How to Replace Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to get a replacement Maryland driver's license

You can replace your Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in the state. The MVA is the only agency that issues Maryland driver's licenses, so you cannot replace one at a local police station, courthouse, or any other government office.

Maryland has MVA branches in Baltimore, Annapolis, Bowie, Catonsville, Chesapeake, College Park, Cumberland, Denton, Dundalk, Easton, Edgewood, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Glen Burnie, Hagerstown, Laurel, Leonardtown, Ocean City, Salisbury, Silver Spring, Towson, and Waldorf. You can visit any branch regardless of where you live or where your license was originally issued.

You can also order a replacement license by mail if you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license and do not need it when ready. The MVA accepts mail orders through its website, though processing takes longer than an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

You must visit an MVA office in person or mail your request to the MVA; no other Maryland agency can issue a replacement license.
Bring your current license or a state ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the exact documents depend on whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.
In-person replacement usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license the same day while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
The replacement fee is $70 for a standard license, though you pay nothing if your license was damaged by the MVA's own error.
You can check wait times at each MVA branch on the MVA website before you go, and scheduling an appointment online can reduce your time in the office.

Documents you need to bring

The documents required for a replacement license depend on why you need the replacement. If your license was lost or stolen, you need proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Maryland address. If your license was damaged but still in your possession, you need only the damaged license itself plus proof of your current address.

For proof of identity, bring your current Maryland driver's license, a state ID card, a passport, a military ID, or a certificate of naturalization. If you do not have any of these, you can use a birth certificate plus one additional document from the MVA's approved list, such as a school ID, employee badge, or insurance card.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a benefit statement from Social Security. A birth certificate does not count as proof of your Social Security number.

For proof of your current Maryland address, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a government check, or a property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A credit card statement or insurance bill does not count.

The replacement process at an MVA office

When you arrive at an MVA office, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member that you need a replacement license. You will receive a number and wait to be called. During your turn, the MVA employee will review your documents, take a new photo if your license was lost or stolen, and process your replacement order.

The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day. The MVA website shows current wait times for each branch, updated every 15 minutes. You can also schedule an appointment online through the MVA website, which reserves a specific time slot and typically reduces your wait.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license has the same legal status as a plastic license and can be used for driving, identification, and age verification.

Fees and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard Maryland driver's license is $70. This fee applies whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. You pay at the MVA office before you leave.

The MVA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are replacing a license damaged by an MVA error — for example, if the MVA issued a license with an incorrect photo or misspelled name — you do not pay a replacement fee.

If you are replacing a license that was damaged by normal wear and tear, such as a faded photo or cracked plastic, you still pay the full $70 fee. The MVA does not distinguish between damage caused by the agency and damage caused by the cardholder.

Mail-in replacement option

You can request a replacement license by mail if you do not need it when ready. To use this option, visit the MVA website, read the mail-in replacement form, and mail it along with your documents and a check or money order for $70 to the MVA's central office in Baltimore.

Processing a mail-in replacement takes 10 to 15 business days from the date the MVA receives your request. You will not receive a temporary paper license, so you cannot drive legally during this time. Mail-in replacement is useful only if your current license is not expired and you can wait for the replacement to arrive.

If your license is already expired, you cannot use the mail-in option and must visit an MVA office in person.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen, you should report the theft to the police and obtain a police report number. Bring this report number to the MVA when you request your replacement. The MVA does not require the police report, but having one on file protects you if someone uses your stolen license for fraud or traffic violations.

You can also contact the MVA's fraud unit to report the theft and request that your old license number be flagged in the system. This step is optional but recommended if you are concerned about identity theft.

After you receive your replacement license, your old license number becomes inactive and cannot be used for driving or identification. If the stolen license is later recovered, it has no legal value.

Scheduling an appointment online

The MVA allows you to schedule an appointment for a replacement license through its website. To schedule, visit the MVA's online appointment system, select your preferred branch and date, and choose a time slot. Appointments are typically available 2 to 4 weeks in advance.

When you arrive for your appointment, check in at the front desk and give your name and appointment time. You will be called within a few minutes of your scheduled time, though the MVA does not may provide exact timing. Scheduling an appointment does not reduce the $70 fee or change the processing time for your permanent license.

If you cannot keep your appointment, you can cancel or reschedule online at least 24 hours before your scheduled time. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may be charged a no-show fee or placed at the back of the queue on your next visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license in Maryland?

Your temporary paper license is ready the same day you visit an MVA office, usually within 15 to 30 minutes. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you use the mail-in option, the entire process takes 10 to 15 business days.

Can I drive with my temporary paper license?

Yes, your temporary paper license is valid for driving for 45 days. It has the same legal status as a plastic license and can be used for all purposes, including traffic stops and age verification.

What if I move to a different address before my replacement license arrives?

Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provided at the MVA office. If you move before it arrives, contact the MVA to update your address. The MVA can remail your license to your new address, though this may delay delivery by several days.

Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get a replacement license?

No, a replacement license does not require any test. You only need to provide your documents and pay the $70 fee. The MVA will take a new photo if your license was lost or stolen, but no written or driving test is required.

What if my replacement license arrives with an error?

Contact the MVA when ready with a photo of the error. If the error was made by the MVA, you can request a corrected license at no charge. If the error was caused by incorrect information you provided, you may be charged another $70 fee for a second replacement.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.