Where to go and what to bring
You can replace a Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in the state. The MVA is the only agency that issues Maryland licenses, so you cannot replace one at a county office or through the mail for a standard replacement.
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 the last 60 days). If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report, though having one can be useful if you later discover fraudulent use of your information.
The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license valid for eight years. If you need the license faster, the MVA offers a rush service for an additional fee, though availability varies by location and time of year.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person; Maryland does not allow mail-in replacements for standard driver's licenses.
- Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of residency dated within 60 days to complete your replacement.
- The replacement fee is $70, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your card is printed.
- Processing time for a mailed card is typically 7 to 10 business days after your visit, though rush options exist at higher cost.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that status before the MVA will issue a replacement.
How to find your nearest MVA office and make an appointment
The MVA website lists all branch locations with hours and services offered. Not every office handles every transaction, so check the location details before you go. Some smaller branches have limited hours or do not process certain types of replacements.
You can walk in without an appointment at most MVA offices, but wait times vary widely depending on the location and time of day. The MVA recommends arriving early in the morning or on weekday afternoons to avoid peak traffic. If you want to reserve a time slot, you can book an appointment through the MVA website or by calling 410-768-7000.
Appointments typically reduce your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes, while walk-ins may wait an hour or longer during busy periods. Booking ahead is especially useful if you need to replace your license quickly or have limited availability during business hours.
What happens after you submit your replacement request
When you complete your replacement at the MVA office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving, identification, and most other purposes while you wait for your permanent card.
Your new plastic license card is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit. If you move before the card arrives, you can update your address with the MVA online or at your next visit, and they will remail the card to your new location at no extra charge.
If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the MVA to confirm it was mailed and check whether there was a delivery issue. The MVA can reissue the card if it was lost in the mail, though you may be charged a second replacement fee depending on the circumstances.
Replacing a license if yours was suspended or revoked
If your Maryland license is under suspension or revocation, the MVA will not issue a replacement until that status is cleared. You must first resolve the underlying issue — whether that is unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical suspension, or another reason.
Contact the MVA or the court that issued the suspension to learn what steps are required to lift it. Some suspensions are automatic once fines are paid or court dates are resolved. Others require a formal reinstatement process, which may include paying a reinstatement fee, submitting medical documentation, or completing a defensive driving course.
Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can proceed with your replacement at any MVA office. Bring proof that the suspension has been cleared — this might be a court document, a receipt showing fines paid, or a letter from the MVA confirming the status change.
Replacing a license with a different name or address
If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or legal petition, you can update it when you replace your license. Bring the document that proves the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will issue your new license with the updated name at no additional cost beyond the standard replacement fee.
Your address is updated automatically if you provide your current address during the replacement process. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, tell the MVA staff when you submit your replacement request. The new card will be mailed to your current address.
If you need to change your address but are not replacing your license, you can update it online through the MVA website or at any MVA office for a small fee. Address changes do not require a new card to be printed — the MVA updates your record in their system.
Replacing a license that is damaged or unreadable
A damaged license — one that is cracked, faded, or has a photo that is no longer visible — can be replaced using the same process as a lost license. Bring the damaged card with you to the MVA office so staff can see the condition and process the replacement correctly.
If your license is so damaged that it cannot be read or used, you can use your temporary paper license while waiting for the replacement card. The MVA will not charge you an additional fee for replacing a card that was damaged through normal wear and tear, though some damage caused by misuse (such as intentional alteration) may be treated differently.
Bring the damaged card to your appointment even if it is barely readable. This helps the MVA verify your identity and prevents confusion about whether you are replacing a lost card or a damaged one.
Replacing a license if you lost it out of state
If you lost your Maryland license while traveling or living temporarily out of state, you can still replace it by visiting an MVA office when you return to Maryland. You do not need to file a report with the other state or take any special steps — just bring your proof of identity and residency as you normally would.
If you need a replacement before you return to Maryland, you have limited options. Some states allow you to request a replacement license from another state's DMV if you hold a valid license there, but Maryland does not issue licenses by mail to out-of-state residents. Your best option is to wait until you return to Maryland and visit an MVA office in person.
If you are concerned about identity theft because your license was lost in another state, you can place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) before you return. This is a free service that alerts lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my Maryland license online or by mail?
No. Maryland requires you to appear in person at an MVA office to replace a lost or damaged license. You cannot complete the replacement online, by mail, or through a third-party service. The only exception is if you are renewing a license that is still valid — renewals can be done online or by mail.
How much does it cost to replace a Maryland driver's license?
The standard replacement fee is $70 for a license valid for eight years. If you choose rush processing, there is an additional fee that varies depending on how quickly you need the card. Standard processing is included in the $70 fee and takes 7 to 10 business days.
What if I lost my license and do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You will need some form of government-issued photo ID or certified birth certificate to prove your identity. If you do not have either, contact the MVA before your visit to learn what alternative documents they will accept. Options may include a military ID, passport card, or certified vital records from another state.
Can I get a temporary license to use while I wait for my replacement card?
Yes. The MVA issues a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when you complete your replacement at the office. This temporary license can be used for driving and identification purposes. If you need the permanent card before 30 days, you can pay for rush processing at the time of your visit.
What should I do if my replacement card does not arrive after two weeks?
Contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to confirm the card was mailed and check the status. If it was lost in transit, the MVA can reissue it. Depending on the circumstances, you may or may not be charged a second replacement fee. Have your temporary license number and the date of your visit ready when you call.