Where to Get a Replacement License in Maryland

You can replace your Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in the state. The MVA is Maryland's equivalent to a DMV and handles all driver's license replacements. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices offer appointment slots that let you skip the walk-in line.

The fastest way to find your nearest MVA office is to visit the Maryland MVA website and use their office locator tool. Enter your zip code and you will see all locations near you, their hours, and whether they currently accept walk-ins. Some offices are busier than others — if you have a choice, visiting a smaller regional office instead of a downtown location often means a shorter wait.

If you cannot visit an MVA office in person, you may be able to renew by mail under certain conditions. Mail renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you are renewing before it expires. If your license is already expired or lost, you must visit an office.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Motor Vehicle Administration office in person to replace a lost or stolen license, unless your license is not yet expired and you renew by mail.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license valid for eight years, or $100 for a Real ID-compliant license.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your Social Security number and two forms of identification. One must be a primary ID — a valid passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or naturalization certificate. The second can be a secondary ID like a school ID, work badge, or credit card, or you can bring a second primary ID instead.

You also need proof of Maryland residency. This means a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have just moved and do not have a document yet, bring your lease or a signed statement from your landlord.

If you are replacing a license that was stolen, bring a police report if you have one. The MVA does not require it, but it protects you if someone tries to use your old license number fraudulently. You can file a police report online in most Maryland jurisdictions or at a local precinct.

What the Replacement Costs

A standard Maryland driver's license replacement costs $70 and is valid for eight years. If you want a Real ID-compliant license instead, the cost is $100. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings — you will need one to fly domestically after May 2025 if you do not have a passport.

The MVA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices have ATMs on-site if you need cash. There are no additional fees for a replacement — the price covers the license itself and the mailing of your new card.

If you are under 21, a replacement costs $40 for a standard license or $70 for Real ID. If you are 65 or older, a replacement costs $30 for a standard license or $60 for Real ID.

How Long the Process Takes

You will walk out of the MVA office with a temporary paper license the same day. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, and most ID purposes. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.

If your mail is delayed or you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the MVA by phone at 410-768-7000 or through their website. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if needed. Do not throw away your temporary license until you have the plastic card in hand.

Real ID vs. Standard License: Which to Choose

The main difference is that a Real ID license meets federal security standards and has a gold star. You can use a standard license for driving in Maryland indefinitely, but you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, or a military ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025.

If you travel by air or visit federal offices, Real ID is worth the extra $30. If you drive locally and have a passport for travel, a standard license is sufficient. You can always upgrade to Real ID later by visiting an MVA office again and paying the difference.

Getting Real ID requires the same documents as a standard replacement — there is no extra paperwork. The only difference is the fee and the star on the card.

If Your License Was Stolen

Filing a police report is optional but recommended. A report creates an official record that your old license number is no longer valid, which protects you if someone tries to use it. You can file online through most Maryland police department websites or visit a local precinct in person.

When you get your replacement at the MVA, mention that your license was stolen. The MVA will note this in their system. Your old license number will still work for driving purposes until your new card arrives, but once the new card is active, the old number is deactivated.

If you are concerned about identity theft, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is free and makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

You cannot replace a lost or stolen license online or by mail. You must visit an MVA office in person. Mail renewal is only for licenses that are not yet expired and are being renewed before expiration.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, military ID, or naturalization certificate as your primary ID instead. If you do not have any of these, you will need to obtain a birth certificate first from the Maryland Vital Statistics Administration or the state where you were born.

Do I need an appointment?

Most MVA offices accept walk-ins, but some locations offer appointment slots that reduce wait time. Check the MVA website for your local office to see if appointments are available. Walk-in wait times vary by location and time of day.

What if I moved and my address changed?

Bring proof of your new address dated within 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease. The MVA will update your address when you get your replacement license. You do not need to change your address separately.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the MVA office. Your permanent card is mailed to the address on file, so anyone at that address can receive it, but you must be present for the initial replacement transaction.