Where to get a replacement Maryland driver's license
You can replace your Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in the state. The MVA is the only agency that issues Maryland driver's licenses, so you cannot replace one at a local police station, courthouse, or other government office.
Maryland has MVA branches in most counties. The main locations are in Baltimore, Annapolis, Bowie, Hagerstown, and Salisbury, but smaller branches operate in many other towns. You can find the full list of MVA office locations and their hours on the official Maryland MVA website.
You also have the option to renew or replace your license by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or changes to report. Not all replacement situations may have access to for mail renewal, so check the MVA website or call your local office before sending documents by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person for most replacements, though mail renewal is available if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical or address changes.
- Bring your current or expired license, proof of identity, and proof of Maryland residency — the specific documents depend on whether you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
- A replacement license costs between $70 and $100 depending on how long you want it to be valid, and you can choose a four-year or eight-year license.
- Processing takes about 15 minutes at the MVA office if you have all required documents, and you receive your new license the same day.
- If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police and bring the police report number to the MVA.
Documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on why you are replacing your license. If your license was lost or damaged, bring your current or expired Maryland license if you have it, plus one form of government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or federal ID card) and one proof of Maryland residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
If your license was stolen, bring a police report or the report number, your proof of identity, and your proof of residency. The police report is important because it protects you from liability if someone uses your stolen license.
If you do not have your current license at all and cannot get a police report, you will need to bring two forms of ID instead of one, plus your proof of residency. The MVA website lists which documents count as acceptable ID and residency proof — bring originals, not copies, because the MVA staff must see the actual documents.
Cost and how long the license lasts
A replacement Maryland driver's license costs $70 for a four-year license or $100 for an eight-year license. You choose the length when you explore. The eight-year license costs more but lasts longer, so you will not need to replace it as soon.
The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at all offices. If you are replacing a license that was damaged or lost through no fault of your own, you do not pay a fee — the replacement is free. You must explain the reason for replacement when you explore, and the MVA staff will determine whether the fee applies.
What happens at the MVA office
When you arrive at the MVA, you will check in and receive a number. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and weekday visits usually have shorter waits than afternoons and weekends. You can check current wait times for your local MVA office on the Maryland MVA website before you go.
When your number is called, an MVA representative will review your documents, take a new photo for your license, and confirm your address and other information. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have all required documents. If anything is missing or incorrect, the representative will tell you what you need to fix before you can complete the replacement.
You receive your new license the same day you explore. The license is valid when ready, so you can use it right away for identification or driving.
Replacing a license by mail
Mail renewal is available only if your current license expired fewer than five years ago, you have no changes to your medical information or restrictions, your address has not changed, and you have a valid Social Security number on file with the MVA. You cannot use mail renewal if your license was stolen — you must report a stolen license in person.
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form from the MVA website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Include a copy of your current or expired license. Processing by mail takes about two to three weeks, and the MVA will mail your new license to your address on file.
If you have any changes to report — a new address, medical condition, or name change — you must visit an MVA office in person instead of using mail renewal.
If your license was stolen
Report the theft to your local police department and get a police report or report number. Bring this report to the MVA when you explore for a replacement. The police report protects you because it creates an official record that you reported the theft, which limits your liability if someone uses your stolen license.
You must replace a stolen license in person at an MVA office — mail renewal is not available. The replacement process is the same as for a lost or damaged license, except you bring the police report instead of the damaged license itself.
If you are concerned about identity theft or fraud related to the stolen license, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online?
No. Maryland does not offer online replacement for driver's licenses. You must either visit an MVA office in person or use mail renewal if you meet the requirements (license expired fewer than five years ago, no medical or address changes). Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, while in-person replacement takes about 15 minutes.
What if I moved to Maryland from another state?
You cannot replace an out-of-state license at the MVA. You must obtain a new Maryland license instead. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The process is similar to replacement but is technically a new license.
How do I replace my license if I have a name change?
You must visit an MVA office in person and bring your current or expired license, legal proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of identity, and proof of residency. Mail renewal is not available when you have a name change to report.
What if I lost my license and do not have a police report?
You can still replace it without a police report. Bring two forms of government-issued photo ID instead of one, plus your proof of residency. The MVA will process the replacement, though you will pay the full fee since it was not stolen. If you later find the license, destroy it to prevent someone else from using it.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. You must pick up your replacement license yourself at the MVA office where you applied. You will need to show ID when you pick it up. If you cannot pick it up in person, contact your local MVA office to ask about other options.