Maryland replaces lost licenses through the Motor Vehicle Administration, either in person or by mail

To replace a lost or stolen Maryland driver's license, you have two routes: visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day — but requires a trip to an MVA location. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot reach an office or prefer to stay home.

Both routes require the same core documents: proof of identity (your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport), proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. The fee for a replacement license is $70 for a standard license valid for eight years, or $100 for a Real ID-compliant license valid for ten years. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a police report, though it is not required by the MVA.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at an MVA office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license on the spot; mail replacement takes two to three weeks.
  • You need proof of identity (Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport), proof of Maryland residency dated within 60 days, and $70 or $100 depending on license type.
  • The MVA office locator on the Maryland Department of Transportation website shows wait times and hours for each location.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report and mention the theft when you explore, though the MVA does not require it to process your replacement.
  • A Real ID license costs $30 more but is valid for ten years instead of eight and meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal buildings.

In-person replacement at an MVA office

Walk into any MVA office with your documents and payment, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. The permanent license arrives in seven to ten business days. Bring the documents listed above, plus a completed process for a Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43), which you can fill out at home or at the office.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. The MVA publishes current wait times on its website for each office. Early morning (before 10 a.m.) and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) are typically less crowded. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others use an online reservation system. Check the specific office's page before you go.

If you want a Real ID license — required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting May 2025 — tell the clerk when you explore. Real ID requires the same documents plus proof that your current address matches your identity document. A Real ID license costs $100 instead of $70 and is valid for ten years.

Mail replacement through the MVA

Send a completed Form DL-43, copies of your identity and residency documents, and a check or money order to the MVA's mailing address. The address is on the form itself and on the MVA website. Include a note stating that your license was lost or stolen. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope.

Mail replacement does not give you a temporary license, so you will have no valid Maryland ID during the wait. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license by visiting an MVA office in person — you do not need to complete the full replacement process again.

Keep copies of everything you mail. The MVA does not return documents, and if your envelope is lost in transit, you will need proof of what you sent. Use certified mail or a tracked service if you want confirmation of delivery.

What to do if your license was stolen

A stolen license is a security risk because someone else can use it to open accounts or commit fraud in your name. File a police report with the Maryland State Police or your local police department, even though the MVA does not require it. The report creates a record and may help if fraudulent activity appears later.

When you explore for replacement, mention the theft in writing on your process or in a note with your mail submission. This alerts the MVA that the old license should be flagged as invalid. The MVA will not reissue the stolen license number; your replacement will have a new number.

Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can request one free alert by contacting any of the three bureaus.

Documents you need and how to get them

Proof of identity: The MVA accepts a Social Security card, birth certificate, U.S. passport, or passport card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask the MVA office or call 410-768-7000 for a list of acceptable combinations.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your Maryland address, dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count. If you recently moved, use the most recent document from your current address.

process form: read Form DL-43 from the MVA website, or pick one up at any MVA office. You can fill it out before you arrive, which speeds up the process. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and the reason for replacement (lost or stolen).

Fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver's license costs $70. A Real ID license costs $100. The MVA accepts cash, check, money order, debit card, and credit card at offices. If you mail your process, send a check or money order only — do not send cash through the mail.

If you are over 65, the fee is $40 for a standard license or $70 for a Real ID license. If you are a veteran, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee; ask at the office or call 410-768-7000 to confirm.

Finding an MVA office and checking wait times

The MVA operates offices across Maryland. Use the office locator on the Maryland Department of Transportation website to find the nearest location, see current wait times, and check hours of operation. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. A few locations offer extended evening hours.

The website also shows which offices accept online reservations and which take walk-ins only. If your nearest office has long wait times, you can travel to a less busy location — all offices process the same transactions and accept the same documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

Yes, if you received a temporary paper license at an MVA office. The temporary is valid for 30 days and counts as a legal license for driving. If you applied by mail, you have no temporary license, so you cannot drive legally until your replacement arrives. You can visit an MVA office to get a temporary paper license without restarting the replacement process.

What if I do not have a Social Security card or birth certificate?

The MVA accepts other forms of identity, including a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. If you have none of these, call 410-768-7000 and ask about acceptable document combinations. You may be able to use a combination of documents like a school ID plus a medical record.

How long does it take to get a replacement license by mail?

The MVA processes mail applications in two to three weeks from the date it receives your envelope. Add time for mail delivery both ways. Using certified mail or a tracked service confirms when the MVA receives your process. If you need a license sooner, visit an MVA office for in-person replacement.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No, the MVA does not require a police report. However, filing one creates a record of the theft and helps if you later discover fraudulent activity. You can file a report with the Maryland State Police or your local police department at any time, even after you have already applied for replacement.

Can I get a Real ID license if I only have a standard license now?

Yes. When you explore for replacement, tell the clerk you want a Real ID license. You will need the same documents plus proof that your address matches your identity document. The Real ID costs $30 more but is valid for ten years instead of eight and meets federal standards for air travel and federal building entry.