Maryland Hardship License Fees and Costs

A Maryland hardship license costs $70 for a four-year license or $35 for a two-year license. This is the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) issuance fee. You pay it when you submit your hardship petition to the MVA, whether you go in person or by mail. The fee does not cover the cost of documents you need to gather — those may include certified court records, proof of financial hardship, or letters from your employer — but the MVA itself charges only the license fee.

The four-year license is the standard option for most hardship petitions. The two-year option exists but is less common; you would choose it only if your circumstances are expected to change within two years and you want to avoid renewing early. Either way, you pay once at the time of issuance. There is no separate process fee before you know whether your petition will be granted.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland charges $70 for a four-year hardship license or $35 for a two-year hardship license, paid when you submit your petition to the MVA.
  • The license fee covers only the MVA's cost to issue the document; you may also need to pay for certified copies of court records or other supporting documents from other agencies.
  • You do not pay the MVA fee unless your hardship petition is granted — the fee is due at issuance, not at process.
  • If your hardship license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it; you must reapply with a new petition and pay the full fee again.

What the $70 Fee Covers

The $70 hardship license fee is the MVA's charge to process your petition, conduct any required review, and issue the physical license document. It does not include the cost of obtaining the documents you need to support your petition — such as proof of employment, proof of medical treatment, or certified copies of court orders related to your suspension.

If you need certified copies of court records, you will pay the court clerk's office directly. If you need a letter from your employer or medical provider, those are usually free but may take time to obtain. The MVA fee itself is non-refundable once your petition is granted and the license is issued.

When You Pay and How to Submit Payment

You pay the $70 (or $35) fee when you submit your hardship petition to the MVA. If you explore in person at an MVA office, you pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the time you hand in your petition. If you mail your petition, you must include a check or money order payable to the Maryland MVA. Do not send cash by mail.

The MVA will not process your petition until payment is received. If you mail your petition without payment, it will be returned to you. There is no way to pay the fee before you submit the petition or to hold a petition pending payment; payment and submission happen together.

Additional Costs You May Encounter

Beyond the $70 MVA fee, you may need to pay for supporting documents. Court clerk offices charge between $5 and $15 per certified copy of a court order or suspension record, depending on the county. If you need a certified driving record from the MVA itself (separate from your hardship license), that costs $5.

Some hardship petitions require a medical evaluation or letter from a healthcare provider. If your doctor charges for writing a letter or completing a form, that cost is yours to cover — the MVA does not reimburse it. Similarly, if you need to obtain proof of employment or residency, any fees charged by those agencies or institutions are separate from the MVA fee.

What Happens If Your Hardship License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your hardship license is suspended or revoked before it expires, you cannot straightforward renew it. You must file a new hardship petition and pay the full $70 fee again. This can happen if you violate the terms of your hardship license — for example, driving outside the permitted hours or routes, or accumulating new violations.

The MVA does not prorate or refund the original $70 if your license is revoked early. You start over with a new petition and a new fee. This is why understanding the restrictions on your hardship license and following them carefully is important.

Comparing Hardship License Costs to Other Options

A hardship license is less expensive than paying for a taxi, rideshare, or public transportation for the duration of your suspension, but it requires you to meet strict conditions. If your suspension is short — less than a few months — the cost of alternatives might be lower than the $70 MVA fee plus the cost of documents. If your suspension is longer, a hardship license usually saves money.

You cannot hold both a hardship license and a regular license at the same time. If you are suspended, the hardship license is your only legal driving option; there is no choice between paying for the license or paying for alternatives. The decision is whether to drive under hardship restrictions or not to drive at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the $70 fee if my hardship petition is denied?

No. You pay the fee only if your petition is granted and the license is issued. If the MVA denies your petition, you pay nothing. The MVA will return your petition and any payment you included, or will not process the payment if you submitted it in person.

Can I pay the hardship license fee online?

You cannot pay online before submitting your petition. You must pay in person at an MVA office or by check or money order if you mail your petition. Some MVA offices may accept payment by card in person, but this varies by location — call ahead to confirm.

What if I lose my hardship license before it expires?

You can request a replacement at an MVA office. The replacement fee is $5, not the full $70. Bring your name, date of birth, and any identification you have. The replacement license will have the same restrictions and expiration date as the original.

Is the $70 fee the same in every Maryland county?

Yes. The $70 fee is set by the state MVA and applies statewide, regardless of which county you live in or which MVA office you visit. County courts may charge different fees for certified copies of records, but the MVA license fee itself is uniform.

Can I get a refund if my circumstances change and I no longer need the hardship license?

No. The $70 fee is non-refundable once the license is issued. If you choose not to use your hardship license, you cannot return it for a refund. You can straightforward let it expire at the end of its term.