Get a replacement Maryland driver's license by visiting the Motor Vehicle Administration in person with proof of identity and residency
You cannot replace a lost Maryland driver's license online or by mail. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requires you to appear in person at one of their offices with specific documents. The process takes about 30 minutes once you arrive, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will pay a fee (currently $70 for a standard license, though this amount can change), and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Maryland does not issue duplicate licenses — your replacement will have a new number and expiration date. If your old license had restrictions (like corrective lenses required), those carry over to your new one automatically.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person; there is no online or mail-in replacement option for a lost license.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or other state ID) and proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
- The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your new plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; do not expect it faster even if you pay extra.
- If your license was stolen rather than lost, you may want to file a police report first, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA
Bring one government-issued photo ID and one proof of Maryland residency. Your photo ID can be a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or an ID from another state or country. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents — ask the MVA office when you call ahead, because the rules for non-standard combinations are specific.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Maryland address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency (like a tax notice or voter registration card) also counts. Do not bring a driver's license or ID card as your residency proof — it does not count.
If you have changed your name since your old license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change. If you have not changed your name, you do not need this.
Finding an MVA office and scheduling your visit
Maryland has MVA offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one and check its hours on the official MVA website (mva.maryland.gov). Some offices accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule an appointment. Call ahead or check the website for your specific location, because policies differ.
If you schedule an appointment, you can usually book one within a few days. Walk-in wait times depend on the time of day and day of the week — early mornings and weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoons or Saturdays. If you are in a hurry, calling the office directly to ask when they are least busy is faster than guessing.
What happens at the MVA office
When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. Bring all your documents with you. The MVA staff member will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and collect the $70 fee. You can pay by cash, check, or card — policies vary slightly by office, so bring more than one payment method if possible.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic one — you can drive with it, use it as ID, and show it to police. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail. If it does not arrive within 10 business days, call the MVA to report it.
If your license was stolen, not just lost
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 a replacement — you can go straight to the MVA.
If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name. The alert is free and lasts one year.
Replacing your license if you live out of state now
If you have moved out of Maryland, you cannot get a replacement Maryland license. You will need to get a license from your new state instead. However, if you are temporarily out of state and still a Maryland resident, you can ask a family member or trusted friend to go to the MVA on your behalf — they can bring a notarized power of attorney form along with your documents. The MVA website has a template for this form.
If you are deployed with the military or working abroad, contact the MVA directly to ask about your options. Some military installations have MVA services, and some situations allow for exceptions to the in-person requirement.
What to do while you wait for your new license
Your temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, which gives you time to receive your permanent card by mail. Keep the temporary license in a safe place — it is your proof that you have a valid license. If you lose the temporary one before your plastic card arrives, you will need to return to the MVA to get another temporary license.
If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, do not wait longer. Call the MVA to report it missing. They can reissue it or investigate whether it was lost in the mail. If it arrives damaged, you can return to the MVA with the damaged card and your temporary license to get a replacement without paying the fee again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Maryland requires you to appear in person at an MVA office. There is no mail-in or online replacement option for a lost license. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken.
How much does a replacement license cost?
The current fee is $70 for a standard five-year license. The fee can change, so confirm the amount when you call the MVA office or check their website. Some offices accept payment plans if cost is a barrier, though this varies by location.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
Contact the MVA office before you go. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name yet, they may accept alternative documents like a notarized letter from a landlord, a lease signed but not yet dated, or a bank statement. Each situation is different, so ask directly.
Will my temporary license work for flying or crossing state lines?
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving and as ID within Maryland. For air travel, you will need a REAL ID-compliant document (your temporary license may not may have access to) or a passport. If you are flying before your permanent license arrives, bring your passport instead.
What if my new license arrives with the wrong information on it?
Contact the MVA when ready with the incorrect card and your temporary license. They will issue a corrected license at no additional charge. Bring the same documents you brought for the original replacement to prove the error.