Get a replacement license by visiting your local Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office with proof of identity and residency

A lost Maryland driver's license requires an in-person visit to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). You cannot replace it by mail or online. The MVA will issue you a new license with the same number as your original, though the expiration date may change depending on when you explore. The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes at the office, and you'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.

The replacement fee is $70 for a standard five-year license or $120 for an eight-year license. You pay at the time of your visit. If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to report it to local police first — some people do this for insurance or identity-theft documentation purposes, though it's not required by the MVA.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person with valid proof of identity and proof of Maryland residency to replace a lost license.
  • Bring your Social Security number or a document showing it, such as a birth certificate or tax return.
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a five-year license or $120 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of your visit.
  • You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days; your plastic replacement card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you need to drive before your plastic card arrives, the temporary paper license is your legal proof of licensure.

Gather your proof of identity before you go

The MVA requires one form of government-issued photo identification. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a state ID card from another state. If you don't have any of these, you can use a combination of non-photo documents — a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, for example — but this route takes longer and may require additional paperwork.

If you're using a passport or military ID, bring the original document itself. The MVA will not accept photocopies. If you're using a combination of documents instead of a photo ID, bring originals of everything; the staff will make copies for your file.

Bring proof that you live in Maryland

You need one document showing your current Maryland address. The MVA accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, or insurance documents — anything with your name and address dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill or credit card statement works. A piece of mail from a government agency, such as a tax notice or voter registration card, also works.

If you've recently moved and your documents don't yet reflect your new address, bring a lease or mortgage document for your current residence plus an older utility bill or bank statement from your previous address. The MVA staff can work with this combination. Do not bring a printed bank statement from online banking unless it shows your full address — some online statements show only a partial address and won't be accepted.

Find your nearest MVA office and check hours

Maryland has 26 MVA offices across the state. You can visit any of them — you don't have to go to the one closest to your address. The main office is in Glen Burnie, but most people find a location closer to their work or home. Visit mva.maryland.gov and click "Find an Office" to see the full list, hours, and whether that location currently has wait times posted.

Many offices operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments. A few offices close for lunch. Check the specific office's hours before you go — they vary by location. If you want to avoid a wait, the MVA website shows real-time wait times at most offices, updated every 15 minutes. Early morning visits, typically before 10 a.m., tend to have shorter waits.

What to expect when you arrive at the MVA office

When you walk in, take a number from the ticket dispenser or check in at the front desk. You'll wait until your number is called. Bring all your documents — identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it. The staff member will ask you to confirm your current address and whether your license information (height, eye color, etc.) has changed. They'll take a new photo for your license.

You'll be asked whether you want a five-year or eight-year license. The five-year license costs $70; the eight-year costs $120. Pay at the counter, and the staff will hand you a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and is your legal proof of licensure while you wait for the plastic card. Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Use your temporary paper license while you wait for the plastic card

The temporary paper license the MVA gives you is a full, legal driver's license. You can use it to drive, rent a car, or show as identification anywhere that accepts a Maryland driver's license. Keep it in a safe place — if you lose it before your plastic card arrives, you'll need to return to the MVA for another temporary license, and you'll pay the replacement fee again.

If your plastic card doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to check the status. Delays are rare, but they do happen occasionally, especially during high-volume periods. The MVA can reissue a temporary license if needed while you wait.

If you need your license before you can visit an office

If you need to drive before you can get to an MVA office, you have limited options. Maryland does not issue emergency temporary licenses by phone or mail. Your only path is to visit an MVA office in person. If you're out of state or unable to travel, you can ask someone you trust to pick up a temporary license on your behalf if you provide them with a notarized power of attorney, though this is uncommon and not all offices accept it — call ahead to confirm.

If you're waiting for your plastic card and the temporary license expires before it arrives, return to the MVA for another temporary. You won't pay the full replacement fee again; the MVA charges a smaller fee to reissue a temporary license. Have your temporary license with you when you go back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail if I lost it out of state?

No. Maryland requires all license replacements to be done in person at an MVA office. If you're temporarily out of state, you can visit an MVA office when you return to Maryland. If you need to drive before then, contact your current state's DMV about a temporary license or learner's permit.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can still replace your license. Bring your birth certificate and a second form of identity, such as a passport or military ID. The MVA will note in their system that you don't have a Social Security number. You may be asked additional questions to verify your identity, but this does not prevent you from getting a replacement.

Do I need to bring the police report if my license was stolen?

No. A police report is not required by the MVA. However, if you filed a report for insurance or identity-theft documentation purposes, you can bring it with you. The MVA will process your replacement the same way whether your license was lost or stolen.

Will my new license have the same number as my old one?

Yes. Your replacement license will have the same number as your original. The only thing that changes is the expiration date, which depends on when you explore and which license term you choose (five or eight years).

What if I move before my plastic card arrives?

Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 with your new address before your card is mailed. They can update your address in the system so the card is sent to your new location. If the card is already in the mail, you may need to pick it up from your old address or have someone forward it to you.