Get a replacement license at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
If you have lost your Maryland driver's license, you can get a replacement through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). The MVA will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your original — you are not starting over. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, though you can also request a replacement by mail if you prefer not to visit an office.
You do not need to retake the written or road test. The MVA treats a lost license the same as a damaged one: they photograph you, print a new card, and send you out the door. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report that to local police first, though it is not required to get the replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any MVA office with your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of Maryland residency to get a replacement license on the spot.
- A replacement license costs $70 and keeps your original license number and expiration date.
- If you cannot visit an office, you can mail a completed DL-43 form with a check to the MVA and receive your replacement by mail in about two weeks.
- You do not need to pass any tests or provide your original license — the MVA has your information on file.
- If your license was stolen, consider filing a police report, though it will not delay your replacement.
What you need to bring to an MVA office
Bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized), your date of birth, and one form of proof that you live in Maryland. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days.
You will also need to bring a payment method. The replacement fee is $70, and the MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you do not have proof of residency with you, you can still get a replacement — you will just need to sign an affidavit swearing to your Maryland address instead.
Replacing your license by mail
If visiting an MVA office is not practical, read or request the DL-43 form (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit) from the MVA website. Fill in your information, sign it, and mail it along with a check for $70 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of residency if possible, though it is not required.
Mail processing takes about two weeks. Your new license will arrive at the address you provide on the form. This route works well if you live far from an MVA office or have a schedule that does not allow a visit, but it means you will be without a license for longer than if you went in person.
Finding an MVA office near you
Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one and its hours on the official MVA website by entering your zip code. Many offices allow you to check wait times online before you go, which helps you avoid a long line. Some offices are busier than others — if your local office shows a long wait, try a nearby one instead.
Walk-ins are accepted at all MVA offices, but you can also make an appointment online if you prefer. Appointments typically have shorter wait times, though they may not be available for several days depending on how busy the office is. Either way, bring all your documents with you — you do not want to make a second trip.
What happens if your license was stolen
If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, you may want to file a police report. This creates a record in case the license is used fraudulently. However, filing a report is not required to get your replacement — the MVA will issue a new one regardless.
If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) or monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. A lost or stolen license alone does not usually lead to identity theft, but it is worth watching for if other personal information was in your wallet.
Replacing a license that expired while lost
If your license expired while you were unable to locate it, your replacement will still carry the original expiration date. You are not charged extra, and you do not need to renew it separately. However, if your license has been expired for more than a certain period (this varies), you may need to pass a vision test or provide updated information. Ask the MVA staff when you arrive whether your specific situation requires anything beyond the standard replacement process.
If your license expired years ago and you are just now replacing it, the MVA may ask you to update your address or other information. Bring current proof of residency to make this easier. The replacement fee remains $70 regardless of how long the license has been expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while waiting for my replacement license?
No. Once your license is lost, you should not drive until you have the replacement in hand. If you are stopped by police without a valid license, you can face a citation. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, ask the MVA for a temporary paper license when you explore — some offices issue these on the spot.
What if I lost my license out of state?
You can still get a replacement through the MVA by mail or by visiting an office when you return to Maryland. If you need to drive before then, contact the MVA by phone to ask about temporary options. Some states will issue a temporary permit to a Maryland resident, but policies vary.
Do I need to report my lost license to the police?
No, it is not required. A police report is only necessary if you believe your license was stolen or if you are concerned about identity theft. For a straightforward loss, you can go straight to the MVA and get your replacement without filing anything with police.
How long does a replacement license last?
Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. If your original was set to expire in 2027, your replacement expires in 2027. You do not get extra time — the MVA straightforward reissues the same license with a new card.
What if the MVA says they have no record of my license?
This is rare but can happen if there was an error in the system or if your license was revoked or suspended without your knowledge. Ask the MVA staff to check your driving record. If there is a suspension or revocation, you will need to resolve that issue before getting a replacement. If it is just a system error, the MVA can usually fix it on the spot.