Maryland learner's permit renewal costs $70 as of 2024

When your Maryland learner's permit is about to expire, you'll pay $70 to renew it. This is the standard fee the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) charges for a learner's permit renewal, whether you renew in person at an MVA office or through the mail.

The $70 covers a new permit valid for five years from the date of renewal. You don't pay extra for the card itself, for processing, or for mailing if you choose the mail-in option. The fee is the same regardless of which MVA location you visit or how quickly you need the renewal completed.

If your permit has already expired and you're renewing it late, the cost remains $70 — there is no penalty fee added for letting it lapse. However, you cannot legally drive with an expired permit, so renewing before the expiration date on your current card is important if you plan to practice driving.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland charges $70 to renew a learner's permit, whether you renew by mail or in person at an MVA office.
  • Your renewed permit will be valid for five years from the renewal date, not from your original permit's expiration date.
  • You can renew by mail without visiting an office, which saves time if you live far from an MVA location.
  • An expired learner's permit cannot be used for supervised driving, so plan your renewal before the expiration date printed on your card.

How to renew by mail and avoid the office visit

Renewing by mail is the most convenient option if you want to avoid an MVA office. You'll need to send the MVA your current learner's permit, a completed process for Renewal of Learner's Permit (Form DL-43), a check or money order for $70, and a photocopy of your proof of residency — such as a utility bill or lease agreement.

Mail your packet to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, 6601 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. Your new permit will be mailed to the address on file with the MVA.

The mail-in option works well if your permit isn't expiring when ready. If your permit expires within the next week or two, visiting an MVA office in person is faster — you'll walk out with your renewed permit the same day.

Renewing in person at an MVA office

If you renew at an MVA office, you'll still pay $70 and receive your new permit on the spot. Bring your current learner's permit, a completed Form DL-43, proof of residency, and payment in cash, check, or debit card (credit cards are not accepted at all MVA offices, so call ahead to confirm).

Visit times vary by location. Some MVA offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, while others have extended evening or Saturday hours. Check the MVA website or call your local office to confirm hours before you go, and consider arriving early — wait times can be an hour or more during peak times.

You do not need an appointment to renew a learner's permit at most MVA offices, though some locations now offer optional appointment slots that can reduce your wait time. If your office offers appointments, booking one ahead of time is worth the effort.

What happens if your permit expires before you renew

If your learner's permit expires and you haven't renewed it yet, you cannot legally drive, even with a licensed adult in the car. Driving with an expired permit is treated the same as driving without a permit and can result in a traffic citation.

The good news is that renewing an expired permit costs the same $70 as renewing before expiration — there is no late fee or penalty. However, you'll need to renew as soon as possible to resume supervised driving practice. If you're close to taking your road test, an expired permit may delay your test appointment, so prioritize renewal.

Payment methods and what's included in the $70 fee

The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and money order for the $70 renewal fee. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. At an MVA office, you can pay with any of these methods, though credit cards are not accepted.

The $70 fee covers the permit card, processing, and the five-year validity period. There are no hidden fees, no separate charges for the card stock, and no additional cost if you need your permit mailed to you. What you see is what you pay.

Timeline: when to start your renewal

Start your renewal process at least three weeks before your permit expires if you're renewing by mail. This gives the MVA time to process your process and mail your new permit to you before the old one expires. If you wait until the last week, you risk your permit expiring before the new one arrives.

If you're renewing in person, you can wait until a few days before expiration — you'll get your new permit the same day. However, don't wait until the expiration date itself, because you cannot legally drive with an expired permit, even if you're on your way to the MVA office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my learner's permit online?

No. Maryland does not offer online renewal for learner's permits. You must renew either by mail or in person at an MVA office. The mail-in option is the closest to online renewal and takes about two to three weeks.

Do I need to take a new written test to renew my learner's permit?

No. Renewing a learner's permit does not require a new written test. You straightforward pay the $70 fee, submit your current permit and proof of residency, and your new permit is issued. The test is only required when you first obtain a learner's permit.

What if I lost my learner's permit before it expired?

If your permit is lost or stolen, you'll need to replace it rather than renew it. Replacement also costs $70 and requires a report of the lost permit. Contact your local MVA office or check the MVA website for the replacement process, which is slightly different from renewal.

Can someone else renew my learner's permit for me?

For mail-in renewal, yes — someone else can mail your process and permit on your behalf. For in-person renewal, you must be present at the MVA office with a valid photo ID. The MVA will not renew a permit for someone who is not there in person.

Does my new permit have the same number as my old one?

No. When you renew, you receive a new permit number. Your old permit number is no longer valid once your new permit is issued. Make note of your new number for your records.