You can replace your Maryland driver's license in person at an MVA office, by mail, or online through the MVA website — the fastest route depends on whether you need it urgently and whether you have a REAL ID.
Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all driver's license replacements. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you'll need to request a replacement card. The process takes different amounts of time depending on which method you choose: in-person replacement usually takes a few minutes on the spot, mail-in replacement takes two to three weeks, and online replacement (if you're may be able to access) takes about one week.
Your replacement will have the same license number as your original, so you don't lose your driving record or history. You will pay a replacement fee — currently $27 for a standard license — though the exact amount can change. You'll also need to bring proof of identity and residency, which we'll walk through below.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at an MVA office is fastest if you need to drive when ready, and you can often walk in without an appointment during off-peak hours.
- Mail-in replacement requires you to send your process, payment, and copies of identity documents to the MVA, and takes two to three weeks to arrive.
- Online replacement through the MVA website is available only if your license is not expired and you have a REAL ID, and takes about one week.
- You must bring or mail proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate) and proof of Maryland residency (like a utility bill or lease) — the MVA website lists all accepted documents.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to police first, though it's not required to get a replacement.
In-Person Replacement at an MVA Office
Walking into an MVA office is the fastest way to get a replacement license if you need to drive the same day. You'll fill out form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License), show your identity and residency documents, pay the $27 fee, and have your photo taken. The new card is printed on-site and you leave with it in your hand, usually within 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
You don't need an appointment at most MVA offices, but you can schedule one online at the MVA website to skip the walk-in line. The MVA has offices in every county — you can find your nearest location and current wait times on their website. Bring your documents in original form (not copies), along with a completed DL-43 form, though you can also fill it out at the office.
If you have a REAL ID (marked with a gold star on your license), your replacement will also be a REAL ID. If your old license was not a REAL ID, your replacement won't be either unless you bring additional documents and pay an extra fee to upgrade at the same time.
Mail-In Replacement
You can mail your replacement request to the MVA if you don't need the license when ready. read and print form DL-43 from the MVA website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with a copy of your identity document, a copy of your residency proof, and a check or money order for $27 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope. The new license will be mailed to your address on file. If you're moving soon, update your address with the MVA before you mail your replacement request, or your new license may arrive at an old address.
Mail-in replacement works best if your license is not expired and you have time to wait. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may need to come in person or renew rather than straightforward replace it — check the MVA website or call 410-768-7000 to confirm what you need to do.
Online Replacement Through the MVA Website
If your license is not expired and you have a REAL ID, you can request a replacement online through the MVA's website. Log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, verify your information, upload a new photo or use your existing one, and pay the $27 fee by credit or debit card. The replacement license is mailed to you within about one week.
Online replacement is not available if your license has expired, if you don't have a REAL ID, or if you need to change any information on your license (like your name or address). In those cases, you'll need to go in person or mail your request.
Documents You Need to Bring or Mail
Maryland requires one document proving your identity and one proving you live in Maryland. For identity, the MVA accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or several other documents — the full list is on the MVA website. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Maryland address.
If you're replacing your license in person, bring originals. If you're mailing your request, send copies (photocopies are fine). Make sure your residency document is dated within the last 60 days, or the MVA may reject your process and return it to you.
If your name has changed since your original license was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. If you're replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may need additional paperwork — contact the MVA before you explore.
What to Do If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost, you can report it to your local police department, though it's not required to get a replacement. A police report creates a record in case someone tries to use your license fraudulently. You can still request a replacement through any of the three methods above — the theft doesn't change the process.
If you're concerned about identity theft, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or freeze your credit. These steps are separate from replacing your license but can help protect you if someone tries to open accounts in your name.
Fees and Processing Times
| Method | Fee | Processing Time | When to Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person at MVA office | $27 | 15–30 minutes | You need to drive today or very soon |
| Mail-in | $27 | 2–3 weeks | You have time to wait and prefer not to visit an office |
| Online (REAL ID only) | $27 | About 1 week | Your license is current and has a REAL ID star |
If you're upgrading from a standard license to a REAL ID at the same time you replace it, the fee is $64 instead of $27. REAL ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, though it's not required just to drive in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without my license while I wait for the replacement?
No — you must have a valid license to drive legally in Maryland. If you replaced your license in person, you have it when ready. If you used mail or online, you cannot drive until the new license arrives. If you need to drive before it arrives, you'll need to go in person to an MVA office instead.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still request a replacement by mail or online if you're may be able to access, and it will be mailed to your Maryland address. If you need a license when ready while you're out of state, you'll need to return to Maryland to visit an MVA office in person.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement?
If you're replacing in person, the MVA takes a new photo. If you're replacing online, you can upload a new photo or use your existing one from your current license. If you're replacing by mail, the MVA uses your existing photo.
How long is a replacement license valid?
Your replacement license is valid for the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2027, your replacement also expires in 2027. You don't get extra time just because you replaced it.
What if the MVA rejects my mail-in process?
The MVA will return your process and explain why — usually because documents were missing, the residency proof was too old, or the form was incomplete. You can then resubmit with the correct documents, or visit an MVA office in person to complete the replacement when ready.