Maryland replaces lost or damaged licenses through the Motor Vehicle Administration, and the process takes about two weeks by mail or same-day in person

Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all driver's license replacements. You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license either by visiting an MVA office in person or by mail. In-person replacement at most MVA locations takes about 15 minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed. Mail replacement takes roughly two weeks from the date the MVA receives your request.

The cost is $70 for a standard replacement license. If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required by the MVA — it protects you if someone uses your license number for fraud. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of Social Security number to complete the replacement, whether you go in person or by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license in person at any MVA office for $70 and receive a temporary paper license the same day, or by mail in about two weeks.
  • Bring a valid passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID; a recent utility bill or lease showing your current Maryland address; and your Social Security card or a document showing your SSN.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report to protect yourself against fraud, though the MVA does not require it to issue a replacement.
  • Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and works for driving, employment, and most other purposes while you wait for your plastic card.

What documents you need to bring or submit

Maryland requires three categories of proof for any license replacement. First, you need a valid government-issued photo ID — a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of other documents, but the MVA process becomes more complex and you should call ahead.

Second, you need proof of your current Maryland address. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works if it shows your current address.

Third, you need proof of your Social Security number. Your actual Social Security card is the simplest option, but you can also use a W-2 form, tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring additional documentation and speak with an MVA representative about your options.

Replacing your license in person at an MVA office

Walk-in service is available at all 26 Maryland MVA offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The MVA website lists all office locations and their hours. You do not need an appointment, but you can reserve a time slot online to reduce waiting. Bring your three categories of documents, the $70 fee (cash, check, or card accepted), and your old license if you still have it.

When you arrive, you will fill out form DL-43, the process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit. An MVA representative will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your replacement. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days, which you can use for driving and identification when ready. Your plastic license card will arrive by mail within two weeks, usually sooner.

If you are replacing a license because it was damaged or defaced, bring the damaged card with you. If it was lost or stolen, you do not need to bring anything — just tell the representative what happened.

Replacing your license by mail

Mail replacement is slower but requires no office visit. read or request form DL-43 from the MVA website, fill it out completely, and mail it with copies of your three proof documents and a check or money order for $70 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Make copies of your documents — do not send originals. The MVA will not return them. Include a copy of your old license if you have it, or straightforward note in a cover letter that your license was lost or stolen. Mail your packet to the Motor Vehicle Administration, Driver's License Division, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061.

Processing takes about two weeks from the date the MVA receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this period unless you have another valid ID. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit an MVA office in person instead.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, file a police report with your local police department or the Maryland State Police. You do not need the report to get a replacement from the MVA, but it creates an official record that protects you if someone uses your license number to commit fraud or open accounts in your name. Keep a copy of the report for your records.

When you replace your license through the MVA, mention that it was stolen. The MVA does not take special action based on this, but it documents the reason for replacement in their system. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Using your temporary paper license

Your temporary paper license is a valid form of identification for driving, employment, banking, and most other purposes. Police will accept it as proof of a valid license during a traffic stop. Some businesses or government offices may request your plastic card instead, but this is rare — the paper license is the official temporary replacement.

Keep your temporary license in a safe place. If you lose it before your plastic card arrives, you will need to return to an MVA office or submit another mail request. The temporary license expires 45 days after it is issued, so your plastic card should arrive well before then under normal circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a passport or government ID?

Yes, but the process is more involved. You can use a combination of documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, and multiple pieces of mail showing your address. Call your local MVA office before you visit to confirm what documents they will accept, because the combination varies.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your new Maryland address along with your other documents. The MVA will update your address during replacement at no extra cost. If you are moving soon, you can replace your license before you move and update the address later, or wait until after you move and provide proof of your new address.

How long is a replacement license valid?

A replacement license is valid for the same period as your original license. If your original license was set to expire in 2028, your replacement will also expire in 2028. You do not get a new expiration date just because you replaced it.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Maryland does not offer online replacement. You must either visit an MVA office in person or mail your documents and payment. Some states offer online renewal for licenses that are expiring, but replacement of lost or damaged licenses requires in-person or mail submission.

What if I need to drive before my replacement arrives?

If you went in person, your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for driving. If you mailed your request, you cannot legally drive until your plastic card arrives. In that case, you must visit an MVA office in person to get a temporary license so you can drive while waiting for your replacement.