Get a replacement at the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration office or by mail

If you've lost your Maryland driver's license, you can replace it in person at any Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) office or by mail. The in-person route takes about 15 minutes and costs $25. The mail route takes two to three weeks and also costs $25, but requires you to send original documents and your payment by mail.

You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than one year. If it expired within the past year, you can straightforward request a replacement. If it expired more than a year ago, you'll need to pass both tests again.

Maryland does not charge extra for a replacement if you lost the card itself—the fee is the same whether you're renewing, replacing a lost license, or correcting information. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready if you go in person, valid for 45 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID) to any MVA office.
  • In-person replacement takes 15 minutes and costs $25; you get a temporary paper license on the spot and the plastic card arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
  • Mail-in replacement requires sending original documents and a completed form to the MVA, takes two to three weeks total, and also costs $25.
  • You do not retake the written or road test unless your license expired more than one year ago.
  • If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for 45 days and counts as proof of licensure.

What documents to bring to an MVA office

Bring three things: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Maryland residency. For identity, the MVA accepts a U.S. passport, birth certificate, military ID, or passport card. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card itself, a W-2, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—bring the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The MVA will not issue a replacement under a different name without this document.

Bring your Social Security number written down if you don't have your card. You'll need it to complete the process, but the MVA can look it up if you provide your name and date of birth.

In-person replacement at an MVA office

Walk into any Maryland MVA office during business hours with your documents. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the Maryland MVA website.

You do not need an appointment for a replacement license. Walk-in service is available, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. suburbs tend to be busier in the morning and on Fridays. If you want to avoid a wait, go early in the week or mid-afternoon.

When you arrive, take a number at the front desk and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you need a replacement for a lost license. Hand over your documents, answer a few questions about your address and any violations, and pay $25 by cash, check, or card. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 45 days. Your plastic card will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks.

Mail-in replacement if you cannot visit an office

Complete form DL-43 (process for Maryland Driver's License or Permit) and mail it with your documents and payment to the MVA. You can read the form from the Maryland MVA website or request it by phone at 410-768-7000. Do not send original documents unless you have copies—the MVA does not return them.

Send a photocopy of your proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. Include a check or money order for $25 made out to "Maryland MVA." Mail everything to the address listed on form DL-43. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the MVA receives your envelope.

You will not receive a temporary license by mail. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have no legal proof of licensure during the processing period. For this reason, most people choose the in-person route if they drive regularly.

What to do if your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If someone stole your license or you think it's being used fraudulently, contact the Maryland MVA at 410-768-7000 and ask to report the loss. The MVA can flag your license in their system so that if someone tries to use it, the flag will alert the officer or clerk checking it. This does not prevent you from getting a replacement—it just adds a security layer.

You do not need to file a police report to get a replacement, but if you believe the license is being used to commit fraud or identity theft, contact your local police department and file a report. Keep the report number for your records. You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting one of them; they will notify the others.

Temporary paper license rules and limits

The temporary paper license you receive in person is valid for 45 days and counts as proof of licensure. You can drive with it, show it to police, and use it for identification purposes. It has the same legal weight as your plastic license during those 45 days.

After 45 days, you cannot drive legally unless your plastic replacement has arrived. If your plastic card has not arrived after two weeks, contact the MVA at 410-768-7000 to check the status. Delays are rare, but weather, mail volume, or processing errors can slow delivery. The MVA can reissue a temporary license if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my temporary paper license to renew my vehicle registration?

Yes. The temporary paper license is valid proof of licensure for all purposes, including vehicle registration renewal. You can use it at an MVA office or when renewing online or by mail.

What if my address has changed since I lost my license?

Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to the MVA office. The replacement will be mailed to your new address on file. If you're using mail-in replacement, include the new address on form DL-43 and send proof of residency at that address.

Do I have to pay the $25 fee if I lost my license within a few months of renewal?

Yes. Maryland charges $25 for any replacement, regardless of when your license was issued or renewed. There is no waiver for recent renewals.

How long does it take to get the plastic card if I go in person?

One to two weeks by mail. The temporary paper license is valid for 45 days, so you have time. If your card does not arrive within three weeks, call the MVA at 410-768-7000 to check on it.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must pick up your temporary paper license in person at the MVA office. The plastic card is mailed directly to your address, so no one needs to pick it up.