Where to get a replacement Maryland driver's license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in the state. The MVA is the only agency that issues replacements — you cannot order one by mail or through a third-party vendor, and no private service can complete this for you.

Maryland has MVA branches in Baltimore, Annapolis, Bowie, Catonsville, Chesapeake, Chestertown, Crofton, Cumberland, Denton, Dundalk, Easton, Edgewood, Ellicott City, Essex, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Glen Burnie, Greenbelt, Hagerstown, Hyattsville, Laurel, Leonardtown, Ocean City, Salisbury, Silver Spring, Towson, and Westminster. You can visit any branch regardless of where you live or where your license was originally issued.

Walk-in service is available at all locations, but wait times vary by branch and time of day. The MVA website shows real-time wait times for each office, updated every 15 minutes. You can also schedule an appointment online through the MVA website, which typically reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person with a valid form of identification and proof of your Social Security number to get a replacement license.
  • A replacement license costs $70 if your current license is still valid, or $100 if it has expired.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
  • The plastic replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days in most cases, though processing can take longer during peak periods.
  • Scheduling an appointment online reduces wait times significantly and is free to book.

Documents you need to bring

Bring one valid form of identification from the MVA's approved list. Acceptable forms include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, federal employee ID, permanent resident card, tribal ID, or a valid out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list: a birth certificate, Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement.

You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or 1099 form. If you have lost your Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or tax return, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you can get your driver's license replaced.

If your license was stolen, bring a police report or case number. The MVA does not require this to issue a replacement, but having it on hand speeds up the process and protects you if the stolen license is later used fraudulently.

Cost and what you receive

A replacement license costs $70 if your current license has not expired, or $100 if it has expired. Payment is cash, check, or card — the MVA accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. If you are replacing a license that was damaged in a natural disaster, the fee may be waived; ask the MVA staff when you arrive.

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after you complete your transaction. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for all purposes — driving, identification, boarding flights. It has your photo, signature, and license number printed on it.

Your permanent plastic card is mailed to the address on file with the MVA. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card faster, you can request expedited mail service for an additional $15, which typically delivers within 3 to 5 business days. The card is mailed only once; if it does not arrive, contact the MVA to request a trace or reissue.

Updating your address at the same time

If you have moved since your license was issued, you can update your address when you replace your license. Bring proof of your new address: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The address update is included in the replacement fee — there is no extra charge.

If you do not update your address during the replacement, your new card will be mailed to your old address on file. You can update your address later online through the MVA website or at any MVA office, but you will need to return in person to do so.

If your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, the MVA will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to find out the reason and what steps are required to restore your driving privileges. Reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical conditions reported to the MVA.

Once the suspension is resolved, you can explore for a replacement at any MVA office. Bring documentation showing the suspension has been lifted — this might be a court order, a letter from the MVA, or a receipt showing fines have been paid. The replacement process is the same as for a lost or damaged license.

What to do if your replacement does not arrive

If your temporary license expires and your permanent card has not arrived, contact the MVA by phone at 410-787-7758 (Baltimore area) or 1-800-950-1MVA (toll-free). Have your license number and the date you applied ready. The MVA can check the status of your card and reissue it if it was lost in the mail.

If the card was lost in the mail, the MVA will mail a replacement at no additional charge. This replacement typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request a second temporary license at an MVA office, which extends your temporary license for another 30 days.

Replacing a license online is not an option

Maryland does not offer online replacement of driver's licenses. You must visit an MVA office in person. Some states allow online renewal of valid licenses, but Maryland requires an in-person visit for any replacement, whether the license is lost, stolen, damaged, or expired.

The only part of the process you can do online is scheduling an appointment. Booking an appointment takes about five minutes and guarantees a specific time slot, which eliminates the need to wait in line. You can schedule up to 30 days in advance through the MVA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the MVA office, which is valid when ready for driving and identification. Your permanent plastic card is mailed and arrives within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. If you need the plastic card faster, expedited mail service costs $15 and typically delivers within 3 to 5 business days.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

You can prove your Social Security number with a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form instead. If you have none of these documents, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the MVA. The Social Security Administration can issue a replacement card by mail within 2 to 4 weeks.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license?

No. You must be present at the MVA office to receive your temporary license and sign the replacement process. Your permanent card is mailed to your address on file, so no one needs to pick it up — it arrives by mail automatically.

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

Bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. The MVA will update your address during the replacement process at no extra cost. Your new card will be mailed to your updated address.

Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?

Both options work. Walk-in service is available at all MVA offices, but wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the branch and time of day. Scheduling a free appointment online typically reduces your wait to 15 to 30 minutes and guarantees a specific time slot.