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

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all driver's license replacements. You can replace a lost or stolen license either by visiting an MVA office in person or by mail. In-person replacement takes a few minutes and you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Mail replacement takes 10 to 14 business days and costs less, but you'll have no valid ID during that time.

Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original. You do not need to retake the written or road test. The main requirement is proving your identity with documents the MVA accepts — a passport, birth certificate, or other state ID all work. You'll also need to pay a replacement fee, which varies depending on how long your current license is valid.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's MVA processes replacements in person at any branch office (same-day temporary license) or by mail (10 to 14 days).
  • You need one government-issued photo ID or two documents proving your identity, such as a birth certificate plus a utility bill.
  • The replacement fee is $70 if your license expires in more than two years, or $50 if it expires within two years.
  • You can request a replacement online through the MVA website to skip the in-person wait, then pick it up at an office or receive it by mail.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

In-person replacement at an MVA office

Walk into any Maryland MVA branch with your identity documents and payment method. You do not need an appointment. Tell the clerk you need a replacement license due to loss or theft. They will verify your identity, take a new photo, and print a temporary paper license on the spot. That temporary license is valid for 30 days and works anywhere a real license does — driving, age verification, boarding a plane.

Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 10 to 14 business days. The in-person route costs the same as mail ($70 or $50 depending on expiration), plus you get when ready proof of licensure. The downside is waiting time at the office, which varies by location and time of day. Early mornings and weekday afternoons are usually faster than evenings or Saturdays.

Find your nearest MVA office on the Maryland MVA website. Some offices are in shopping centers or government buildings; a few are in smaller towns with limited hours. Check the office's hours before you go, because some close for lunch or operate part-time.

Mail replacement without visiting an office

You can request a replacement by mail through the MVA website or by printing a form and mailing it yourself. The online route is faster because the MVA processes it when ready. You'll need to upload a photo (a clear headshot taken within the last six months) and a scan or photo of your identity document. The MVA will mail your new license to the address on file.

Mail replacement takes 10 to 14 business days from the time the MVA receives your request. You have no valid ID during this period — no temporary license is issued for mail replacements. This route costs $70 or $50 depending on your license expiration date. Use mail replacement only if you have time to wait and do not need to drive or prove your identity before the new license arrives.

If you prefer not to upload documents online, you can print the DL/ID Replacement Request form from the MVA website, sign it, and mail it with photocopies of your identity documents and a check or money order. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes longer this way — usually 14 to 21 days — because the MVA has to receive and scan your documents.

Identity documents the MVA accepts

You need to prove who you are. The MVA accepts one government-issued photo ID, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or another state's driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents from the MVA's list: a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, lease, bank statement, or tax return, among others.

Your documents must be current or expired no more than one year. If your birth certificate is from another state or country, bring the original or a certified copy — a photocopy will not work. If you have changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Bring the documents in person or upload clear photos or scans if you are explore by mail. The MVA will not accept blurry images or documents that are cut off at the edges.

Replacement fees and what they cover

Maryland charges $70 to replace a license that expires more than two years from now, or $50 if it expires within two years. These are one-time fees — you do not pay again when your license eventually expires. The fee covers the plastic card, the temporary paper license (if you go in person), and processing.

You can pay by cash, check, money order, debit card, or credit card at an MVA office. For mail replacement, you must pay by check or money order. For online requests, you can pay by debit or credit card.

What to do if your license was stolen

A stolen license is replaced the same way as a lost one — there is no separate process. However, you may want to file a police report if you believe someone could use your license for fraud or identity theft. The police report is not required to get a replacement, but it creates a record in case your license is used fraudulently.

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 one of them. They will notify the others. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Timeline and what to expect after you explore

In-person replacement: You walk out with a temporary license the same day. Your permanent license arrives in 10 to 14 business days.

Mail replacement: Your permanent license arrives in 10 to 14 business days if you request it online, or 14 to 21 days if you mail in a paper form.

If your license does not arrive within three weeks of your in-person visit or four weeks of your mail request, contact the MVA to check the status. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready. You can call the MVA customer service line or visit an office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?

If you got a temporary paper license in person, yes — it is valid for 30 days. If you applied by mail, no — you have no valid ID until the plastic license arrives. This is why in-person replacement is better if you need to drive soon.

What if I moved and my address is wrong on my license?

You can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease, to an MVA office, or upload it with your online replacement request. There is no extra fee.

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

No, a police report is not required. The MVA will replace your license based on your identity documents alone. A report is useful only if you are worried about fraud or want a record for insurance purposes.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. If you applied in person and have a temporary license, you do not need to pick anything up — your permanent license comes by mail. If you applied by mail, your license is mailed to the address on file. You cannot have it mailed elsewhere or picked up by someone else.

What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the MVA when ready with your license number and the problem. They will issue a corrected license at no charge. Bring the damaged license to an MVA office, or mail it back with a note explaining the issue.