Get a replacement license by visiting the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration in person with proof of identity and residency
Maryland requires you to replace a lost driver's license at a Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. You cannot order a replacement online or by mail. The process takes one visit, costs $70 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
The MVA operates about 25 branch offices across Maryland, plus a central office in Glen Burnie. Most branches are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open one evening per week and a few on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment at most branches, but wait times vary — some locations have 15-minute waits, others can run 45 minutes or longer during lunch hours and late afternoon.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person with a government-issued photo ID and proof of Maryland residency to replace a lost license.
- The replacement fee is $70 for a standard five-year license or $100 for an enhanced license that works at airports and the Canadian border.
- You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days at your visit, and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- The MVA website shows wait times at each branch office, so you can choose a location and time with shorter lines.
What documents you need to bring
Bring one government-issued photo ID and one proof of Maryland residency. The photo ID can be a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring a combination of documents — ask the MVA when you call ahead.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill or credit card statement does not count. If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of the bill itself.
If your name has changed since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not issue a replacement under a different name without this proof.
Finding an MVA office and checking wait times
The MVA website at mva.maryland.gov lists all branch locations, hours, and real-time wait times. You can search by county or city. The Glen Burnie headquarters office handles all types of transactions but often has longer waits than smaller branches. Branches in less-populated areas — such as Garrett County or Somerset County — typically have shorter lines.
Some branches have extended hours. The Annapolis office is open until 6 p.m. on Thursdays. The Towson office is open until 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. A few locations, including Glen Burnie, are open on Saturday mornings. Check the website for your nearest branch's schedule before you go.
If you want to avoid waiting, call the branch ahead of time at the number listed on the website. Staff can tell you whether it is busy and suggest a better time to visit. Some branches have a callback system — you can leave your number and they will text you when the wait drops below 15 minutes.
What happens at the MVA office
When you arrive, take a number from the ticket machine. You will wait until your number is called. Tell the clerk you are replacing a lost license. Hand over your photo ID and proof of residency. The clerk will ask you to confirm your address, sign a form, and review the information on your new license.
You will also be asked whether you want a standard license or an enhanced license. A standard license costs $70 and works for driving in Maryland and other states. An enhanced license costs $100 and can be used to enter Canada by land and to board domestic flights without a passport. Most people choose the standard license.
The clerk will take your photo at the counter. Wear something you would wear in a photo — the MVA does not have strict rules about clothing or background, but the photo will be on your license for five years. You will then receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a regular license works.
When your plastic license arrives
The MVA mails plastic licenses from a central facility in Glen Burnie. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you visit the office. Mail delivery adds another 2 to 3 days, so expect your card 10 to 14 days after your visit. During high-volume periods — such as after holidays — processing can take up to three weeks.
The MVA does not send tracking information or email notifications. You can check the status of your license on the MVA website by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The status page updates every few days and will tell you whether your card has been mailed.
If your plastic license does not arrive within three weeks, call the MVA at 410-787-7758. Have your temporary license and the date of your visit ready. The MVA can reissue your card or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.
Cost and payment methods
A standard five-year driver's license costs $70. An enhanced license costs $100. The MVA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some branches also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. There are no additional fees for replacement — the $70 or $100 covers the license itself and mailing.
If you are a Maryland resident over 65, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee. Bring proof of age. Military members on active duty may also may have access to for fee reductions — bring a military ID.
If you need your license before the plastic card arrives
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works for all driving purposes — traffic stops, rental cars, and identification. If you need to fly or cross the border before your plastic license arrives, you will need a passport or other federal ID instead, because the temporary license is not accepted for those purposes.
If you lose your temporary license before the plastic one arrives, return to the MVA with your photo ID and proof of residency. The clerk can print a replacement temporary license on the spot at no extra charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Maryland requires you to visit an MVA office in person. You cannot mail in a request or use the website to order a replacement. The in-person visit is necessary so the MVA can take a new photo and verify your identity.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 and ask what alternative documents they will accept. If you have just moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, you may be able to bring a lease, mortgage statement, or a signed letter from your landlord or family member. The MVA can advise you on what will work before you visit.
How long is the temporary paper license good for?
The temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. If your plastic license has not arrived by then, return to the MVA with your photo ID and proof of residency to get a new temporary license printed at no charge.
What if my name changed and I do not have the legal document?
You cannot replace your license under a new name without proof of the change. If you lost the marriage certificate or court order, contact the courthouse or vital records office in the county where the change occurred. They can issue a certified copy for a small fee, usually under $25.
Do I need an appointment?
Most MVA branches do not require appointments. You can walk in during business hours and take a number. However, some branches offer appointment slots during busy times. Check the MVA website or call your local branch to see if appointments are available and whether they might reduce your wait time.