What Maryland charges for a learner's permit

A Maryland learner's permit costs $35 as of 2024. This is the fee you pay to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) when you explore in person at an MVA office. The fee covers the permit itself and the knowledge test if you take it at the same visit.

The $35 fee is non-refundable, even if you do not pass the knowledge test on your first attempt. If you fail and want to retake the test, you do not pay another fee — you can retake it at no additional cost during the validity period of your permit process.

Maryland does not offer online permit applications or mail-in renewals for learner's permits, so you cannot avoid the in-person visit or the associated fee by using an alternative method.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland learner's permits cost $35 and must be purchased in person at an MVA office.
  • The $35 fee covers both the permit and the knowledge test, with no additional charge if you retake the test.
  • You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to explore for a learner's permit in Maryland.
  • Your permit is valid for two years from the date of issue, and you will need to renew it if you have not obtained your full license by then.

What documents you need to bring to pay the fee

Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Acceptable identity documents include a birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to bring a completed Maryland process for a Driver's License or Permit (Form DL 43). You can fill this out before you arrive at the MVA office or complete it there. Bring your original documents — photocopies are not accepted for identity or residency proof.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process. They do not need to be present at the MVA office, but their signature must be on the form before you submit it.

When the fee is due and payment methods

You pay the $35 fee at the MVA office when you submit your process and documents. The MVA accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted.

Payment is due before you take the knowledge test. If you are not ready to test that day, you can pay the fee, schedule a test appointment for a later date, and leave without taking the exam. You will still have paid the $35 and will not owe another fee when you return to test.

Renewal fees if your permit expires

If your learner's permit expires before you obtain your full driver's license, you will need to renew it. A renewal costs the same as an initial permit: $35. You must renew in person at an MVA office and bring the same documents as you did for your first permit process.

Maryland learner's permits are valid for two years. If you turn 18 before your permit expires, you can convert it to a full license by passing the road test and paying the license fee (which is separate from the permit fee). You do not need to renew an expired permit if you have already obtained your full license.

Common mistakes that cost extra money

Do not bring photocopies of your identity or residency documents. The MVA will reject them, and you will have to leave and return with originals. This wastes time and may force you to reschedule your test appointment.

Do not forget to have a parent or guardian sign your process if you are under 18. An unsigned process will be rejected, and you will have to come back. Signing it yourself does not count — the law requires a parent or guardian signature for minors.

Do not assume you can pay online or by mail. Maryland does not offer these options for learner's permits. You must go to an MVA office in person, and you must bring cash or a card. If you show up without a way to pay, you will not be able to complete your process that day.

Finding an MVA office near you and scheduling

Use the MVA office locator on the Maryland Department of Transportation website to find the office closest to you and check its hours. Some offices are open Monday through Friday only; others have Saturday hours. Call ahead or check online to confirm current hours, as they vary by location.

You do not need an appointment to explore for a learner's permit in Maryland, but wait times can be long during peak hours. Arriving early in the morning or on weekday afternoons typically means shorter waits. Some offices offer online appointment scheduling, which you can check when you locate your nearest office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the learner's permit fee online before I go to the MVA office?

No. Maryland does not accept online payments for learner's permit fees. You must pay the $35 in person at the MVA office when you submit your process. You can pay with cash, debit card, or credit card.

What happens if I fail the knowledge test — do I have to pay $35 again?

No. The $35 fee covers the permit and all knowledge test attempts during the permit's validity period. If you fail, you can retake the test at no additional cost. You do not pay another fee unless your permit expires and you need to renew it.

Is the learner's permit fee different if I am over 18?

No. The fee is $35 regardless of your age. However, if you are 18 or older, you do not need a parent or guardian signature on your process. You will still need to bring proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about getting a learner's permit?

No. The $35 fee is non-refundable once you have paid it and received your permit. If you decide not to pursue a license, you cannot recover the fee.

Do I have to pay the fee again if my permit is lost or stolen?

Yes. A replacement permit costs $35, the same as an original. You will need to report the loss or theft to the MVA and bring the same documents as you did for your initial process.