Where to replace your Maryland driver's license
You replace a Maryland driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), which is the state agency that issues and renews all driver's licenses. You have three main routes: visit an MVA office in person, use the MVA's online renewal system if you meet certain conditions, or mail in your request if your license was lost or stolen.
The fastest option is an in-person visit to your nearest MVA office. You can find the full list of locations and hours on the MVA website at mva.maryland.gov. Walk-in service is available at all locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. Some offices offer appointment scheduling, which you can reserve through the same website.
If your license is expiring soon and you have not lost it, you may be able to renew online through the MVA's website without visiting an office. This option is available only if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name or address since your last license was issued, and your license has not been lost or stolen.
Key Takeaways
- The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles all Maryland driver's license replacements, and you can visit any MVA office in person, renew online if may be able to access, or mail in a request for a lost or stolen license.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Maryland address when you replace your license in person.
- A replacement license costs $70 in Maryland and is valid for eight years from the date of issue.
- If your license was lost or stolen, you can report it to the MVA by mail or phone, and a replacement will be mailed to your address within two to three weeks.
- You can drive legally while your replacement is being processed if you bring your old license or a temporary paper license issued by the MVA office.
Documents you need to bring
When you visit an MVA office to replace your license, bring a valid form of identification. The MVA accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from the MVA's secondary ID list, which includes items like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or state ID card.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. An original or certified copy of your Social Security card is the most straightforward option, but you can also bring a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 form that shows your full Social Security number.
Finally, bring proof of your current Maryland address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your new address, contact the MVA before your visit to ask about alternatives.
The cost and how long replacement takes
A replacement Maryland driver's license costs $70. This fee covers an eight-year license if you are under 65 years old, or a five-year license if you are 65 or older. Payment is accepted in cash, check, or card at MVA offices.
If you replace your license in person at an MVA office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally using the temporary license while you wait.
If you report your license lost or stolen by phone or mail, the replacement process takes longer. The MVA will mail your new license within two to three weeks. During this time, you can request a temporary paper license by visiting an MVA office or by calling the MVA's main line at 410-787-7758.
Replacing a lost or stolen license by mail or phone
If your license was lost or stolen, you can report it to the MVA without visiting an office. Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 during business hours to report the loss and request a replacement. Have your driver's license number ready, or be prepared to provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number so the MVA can look up your record.
You can also mail a written request to the MVA. Include a letter stating that your license was lost or stolen, your full name, date of birth, driver's license number (if you know it), and your current mailing address. Mail your request to Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21062. Include a check or money order for $70 payable to the Motor Vehicle Administration.
After you report a lost or stolen license, the MVA will mail your replacement to your address on file. If you have moved since your license was issued, update your address with the MVA before reporting the loss so the new license reaches you. You can update your address online at mva.maryland.gov or by phone at 410-787-7758.
Online renewal if your license is not lost or stolen
The MVA's online renewal system lets you renew your license without visiting an office, but only under specific conditions. Your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have changed your name or address since your last license was issued, and your license must not have been lost or stolen. You also cannot use online renewal if you need to update your photograph or if your license is more than two years expired.
To renew online, go to mva.maryland.gov and select the online renewal option. You will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The online renewal fee is $70, the same as an in-person replacement. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or receive a replacement through the standard process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the MVA. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to maintain insurance, or accumulation of points from traffic violations.
Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then replace your license in person at an MVA office or through online renewal if you meet the other requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary paper license while I wait for my replacement?
Yes. If you replace your license in person at an MVA office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you report your license lost or stolen by mail or phone, you can visit an MVA office to request a temporary license. You can drive legally with either temporary license until your permanent plastic license arrives.
How do I know if my license is suspended or revoked?
Call the MVA at 410-787-7758 and provide your driver's license number or date of birth. The MVA can tell you when ready whether your license is suspended, revoked, or valid. You can also check your status online at mva.maryland.gov if you have your license number and Social Security number.
What if I moved and my replacement license was mailed to my old address?
Contact the MVA as soon as you realize the license was sent to the wrong address. Call 410-787-7758 and explain the situation. The MVA may be able to intercept the mail or issue a new replacement to your current address. Bring proof of your new address when you visit an MVA office.
Can I replace my license if I am out of state?
If you are temporarily out of state, you can report your license lost or stolen by mail and request a replacement. Mail your request to the MVA address listed above with your $70 payment. If you have moved out of Maryland permanently, you will need to obtain a driver's license from your new state instead.
Do I need an appointment to replace my license at an MVA office?
Walk-in service is available at all MVA offices, so you do not need an appointment. However, some offices offer appointment scheduling through mva.maryland.gov, which may reduce your wait time. Check your local office's hours and availability before you visit.