How to Replace Your Maryland Driver's License

Where to Get a Replacement License in Maryland

You can replace your Maryland driver's license at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office in the state. The MVA is Maryland's equivalent to a DMV and handles all driver's license matters. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though some offices offer appointment slots that can reduce your wait time.

The fastest option is often an MVA office in a less busy area — typically suburban or rural locations have shorter lines than downtown Baltimore or Annapolis offices. You can also mail in your replacement request if your license is not suspended or revoked, though the mail-in process takes longer than an in-person visit.

Key Takeaways

You can replace your Maryland driver's license in person at any MVA office without an appointment, or by mail if your license is not suspended.
Bring your current license (or ID if your license is lost), proof of residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID.
A replacement license costs $70 for a standard license and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail or is issued when ready in person.
If your license was lost or stolen, report it to the MVA when you explore so it cannot be used fraudulently.
You can renew your license online through the MVA website if you are straightforward renewing an expired license, which is faster and cheaper than a replacement.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your current Maryland driver's license if you still have it. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use, bring a different form of state or federal ID — a passport, military ID, or Maryland ID card all work. You will also need to prove your current address with a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

Have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready. The MVA will verify this against federal records. If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

The In-Person Replacement Process

Walk into any MVA office during business hours and tell the staff member at the window that you need a replacement license. They will give you a number and direct you to wait. When your number is called, hand over your documents and tell the representative whether you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, or whether you straightforward want a new photo.

The representative will take a new photo of you (unless you request to keep your current photo, which is an option). You will sign the back of the new license on the spot. The MVA will then issue your replacement license when ready — you walk out with it the same day. The cost is $70 for a standard license valid for eight years.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, ask the MVA representative to flag it in the system so the old license cannot be used. This is a standard step and takes no extra time.

Replacing Your License by Mail

You can mail in a replacement request if your license is not suspended or revoked and you are not replacing a lost or stolen license. read the process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit (Form DL-43) from the MVA website, fill it out completely, and mail it with a copy of your proof of residency and a check or money order for $70 to the address listed on the form.

The MVA will process your process and mail your new license to you within 10 business days of receiving your request. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot drive legally during this waiting period. The mail-in option is useful only if you are not in a hurry and your current license is still valid enough to use.

What to Do If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license at the MVA. You must first contact the MVA's Driver Compliance Division to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This might involve paying a fine, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Once your license status is cleared, you can then replace it using the standard in-person or mail-in process. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 to speak with someone in Driver Compliance who can explain your specific situation and what you need to do next.

Renewing Instead of Replacing

If your license is straightforward expired or about to expire, you may be able to renew it online instead of replacing it. Online renewal is faster and costs less — $54 instead of $70 — and you can do it from home without visiting an MVA office. You are may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo.

Go to the MVA website, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number and your Social Security number. Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 10 business days. If you need a new photo or have changed your address, you must replace your license in person instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

If you go to an MVA office in person, you receive your replacement license the same day. If you mail in your request, the MVA processes it within 10 business days and mails it to you, so the total time is usually 2 to 3 weeks depending on mail delivery.

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?

If you replaced your license in person, you have it when ready and can drive right away. If you mailed in your request, you cannot drive legally until your new license arrives, because you no longer have a valid license. For this reason, in-person replacement is strongly recommended if you need to drive soon.

What if I lost my license and do not know where to start?

Go to any MVA office with your proof of residency and another form of ID. Tell the staff member your license is lost. They will file a report and issue you a replacement on the spot. The old license will be flagged in the system so it cannot be used by someone else.

Do I have to get a new photo when I replace my license?

No. You can request to keep your current photo when you replace your license in person. The representative will ask you this question when you hand over your documents. If you want a new photo, just let them know.

Can I replace my license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, bring that. If you have neither, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, and the MVA will process your replacement using that letter.

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.