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 operates about 25 locations across Maryland, including offices in Baltimore, Annapolis, Salisbury, and most major towns. You can also renew or replace your license by mail if you meet certain conditions — mainly that your license is not suspended or revoked, and you are not required to take a new photo.

The fastest option is usually an in-person visit to your nearest MVA office. You can find the full list of locations, hours, and services at mva.maryland.gov. Many offices now use an online appointment system, and booking ahead can cut your wait time significantly. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Maryland driver's license in person at any MVA office or by mail if your license is valid and not suspended.
Bring your current license (if you have it), proof of identity, and proof of Maryland residency — a utility bill or lease works for residency.
Replacement licenses cost $70 for a standard license and $100 for a Real ID-compliant license, and take about 10 business days to arrive by mail or are issued on the spot in person.
If your license was stolen, report it to the MVA when you explore so they can flag the old number in the system.
You can book an appointment online at mva.maryland.gov to reduce wait time at an MVA office.

Documents you need to bring

For an in-person replacement, bring your current license if you still have it. If it was lost or stolen, bring a photo ID instead — a passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You will also need proof of Maryland residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days.

If you are replacing a license because it was damaged or defaced, bring the damaged license itself. The MVA staff will take it and issue you a new one. If you lost your license and cannot find it, you do not need to file a police report first — just tell the MVA it is lost when you explore.

Cost and processing time

A standard Maryland driver's license replacement costs $70. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025), the cost is $100. Payment is cash, check, or card at MVA offices; by mail, you can pay by check or money order.

If you explore in person at an MVA office, you will receive your new license on the spot, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on the office. If you explore by mail, expect 10 business days for delivery, though processing can take longer during peak periods. Check the status of a mailed replacement on the MVA website using your driver's license number.

explore by mail instead of in person

You can request a replacement license by mail if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you do not need a new photo, and you are not changing your name or address. read the process for Replacement Driver's License form (DL 43) from mva.maryland.gov, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form.

Include a copy of your current license and proof of residency with your mailed process. The MVA will process your request and mail your new license to the address on file. You cannot change your address or photo by mail — those changes require an in-person visit or a separate address-change form submitted online.

If your license was stolen

When you replace a stolen license, tell the MVA staff or note it on your process form. The MVA will cancel the old license number in their system so it cannot be used fraudulently. You do not need a police report to replace a stolen license, though you may want to file one separately if you are concerned about identity theft.

If you suspect your stolen license has been used fraudulently, contact the Maryland State Police or your local police department to file a report. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to monitor for unauthorized accounts opened in your name.

Real ID compliance and your replacement license

When you replace your Maryland driver's license, you can choose a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. As of May 7, 2025, a standard driver's license will no longer work for those purposes — you will need a Real ID or a passport.

If you choose a Real ID replacement, you will need to bring additional documents: proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return) and proof of your legal name if it differs from your birth certificate (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The Real ID costs $30 more than a standard replacement but lasts the same eight years.

What to do if you cannot visit an MVA office

If you live outside Maryland or cannot reach an MVA office, you can still replace your license by mail using the DL 43 form, provided your license is not suspended and you do not need a new photo. Some MVA services are also available through the Maryland Online Services portal, though license replacement itself must be done by mail or in person.

If you are a Maryland resident living temporarily out of state and your license is suspended or revoked, you will need to resolve that issue before replacing it. Contact the MVA directly at 410-787-7758 to discuss your situation and learn whether you can handle it by mail or must visit an office when you return to Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a replacement license take if I go in person?

You receive your new license when ready when you visit an MVA office, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour for your turn. If you explore by mail, expect 10 business days for delivery under normal conditions.

Can I replace my license online?

No, Maryland does not offer online replacement for driver's licenses. You must explore in person at an MVA office or by mail. You can check the status of a mailed process online using your license number.

Do I need to take a new photo for a replacement?

If your license is not expired and you are not changing your name or address, you can replace it by mail without a new photo. If you visit an MVA office in person, they will take a new photo as part of the replacement process.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot replace a suspended or revoked license until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the MVA at 410-787-7758 to learn the status of your license and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

If you replace your license in person at an MVA office, you receive it when ready. If you explore by mail, the MVA does not issue a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your replacement arrives.

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.