Where to go and what you'll need

In Maryland, you replace a lost or stolen driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You can do this in person at any MVA office, by mail, or online through the MVA website — though the online option only works if your license hasn't expired and you're replacing it for loss or theft, not damage.

The fastest route is an in-person visit to your nearest MVA office. You'll need to bring your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of your Maryland residency, and a form of identification. If you don't have an ID with you, you can bring documents like a utility bill, lease, or bank statement to prove who you are. The MVA will take your photo and issue a replacement on the spot, though you may wait in line depending on how busy the office is.

If you choose to mail in your replacement, you'll send the same documents plus a completed process form (DL 43) to the MVA. This takes longer — typically two to three weeks — and you won't have a license in hand until it arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a Maryland driver's license in person at any MVA office, by mail, or online if your license is current and you're replacing it for loss or theft.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency, and a form of identification to an MVA office for when ready replacement.
  • If you mail in your replacement, include form DL 43 and expect to wait two to three weeks for your new license to arrive.
  • The replacement fee is the same whether you go in person or by mail, and your new license will have the same expiration date as your original one.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and keep a copy of the report for your records.

What the replacement costs

Maryland charges a flat fee for a replacement driver's license. The cost does not change based on how old your license is or how you submit your replacement request. You pay the same amount whether you walk into an MVA office or mail in your process.

If you're replacing your license in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the MVA office. If you're mailing in your replacement, you'll need to include a check or money order with your process — the MVA does not accept credit or debit cards by mail.

How long the new license takes to arrive

At an MVA office, you'll receive your replacement license when ready after your photo is taken and your information is processed. You walk out with it the same day, though you should plan for a wait depending on how crowded the office is.

By mail, your replacement typically arrives within two to three weeks. The MVA recommends mailing your process at least three weeks before you need your license, though this is not always possible if your license was stolen unexpectedly. If you need a license sooner and cannot visit an office in person, you can contact your local MVA office to ask about expedited mail options, though these may carry an additional fee.

Finding your nearest MVA office and hours

The MVA operates full-service offices in most Maryland counties, plus several express locations that handle routine transactions like replacements. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the official MVA website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in or near Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. area tend to have longer waits, especially on weekday afternoons.

Many MVA offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with some locations offering Saturday hours. A few offices close for lunch, so it's worth checking the specific hours of the office you plan to visit before you go. If you cannot visit during regular hours, some counties offer evening or weekend appointments through the MVA website.

Replacing your license if you don't have an ID with you

You don't need a current photo ID to get a replacement license, but you do need to prove who you are. If you don't have a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued ID, bring documents that show your name and address together. A utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement all work for this purpose.

You'll still need to provide your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card or tax return. If you've lost your Social Security card as well, bring a document that displays your number, like a W-2 or 1099 form. The MVA staff can help you figure out what combination of documents works if you're unsure.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, you may want to file a police report. This creates an official record that your license was taken without your permission, which can protect you if someone tries to use it fraudulently. You don't need a police report to get your replacement license from the MVA, but having one on file is a good precaution.

When you go to the MVA to replace your stolen license, tell the staff that it was stolen. They will note this in their system. Your new license will have a different number than your old one, so the stolen license becomes invalid once your replacement is issued. If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus by contacting Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.

Replacing your license if it's expired

If your license has expired, you cannot use the online replacement option — you'll need to go in person or mail in your process. The process is the same as replacing a lost or stolen license, and you'll bring the same documents. The main difference is that your new license will have a new expiration date based on your age and the type of license you hold.

Maryland driver's licenses expire on your birthday. If your license expired recently and you're replacing it for loss or theft at the same time, the MVA will issue a new license with an expiration date five or eight years from now, depending on whether you're under or over 65. Bring the same proof of residency and identification you would for any replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

If you visit an MVA office in person, you receive your permanent replacement license the same day. If you're mailing in your replacement and need to drive before it arrives, contact your local MVA office to ask about a temporary license or receipt that shows you've applied for a replacement — some employers and police officers will accept this as proof you're in the process of getting a new license.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still replace it through the Maryland MVA by mail or by visiting an MVA office when you return to Maryland. You'll need the same documents — proof of residency, identification, and your Social Security number. If you need to drive before you can visit an MVA office, check whether the state where you lost your license offers a temporary replacement or duplicate.

Do I need to bring my old license to get a replacement?

No. Since your license is lost or stolen, you won't have it to bring. The MVA will issue your replacement based on the information in their system and the documents you provide to prove your identity and residency.

Will my new license have the same number as my old one?

No. Your replacement license will have a new number. This is standard procedure when replacing a lost or stolen license. Your old license number becomes invalid once your replacement is issued.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

If you're getting your replacement in person at an MVA office, you must be present for your photo. If you're mailing in your replacement, the license will be mailed to the address you provide on your process — typically your Maryland address on file. Contact your local MVA office if you need the license mailed to a different address.