Get a replacement license at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

If you've lost your driver's license in Maryland, you'll need to visit the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to request a replacement. The MVA is the state agency that issues and replaces driver's licenses. You can go in person to any MVA office, or you can handle part of the process online through the MVA website before you visit.

A replacement license costs money — the fee varies depending on how long your current license is valid for, but you'll pay less for a replacement than for a new license. The MVA will issue you a new card with a new number, and your old license becomes invalid once you report it lost.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start a replacement request online through the Maryland MVA website, which saves time when you arrive at an MVA office.
  • Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of your current address — a utility bill or lease works — when you visit in person.
  • The replacement fee depends on your license expiration date and ranges based on how much validity remains on your license.
  • Your replacement license will have a new number and will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of your visit.

What documents you need to bring to the MVA

When you go to an MVA office, bring your Social Security number and your date of birth — you'll need both to verify your identity. You also need proof of your current address. The MVA accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

If you don't have proof of address, you can bring a second form of ID instead — a passport, military ID, or employee badge. The MVA has a full list of acceptable documents on its website, organized by category, so you can check before you go.

Starting your replacement online before you visit

The Maryland MVA lets you begin your replacement request on its website before you visit an office. You'll answer questions about yourself and your lost license, and the MVA will generate a confirmation number. When you arrive at the office, you'll have already provided your information, which means the staff can process your request faster.

You still have to visit an MVA office in person — you cannot complete the entire replacement online. But starting online cuts down the time you spend waiting at the office. The MVA website has a link to begin this process under "Driver's License Services."

How long it takes and when you'll get your new license

After you visit the MVA office and pay the replacement fee, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard delivery takes two to three weeks. During that time, you won't have a physical license to carry, but the MVA will give you a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the card to arrive.

If you need your license faster, some MVA offices offer expedited service for an additional fee. Ask at the office whether expedited replacement is available at that location, since not all offices offer it.

Reporting your lost license to prevent fraud

When you report your license lost at the MVA, the agency marks it as invalid in their system. This prevents someone else from using it. However, you may also want to report the loss to the police — this creates an official record and protects you if the license is used fraudulently.

You don't need a police report to get a replacement from the MVA, but having one on file can help if someone uses your lost license to open accounts or commit fraud. Contact your local police non-emergency line to file a report, or do it online if your jurisdiction offers that option.

What to do if you find your original license after getting a replacement

If your original license turns up after you've already received your replacement, destroy the old one. Cut it in half or shred it so it cannot be used. Do not try to return it to the MVA or keep it as a backup — only one valid license should exist in your name at a time.

If someone else finds your original lost license and tries to use it, the MVA's system will show it as invalid, so it won't work for official purposes. But destroying it yourself removes any chance of misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license as a valid ID?

Yes. The temporary license the MVA gives you at the office is valid for driving and for identification purposes while you wait for your replacement card to arrive. You should carry it with you the same way you would carry your regular license.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You still need to get a replacement from the Maryland MVA since Maryland issued your license. You can mail in your request with the required documents, or you can visit an MVA office in person if you're back in Maryland. The MVA website has instructions for mail-in replacement requests.

Do I have to pay the full replacement fee if my license was stolen?

The fee is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. The MVA does not charge different rates based on how you lost it. However, if your license was stolen, filing a police report is a good idea for your own protection against fraud.

How much does a replacement license cost?

The fee depends on how much time remains on your current license. The MVA website lists the exact fee based on your license expiration date. Fees are lower for replacements than for new licenses because you're not extending the validity period.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must pick up your replacement license yourself when it arrives, or you can have it mailed to your address on file. The MVA does not release licenses to anyone other than the person named on the license.