Get a replacement at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration in person or by mail
If you've lost your Maryland driver's license, you can replace it through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You have two options: visit an MVA office in person, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route is faster — you'll walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card in the mail within two weeks. The mail route takes longer but works if you can't reach an office.
You do not need to retake the written or road test. The MVA treats a lost license as a replacement, not a new license. You'll pay a replacement fee (currently $70 for a standard license, though this amount can change), and you'll need to prove your identity and Maryland residency.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Maryland MVA office with your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency to get a replacement the same day.
- If you cannot visit an office, you can mail a completed form DL-43 with copies of your identity and residency documents to the MVA.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready at an office visit, and your permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks.
- The replacement fee is $70 for a standard five-year license, and you do not need to retake any tests.
What documents you need to bring to an MVA office
Bring three things: proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and your Social Security number. For identity, the MVA accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a state ID from another state. A birth certificate alone is not enough — it must be paired with something photo-bearing.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (like a tax notice or court document) also works. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted for residency proof.
You will also need to know your Social Security number. If you don't have it memorized, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it, like a tax return or W-2.
How to replace your license by mail
read and complete form DL-43 from the Maryland MVA website. This is the "process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit" form. You do not need to fill out every field — focus on the sections for personal information and the reason for your request (mark "replacement of lost license").
Make photocopies of your identity document and your residency proof. Include a copy of your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form (currently the MVA's Central Processing Unit in Glen Burnie, though you should verify the current address on the MVA website before mailing). Include a check or money order for $70 payable to the Maryland MVA.
Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. You will not receive a temporary license this way, so you cannot drive legally during the waiting period. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you must visit an office in person instead.
Finding an MVA office near you and what to expect
Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. Search for locations and hours on the Maryland MVA website — you can filter by county or city. Some offices are busier than others; visiting early in the morning or on a weekday afternoon typically means shorter waits. A few offices accept walk-ins, but many now require you to reserve a time slot online. Check your local office's page to see whether you need an appointment.
When you arrive, bring all your documents and your $70 fee in cash, check, or card (payment methods vary by office, so call ahead if you're unsure). An MVA representative will verify your documents, take a new photo, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 45 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. Your permanent license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
If your license was lost in another state or country
If you lost your Maryland license while traveling, you can still request a replacement by mail using the process described above. You do not need to be in Maryland to explore. Mail your form DL-43 and documents to the MVA's central office, and your replacement will be sent to your Maryland address.
If you need to drive before your replacement arrives and you're still out of state, you have limited options. Some states allow you to drive on an expired license or a temporary license from another state for a short period, but rules vary. Contact the MVA directly at 410-787-7758 to ask whether they can issue a temporary license by mail or email in your situation.
What to do if you find your original license
If you find your original license after you've already received a replacement, you do not need to return it or notify the MVA. The original is now invalid, and you should destroy it to prevent someone else from using it. straightforward keep your new replacement license.
If you find your license before you've ordered a replacement, you can use it normally — there's no need to replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?
If you received a temporary paper license at an MVA office, yes — it's valid for 45 days. If you applied by mail, no — you cannot drive legally until your permanent card arrives. If you need to drive when ready, visit an office in person instead of mailing your request.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
Contact the MVA directly at 410-787-7758. You may be able to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another form of identification instead. The MVA can tell you what documents will work in your situation.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The current fee is $70 for a standard five-year license. Fees can change, so check the Maryland MVA website or call 410-787-7758 to confirm the current amount before you visit or mail your request.
Can I get a replacement if my license was suspended or revoked?
No. If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that issue with the MVA before you can receive a replacement. Contact the MVA to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges.
What if I lost my license and my Social Security card at the same time?
You can still replace your license. Bring another form of identity (passport, military ID, or out-of-state ID) and residency proof. You do not need your Social Security card itself — you just need to provide your Social Security number, which you can do verbally at an office or by writing it on the form if you explore by mail.