Your driver's license number appears in multiple places on your card

Your Maryland driver's license number is printed on the front of your physical card, in the upper right corner. It is an eight-digit number that starts with a letter. If you have your card in front of you, that is the fastest place to look.

The number also appears on documents Maryland sent you when you first received your license or renewed it. If you cannot locate your card right now, you have several other ways to find it without visiting an MVA office.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Maryland driver's license number is an eight-digit code starting with a letter, printed in the upper right corner of your physical card.
  • Your renewal notice from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration contains your license number and arrives by mail before your card expires.
  • You can call the Maryland MVA at 410-787-7758 or visit mva.maryland.gov to look up your number if you provide your name and date of birth.
  • Your insurance company has your license number on file if you carry auto or motorcycle insurance in Maryland.
  • Traffic tickets, vehicle registration documents, and past MVA correspondence all contain your license number.

Check your renewal notice or past MVA mail

When Maryland sends you a renewal notice before your license expires, that letter includes your license number. These notices typically arrive 60 to 90 days before your expiration date. If you have kept any mail from the MVA — whether it is a renewal notice, a duplicate license order, or a registration document — your number will be on it.

Look for any envelope with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration return address. The license number appears near the top of the letter or on an enclosed card. Even if the notice is several years old, your license number does not change unless you request a new one.

Contact the Maryland MVA directly

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration can tell you your license number over the phone. Call 410-787-7758 during business hours. You will need to provide your full name and date of birth. The MVA staff member will confirm your number and can answer questions about your license status at the same time.

You can also visit mva.maryland.gov and use their online services. The website has a section where you can look up information about your license if you enter your personal details. This option works outside of phone hours and does not require you to wait on hold.

Check your insurance documents or vehicle registration

If you carry auto insurance or motorcycle insurance in Maryland, your insurance company has your license number on file. Look at your insurance card, your policy documents, or any correspondence from your insurer. Your license number will appear on these materials because insurers are required to record it.

Your vehicle registration card, which you keep in your car, also lists your license number. This is the small card that shows your vehicle's registration status. If you have received a traffic ticket in Maryland, the ticket itself contains your license number as well.

Request a duplicate license if you have lost your card

If your physical card is lost or damaged and you need to see your number when ready, you can order a duplicate license from the MVA. A duplicate costs money and takes time to arrive by mail, so this is not the fastest option if you only need the number. However, if you need a replacement card anyway, ordering a duplicate will give you a new card with your same license number printed on it.

You can order a duplicate online at mva.maryland.gov, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. The processing time varies depending on the method you choose. If you order online, you will receive a confirmation that includes your license number before your new card arrives.

Understand what your license number format means

Maryland license numbers always follow the same pattern: one letter followed by seven digits. The letter at the beginning does not indicate anything about your license type or when it was issued — it is straightforward part of Maryland's numbering system. Every Maryland driver has this format, whether they hold a standard license, a commercial license, or a motorcycle endorsement.

Your license number stays the same throughout your life unless you request a new one. Renewals do not change your number. If you move to Maryland from another state and get a Maryland license, you receive a new Maryland number. Your old number from your previous state is no longer used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my license number the same as my driver's license card number?

Yes. The eight-digit code starting with a letter is your driver's license number. It is the only number you need for most purposes. Some documents may also show a card number or a transaction number, but your license number is the main identifier.

Can I find my license number online without calling the MVA?

Yes. The Maryland MVA website at mva.maryland.gov has an online lookup tool where you can enter your personal information and retrieve your license number. This works 24 hours a day and does not require a phone call.

What if I moved to Maryland and still have my old license from another state?

Your old license number is not valid in Maryland. You need to get a Maryland license, which will have a new eight-digit number starting with a letter. You can explore for a Maryland license at any MVA office or through their online services.

Do I need my license number to renew my license?

No. You can renew your Maryland license using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The MVA will look up your license number in their system. Having your number makes the process slightly faster, but it is not required.