Where to Replace Your Maryland Driver's License

You can replace your Maryland driver's license at any Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office. The MVA operates about 25 branch locations across the state, plus a central office in Glen Burnie. You do not have to go to the office closest to your home — you can visit any location that fits your schedule.

The fastest way to find an office near you and check current wait times is the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. You can also call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to ask about hours and whether a particular location is handling replacements that day. Some offices occasionally close for staffing or system maintenance, so calling ahead saves a wasted trip.

If you cannot visit an office in person, Maryland allows you to renew or replace your license by mail under certain conditions — but only if your license is not expired and you are not replacing it because it was lost, stolen, or damaged. If your license falls into one of those categories, you must appear in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit an MVA office in person if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, or if it has been expired for more than one year.
  • Bring your current license (if you have it), proof of identity, and proof of Maryland residency — the MVA website lists all accepted documents.
  • The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license and $100 for a Real ID-compliant license, and you pay at the MVA office when you complete your transaction.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to the police and request a new license number to protect against identity fraud.

Documents You Need to Bring

The MVA requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and your current license (if you still have it). If you do not have your current license because it was lost or stolen, you can still replace it — just bring what you have.

For proof of identity, the MVA accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not a photocopy or hospital record. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name with a Maryland address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement also works if it shows your current address. A piece of mail from a government agency — such as a tax notice or voter registration card — counts as well.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not accept a photocopy.

What Happens at the MVA Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. They will give you a number and direct you to a waiting area. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early mornings and mid-week visits are usually shorter than afternoons and Fridays.

When your number is called, you will go to a window where an MVA employee will review your documents, take a new photo, and collect the $70 fee (or $100 if you want a Real ID). You will sign the back of a form, and the employee will print a temporary paper license on the spot. That temporary license is valid for 45 days and works for driving and identification purposes while you wait for your plastic card.

Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If more than two weeks pass and you have not received it, call the MVA to check the status. Occasionally cards are delayed in the mail system, but the MVA can reissue if there is a genuine problem.

Real ID Versus Standard License

Maryland offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building.

A standard Maryland license costs $70 and works for driving and most identification purposes. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal facilities. A Real ID-compliant license costs $100 and has a gold star in the upper right corner. It requires the same documents as a standard license — the MVA just processes it differently.

If you are replacing your license now and you fly or visit federal buildings, getting a Real ID at replacement time is simpler than coming back later. If you rarely fly and do not need federal building access, a standard license is sufficient for driving and most other uses.

If Your License Was Lost or Stolen

If your license was lost or stolen, you can still replace it at any MVA office using the same process described above. However, you should also consider whether to report the theft to police and request a new license number.

A lost or stolen license can be used for identity fraud — someone could use it to open accounts or make purchases in your name. Reporting the loss to police creates a record and gives you documentation if fraud does occur. You can file a police report online in most Maryland jurisdictions or visit a local police station.

When you replace your license, you can ask the MVA to issue a new license number instead of reusing your old one. This is not automatic — you have to request it. A new number makes it harder for someone to use your old license number fraudulently. The MVA will note in their system that your old number is no longer valid.

Replacing an Expired License

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it by mail or online without visiting an MVA office. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must appear in person and go through the full replacement process — the same as if your license were lost or stolen.

The difference matters because the MVA treats a very old expired license as a new license process, not a straightforward renewal. You will need to bring all the same documents, pay the full fee, and have a new photo taken. You cannot skip the office visit.

If you are unsure whether your license is more than one year expired, check the expiration date on the card itself. If you no longer have the card, call the MVA and give them your name and date of birth — they can tell you the expiration date and whether you can renew by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. The MVA accepts other forms of identity: a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID. If you have none of those, you can obtain a certified birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born — most states process these by mail or online for a small fee.

What if I moved to Maryland recently and my residency documents are not 60 days old yet?

Bring what you have. The MVA sometimes makes exceptions for people who recently moved, especially if you have a lease or utility bill in your name even if it is newer than 60 days. Call the MVA before you visit to ask whether your specific documents will work.

Do I need an appointment to replace my license at the MVA?

No appointment is required. You can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. However, some MVA offices offer online scheduling to reduce wait time. Check the MVA website to see if your local office offers this option.

What if I lost my license while traveling out of state?

You can still replace it at any Maryland MVA office. You do not have to be in Maryland when you explore. Bring your documents and the fee, and the MVA will issue a temporary license and mail your permanent card to a Maryland address.

How long does a replacement license take if I need it urgently?

You receive a temporary paper license the same day you visit the MVA office, and it is valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. If you need the card faster, the MVA does not offer expedited mail service, but you can use the temporary license for driving and identification in the meantime.