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. You cannot renew or replace your license online, by mail, or by phone. The MVA will take a new photo, issue a replacement card on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, and charge you a replacement fee that varies depending on how much time remains on your current license.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police or the Maryland State Police before or when ready after visiting the MVA. This protects you if someone uses your license number for fraud. Bring that police report number to the MVA if you have it, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person with a valid form of ID and proof of Maryland residency; no online, mail, or phone replacements are available.
  • The replacement fee depends on your license expiration date and ranges from roughly $35 to $70, but the exact amount varies by how long your license has left.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have a report number to bring to the MVA, which helps protect you from fraud.
  • Your replacement card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days unless you request it at the office; you cannot take it with you the same day.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, your current address, and any documents that prove your identity and residency in Maryland.

Documents You Must Bring to the MVA

Bring one primary form of identification from this list: a valid U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a REAL ID-compliant state ID card, a military ID card, or a Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. Citizenship. If you do not have any of these, you will need to bring two secondary forms of ID instead, such as a Social Security card, a birth certificate, a school or work ID, or a credit card.

You also need proof of Maryland residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government-issued document showing your current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. If you do not have your number memorized and did not bring a document, you can provide it verbally and the MVA will verify it. You will also need to know your current Maryland address and your date of birth.

MVA Office Locations and How to Schedule

Maryland has 26 MVA branch offices across the state. You can visit any office, but some are busier than others. The MVA does not require appointments for license replacement, but you can schedule one online at mva.maryland.gov to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at all offices during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at select locations.

To find the office nearest you and check current wait times, visit the MVA website and use the office locator tool. Some offices have longer wait times during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning often means a shorter wait. If you schedule an appointment online, you will receive a confirmation email with your appointment time and the office address.

If you cannot visit an office yourself, you can authorize someone else to pick up your replacement license on your behalf. That person will need a signed, notarized letter from you giving them permission, plus a copy of your ID. The MVA will still mail the card to your address unless you arrange otherwise in writing.

Replacement Fees and Payment Methods

The replacement fee depends on how much time is left on your current license. If your license expires within one year, the fee is approximately $35. If it expires in one to five years, the fee is roughly $50. If it expires in more than five years, the fee is around $70. These amounts can change, so confirm the exact fee when you schedule your appointment or arrive at the office.

The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, make it payable to the Maryland MVA. You cannot pay online before your visit; payment is due at the office when you submit your process.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Once you complete the process and pay the fee, the MVA will take a new photo for your replacement license. You will be asked to sign the back of the temporary paper license they give you. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and can be used as proof of your right to drive while you wait for the plastic card.

Your replacement card will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to update your address before the card arrives, contact the MVA when ready at 410-787-7758 or visit an office in person. If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, call the MVA to check the status.

If your license was damaged but still in your possession, you can surrender it to the MVA when you explore for the replacement. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need to have it with you. The MVA will deactivate your old license number in their system once the replacement is issued.

If Your License Was Stolen

File a police report with your local police department or the Maryland State Police if your license was stolen. You can file the report online through some police departments' websites, by phone, or in person. Write down the report number or get a copy of the report; bring this to the MVA when you explore for your replacement.

A police report does not change the replacement process, but it creates an official record that protects you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud or identity theft. If you discover fraudulent activity later, you will have proof that you reported the theft. You can also place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor for unauthorized accounts opened in your name.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume you can renew your license at the same time you replace it. Replacement and renewal are separate transactions. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you will need to handle both at the MVA office, and the fees will be separate. Ask the MVA staff which transaction to complete first.

Do not bring only a photocopy of your proof of residency or identity documents. The MVA requires original documents or certified copies. A utility bill photocopy will not be accepted. If you do not have an original, ask the issuing organization for a certified copy before you visit.

Do not expect to take your replacement card home the same day. The card is mailed to you, not issued on the spot. If you need to drive before the card arrives, use the temporary paper license the MVA gives you. If you need a replacement card faster, ask the MVA office whether they offer expedited mail service; some offices can arrange this for an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my Maryland license if I live out of state now?

No. You must be a Maryland resident to hold a Maryland driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still own property in Maryland or have other ties to the state, contact the MVA to discuss your situation, but a replacement license requires current Maryland residency.

What if I don't have proof of residency dated within the last 60 days?

Contact the organization that issued the document and request a new one with the current date, such as a recent utility bill or bank statement. If you cannot obtain a dated document in time, bring two documents that show your address even if they are older, plus a letter from your landlord or a recent lease agreement. The MVA may accept alternative proof on a case-by-case basis.

Do I need to take a new written test or driving test to get a replacement license?

No. A replacement license is a duplicate of your current license with the same class and restrictions. You do not retake any tests. The MVA will take a new photo and issue the card, but your driving record and license class remain unchanged.

How long does a replacement license stay valid?

Your replacement license has the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license expired before you replaced it, your new card will also show that expired date. You will need to renew it separately at the MVA if it has already expired.

Can I get a replacement license if my name has changed since I got my current license?

Yes, but you will need to bring documents proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your name on the replacement license at no additional charge. Bring the original document or a certified copy.