MVA can reissue your card or confirm whether it was delivered.