Get a replacement license at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
You can replace a lost Maryland driver's license by visiting a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in person, bringing proof of identity and residency, and paying a replacement fee. The MVA does not issue licenses by mail or online, so you must go to a branch location. Most replacements are processed the same day, though you may wait one to three hours depending on how busy the office is.
You have two paths: a standard replacement that looks identical to your original license, or an expedited replacement if you need it faster. Both require the same documents and happen at the same MVA office — the difference is in how quickly you get the card and what you pay.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your current Maryland address to get a replacement license.
- A standard replacement costs $70 and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail; an expedited replacement costs $100 and arrives in two to three business days.
- Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, because the MVA will verify it during your visit.
- If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to police first so you have a report number to give the MVA.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. You also need proof that you live in Maryland right now. The MVA accepts a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (tax notice, court document, voter registration card) also counts.
Have your Social Security number ready. If you do not have a Social Security card with you, bring a document that shows it — a W-2, tax return, or benefits statement. The MVA will not issue a replacement license without verifying your Social Security number against federal records.
Bring your current address. If you have moved since your lost license was issued, the MVA will update your address during the replacement process. If you have not moved, your new license will show the same address as your old one.
How to find an MVA office and make an appointment
Visit the Maryland MVA website and use their office locator to find the branch nearest you. You can search by county or city. Each office has different hours — some are open Monday through Friday only, while others have Saturday hours. Check the specific office's schedule before you go.
You can make an appointment online through the MVA website, which usually cuts your wait time significantly. Select "Driver's License Replacement" as your transaction type. If no appointments are open at your preferred location, try offices in nearby counties — you can get your replacement at any MVA branch in the state, not just the one closest to you.
If you cannot make an appointment or prefer to walk in, most offices accept walk-ins, but you will likely wait longer. Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoons and Saturdays.
Standard replacement versus expedited replacement
A standard replacement costs $70. You receive a temporary paper license at the MVA office that is valid for 30 days, and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in about 10 business days. Use the temporary license to drive while you wait for the permanent one. This option works if you are not in a rush.
An expedited replacement costs $100. You still get a temporary paper license at the office, but your permanent license arrives by mail in two to three business days instead of 10. Choose this if you need your license back quickly — for example, if you travel soon or need it for work. The expedited option is not available at every MVA office, so call ahead or check the website to confirm your location offers it.
Both options give you a valid temporary license to use when ready. The only difference is how long you wait for the permanent card and what you pay.
What happens at the MVA office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give them your appointment confirmation or tell them you are a walk-in. You will be called to a window when it is your turn. Bring all your documents — the staff member will check your photo ID, verify your address, and confirm your Social Security number.
The MVA will take a new photo for your replacement license unless you request to use the photo from your lost license. If you want to use your old photo, ask the staff member before they take a new one. You will also answer questions about any medical conditions, organ donation preferences, and whether you want to register to vote.
Once everything is verified, you will pay the replacement fee (either $70 or $100) and receive your temporary paper license. The staff member will tell you when to expect your permanent license by mail. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive — it is valid and legal to use.
If your license was stolen instead of lost
If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, consider filing a police report first. You do not have to, but having a report number can help protect you if someone tries to use your license fraudulently. Bring the police report number to the MVA when you go for your replacement.
The MVA replacement process is the same whether your license was lost or stolen. You still need the same documents and pay the same fee. The police report just gives you documentation in case there are problems later — for example, if someone uses your license information to open accounts or get pulled over.
What to do while you wait for your replacement
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, use it as ID at bars or banks, and show it to police if you are stopped. Do not lose the temporary license. If you lose it before your permanent license arrives, you will need to go back to the MVA and pay another replacement fee.
Your permanent license will arrive by mail at the address you provided to the MVA. If you moved or the address on file is wrong, update it at the MVA office before you leave. Mail typically takes 10 business days for standard replacement or two to three business days for expedited. If your license does not arrive within that window, contact the MVA to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day I visit the MVA?
You receive a temporary paper license the same day that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail later — 10 business days for standard replacement or two to three business days for expedited. Some states issue permanent licenses on the spot, but Maryland does not.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
You must bring proof of your Maryland address dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord or mortgage company for a letter on their letterhead showing your name and address. A bank statement or credit card statement with your current address also works.
Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?
The MVA will take a new photo by default, but you can request to use the photo from your lost license if you prefer. Ask the staff member before they take the new photo. Either way, your replacement license will look the same as your original.
What if my replacement license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the MVA when ready with your temporary license number or the confirmation number from your visit. They can issue a corrected replacement at no extra charge if the error was their mistake. If the card arrived damaged, bring it back to any MVA office and they will reissue it.
Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?
No. Your replacement license arrives by mail at the address you provided, so you do not need to pick it up in person. If you need someone else to receive it, update your mailing address at the MVA office before you leave, or have mail forwarded to their address through the postal service.