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 its 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 and leave with a temporary paper license valid for 45 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
The permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the temporary license expires, you can use it as proof of your right to operate a vehicle — it is valid when ready.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an MVA office in person; there is no online or mail-in replacement process 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 60 days).
- The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license; the temporary paper license is issued when ready and is valid for 45 days.
- Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally using the temporary license until it arrives.
Documents you need to bring to the MVA
Bring one government-issued photo ID and one proof of Maryland residency. The photo ID can be a U.S. passport, military ID, passport card, or a driver's license from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of other documents — ask the MVA office by phone before you go, because the rules for alternative documents are specific.
For proof of 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. If you live with someone else and the document is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the document itself.
Do not assume your old license counts as proof of identity if it is expired or damaged. Bring a separate photo ID. If your license was stolen along with your wallet, you may have limited options — call your local MVA office to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
Finding an MVA office and making an appointment
Visit mva.maryland.gov and use the office locator to find the MVA branch nearest you. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times are often 45 minutes to two hours during peak hours. To save time, you can reserve an appointment slot online through the same website.
Appointments are typically available within a few days. Choose a time outside the lunch hour (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible, as these are the busiest days. Some smaller branch offices have shorter waits than the main downtown locations.
If you cannot reach the website or need to confirm what documents your specific office will accept, call the MVA customer service line at 410-768-7000. They can answer questions about your situation and tell you which office is closest to you.
What happens at the MVA office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell them you need to replace a lost license. You will be given a number and asked to wait. When your number is called, go to the counter with your documents.
The MVA representative will verify your identity, check your driving record, and ask you to confirm your address and any restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses or organ donor status). They will take a new photo unless you have had a photo taken at an MVA office within the last five years — in that case, they may use the existing photo.
You will then pay the $70 replacement fee. The MVA accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. You will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot, valid for 45 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a plastic card — you can drive with it, and police will recognize it.
Using your temporary license while you wait for the permanent card
The temporary paper license is valid when ready and covers all the same driving privileges as your permanent license. You can use it to drive, show to police if stopped, and present it as proof of identity at banks or other businesses, though some businesses may ask for an additional form of ID.
Keep the temporary license in a safe place — if you lose it before the permanent card arrives, you will need to return to the MVA and pay another $70 for a second replacement. The permanent license will still arrive by mail on its original schedule.
If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to check the status. Delays are rare, but weather or mail service issues can occasionally slow delivery.
If you need your license before the appointment date
If you have an urgent need to drive and cannot get an appointment quickly, you can walk into any MVA office and wait. Bring your documents and be prepared for a longer wait, but you will leave with a temporary license the same day.
Some MVA offices have shorter waits than others. If your nearest office has a long wait, try a different branch. The MVA website shows real-time wait times at most locations, updated every 15 minutes.
If you are traveling out of state and need proof of your right to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary paper license is sufficient. You do not need to contact the MVA in advance — just carry it with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
No. The MVA will not issue a replacement if you have outstanding tickets or fines. You must pay them first. Call 410-768-7000 to find out what you owe, pay online through the MVA website, or pay in person at an MVA office. Once paid, you can return to get your replacement.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Tell the MVA representative at the counter. They will update your address in the system, and your new permanent license will be mailed to your current address. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days).
Do I need to replace my license if I only lost my wallet but still have the card?
No. If you still have the physical card, you do not need to replace it. If you are concerned it may be used fraudulently, you can report it lost to the MVA by calling 410-768-7000, but this is optional.
How long is the temporary paper license valid?
The temporary license is valid for 45 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent plastic card should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so you will have the permanent license well before the temporary one expires.
What if I move before my permanent license arrives?
The license will be mailed to the address you provided at the MVA office. If you move after your appointment, contact the MVA when ready at 410-768-7000 to update your mailing address. They can redirect the card to your new address if it has not already been mailed.