Get a replacement Maryland driver's license at the Motor Vehicle Administration office with proof of identity and residency
If you've lost your Maryland driver's license, you'll need to visit a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person to request a replacement. Maryland does not issue replacements by mail or online. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and pay a replacement fee — currently $70 for a standard license, though this amount can change. The MVA will take a new photo and issue you a temporary license on the spot, with your permanent replacement arriving by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot drive legally while waiting for your replacement to arrive unless you have that temporary license in hand. If you're stopped by police before you get it, you could face a citation for driving without a license, even though you've reported the loss and started the replacement process.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person — there is no online or mail-in replacement option for a lost license in Maryland.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or similar), proof of your current address, and payment for the $70 replacement fee.
- The MVA will issue you a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 45 days while you wait for your permanent card.
- Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office.
- If you need to drive before getting your temporary license, you are not legally permitted to do so — carry the temporary as proof you've reported the loss.
What documents to bring to the MVA
The MVA requires two things: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring a government-issued photo ID such as a U.S. passport, military ID, or a valid ID from another state. If you don't have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents — the MVA website lists what combinations work, but a passport is the simplest option if you have one.
For proof of residency, bring a document showing your current Maryland address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from your bank or a utility company works; a credit card offer does not.
Bring your payment method — cash, debit card, or credit card. The replacement fee is $70. Some MVA offices accept all three; a few accept only cash, so calling ahead to confirm is worth the time.
Finding an MVA office and making an appointment
Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. You can visit any office — you don't have to go to the one in your home county. The MVA website has a location finder that shows hours, services offered, and whether each office is currently accepting walk-ins or requires an appointment.
Many offices now use an online appointment system. Booking ahead typically gets you through faster than walking in, and some offices have reduced walk-in capacity. If you book an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early. If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait — wait times vary by location and time of day, but midweek mornings are usually shorter than Friday afternoons.
You can also call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask about wait times at your nearest office or to make an appointment by phone.
What happens at the MVA office
When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk and give your documents to the clerk. They'll verify your identity and residency, take a new photo for your license, and collect your $70 fee. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called, though the wait to be called can be longer.
Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license. This is a small printed card that's valid for 45 days and serves as legal proof you hold a Maryland driver's license. Keep it with you whenever you drive. It's not laminated and will wear quickly, so handle it carefully.
Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address online through the MVA website or call 410-787-7758 to have mail forwarded.
If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud
If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, or if you're concerned someone might use it fraudulently, tell the MVA clerk when you arrive. They can flag your file. You should also consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitoring your credit report for unauthorized accounts.
If your license was lost or stolen outside Maryland and you're now in Maryland, you can still get a replacement at any Maryland MVA office using the same process. Bring the same documents and the replacement fee.
Driving without your replacement while you wait
You are not permitted to drive without your temporary license. If you're stopped by police and cannot show either your original license or the temporary replacement, you can be cited for driving without a license, even if you have proof you visited the MVA. The temporary license is your legal proof of licensure during the waiting period.
If you lost your license and have no temporary yet because you haven't visited the MVA, do not drive. If you must drive before you can get to an MVA office, ask someone else to drive or use a rideshare service. The citation for driving without a license can result in fines and points on your driving record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with just my temporary paper license?
Yes. The temporary license is valid for 45 days and is legal proof you hold a Maryland driver's license. Police will accept it as proof of licensure. Keep it with you whenever you drive, as you would your permanent card.
What if my permanent license doesn't arrive after 10 business days?
Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 or check the status online through the MVA website using your driver's license number and date of birth. Mail delays do happen; the MVA can confirm whether it was sent and help you if it was lost in the mail.
Do I have to go to the MVA office in my county?
No. You can visit any MVA office in Maryland. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you. The process is the same at every office.
Can I get a replacement if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you hold a valid Maryland driver's license. Bring the same documents — proof of identity and proof of residency. If your identity document is from another country, it must be a government-issued photo ID. Contact the MVA ahead of time if you're unsure whether your documents will work.
What if I lost my license while traveling outside Maryland?
You can still get a replacement at any Maryland MVA office once you return. Bring proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and the $70 fee. You don't need to report the loss to police unless you believe it was stolen or used fraudulently.