How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Maryland

Get a replacement license through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

You can replace a lost Maryland driver's license in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 15 minutes once you're at the office, though wait times vary by location. The mail route takes 7 to 10 business days after the MVA receives your request, plus mailing time both ways.

You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and pay a replacement fee. The fee is $70 for a standard license or $100 for a Real ID-compliant license (which works for federal buildings and domestic flights). If you're under 21, the fee is $45 for a standard license or $75 for Real ID.

You do not need to retake the written or road test. The MVA will issue a replacement with the same license number and expiration date as your original, unless your license was already expired or expiring within 60 days.

Key Takeaways

Bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of Maryland address (utility bill or lease), and payment to any MVA office to get a replacement the same day.
The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license or $100 for Real ID, with lower rates for drivers under 21.
If your license was expired or expiring within 60 days, the MVA will issue a new one with a new expiration date rather than straightforward replacing it.
You can mail in a replacement request if you have a valid passport or military ID, but the process takes 7 to 10 business days plus mailing time.
Bring your Social Security number or an official document showing it, since the MVA will verify it during replacement.

What documents to bring for in-person replacement

Bring one government-issued photo ID — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. If you don't have a photo ID, bring two documents from the MVA's secondary list, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card.

Bring proof of your current Maryland address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. The name on the address document should match the name on your ID.

Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. The MVA verifies this during the replacement process. If you don't have your number memorized and can't bring a document, call the MVA ahead of time to ask whether they can look it up for you.

How to replace your license in person at an MVA office

Go to any MVA office during business hours. Most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. Some offices are busier than others — the MVA website shows wait times for each location, updated throughout the day.

Tell the staff member at the window that you need a replacement license. They will ask for your documents and take a new photo. You will be asked to sign the back of the license. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes at the window, though you may wait longer to reach the window depending on how busy the office is.

Pay the replacement fee in cash, debit card, or credit card. The MVA does not accept checks. You will receive your new license when ready. It will have the same license number as your original and the same expiration date, unless your original license was already expired or expiring within 60 days — in that case, you'll get a new expiration date five years from the date of replacement.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail in a replacement request only if you have a valid passport, military ID, or passport card. You cannot use an expired ID or an out-of-state driver's license for mail replacement.

read the process for Replacement Driver's License form (DL 43) from mva.maryland.gov, or call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, and license number if you remember it. Sign and date the form.

Make a copy of your valid passport or military ID (both sides). Make a copy of your proof of Maryland residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Include a check or money order for the replacement fee ($70 for standard, $100 for Real ID). Do not send cash.

Mail everything to: Motor Vehicle Administration, Replacement License Unit, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. The MVA will process your request within 7 to 10 business days and mail your new license to the address on file. Add 3 to 5 days for mailing time each way.

What happens if your license was expired or expiring soon

If your original license was already expired, the MVA will issue a new license with a new expiration date five years from the replacement date. You will pay the standard replacement fee, not a renewal fee.

If your original license was expiring within 60 days of your replacement request, the MVA will also issue a new expiration date. This means you won't need to renew again for five years from the replacement date.

If your license was not yet expired and not expiring within 60 days, your replacement will have the same expiration date as your original license. You can renew it when that date arrives, either in person or by mail.

Replacing your license if you've changed your name or address

If you've changed your name since your original license was issued, bring a document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will update your name on the replacement license at no extra cost.

If you've moved to a new Maryland address, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). The MVA will update your address on the replacement license. You do not pay extra for an address change on a replacement.

If you've moved out of Maryland, you cannot get a Maryland replacement license. You will need to get a license from your new state instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?

No. Once you report your license lost, you should not drive until you have your replacement in hand. If you're pulled over without a valid license, you can face a traffic citation. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, contact the MVA about getting a temporary paper license at an office visit.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

You don't have to, but you may want to if you're concerned about identity theft. A lost license can be used to open accounts or make fraudulent purchases. Reporting it to police creates a record in case someone uses it fraudulently. You can file a report online through your local police department's website or in person at a station.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still get a replacement through the MVA by mail or by visiting an MVA office when you return to Maryland. You'll need the same documents — proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and payment. If you need to drive before returning to Maryland, contact your current state's DMV about a temporary license.

Will my replacement license have a different number?

No. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original. The MVA uses your existing license number to keep your driving record intact. Your replacement will show the same number, name, and date of birth as your original license.

How much does a replacement license cost if I'm under 21?

The fee is $45 for a standard replacement license or $75 for a Real ID-compliant license. These rates explore to drivers under 21. Once you turn 21, the standard fee becomes $70 and the Real ID fee becomes $100 when you next renew or replace your license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.