Maryland driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last
A standard Maryland driver's license costs $70 for an eight-year license, which is what most adults get. If you want a four-year license instead, you pay $35. These are the fees you pay to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) when you get a new license or renew an existing one.
The price does not change based on where you live in Maryland or which MVA office you visit. However, if you need your license faster than the standard processing time, the MVA offers expedited service for an additional fee — typically $15 to $25 depending on how quickly you need it. Real ID-compliant licenses (the kind required for federal buildings and domestic flights) cost the same as a standard license.
Teenagers and drivers under 21 pay the same base fee, but their licenses have different restrictions and renewal schedules. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cost more and have their own fee structure.
Key Takeaways
- A standard eight-year Maryland driver's license costs $70; a four-year license costs $35.
- You pay the same fee regardless of which MVA office you visit or what county you live in.
- Expedited processing adds $15 to $25 to your total cost if you need your license sooner.
- Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses but meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access.
- Commercial driver's licenses have a separate, higher fee structure.
What you pay when you get your first Maryland license
If you are getting a driver's license for the first time in Maryland, you pay the standard $70 for an eight-year license. This covers the cost of the license itself, the processing fee, and the background check the MVA runs. You cannot choose to pay less by getting a four-year license unless you have a specific reason — the MVA does not offer a discount for shorter terms to first-time applicants.
Before you pay the license fee, you will also need to pay for a knowledge test and a driving test if you have not already passed them. The knowledge test costs $7, and the driving test costs $17. These are separate from the license fee itself. If you pass both tests on your first try, your total cost is $94 ($7 + $17 + $70).
You can take the knowledge test at any MVA office. The driving test must be scheduled at an MVA location that offers road tests, and some offices have longer wait times than others. Check the MVA website to see which offices near you are currently scheduling road tests.
Renewing your license and what changes the cost
When you renew a Maryland driver's license, you pay the same $70 for an eight-year renewal or $35 for a four-year renewal. You do not take another road test or knowledge test — the MVA straightforward extends your current license. The renewal fee covers the new card and the processing.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, the MVA treats it as a new license rather than a renewal, which means you will need to take both the knowledge and road tests again. This adds $24 to your total cost ($7 + $17). If your license expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without retesting.
You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at an MVA office. Online and mail renewals are faster and cost the same as in-person renewal. The MVA sends you a notice when your license is about to expire, usually about 60 days before the expiration date.
Expedited service and rush fees
If you need your license sooner than the standard processing time, the MVA offers expedited service. Standard processing takes about two to three weeks after you explore. Expedited service typically takes five to seven business days and costs an additional $15 to $25 depending on the service level you choose.
You can request expedited service when you explore in person at an MVA office. You cannot request it online or by mail. The expedited fee is separate from your license fee, so if you get an expedited eight-year license, you pay $70 for the license plus $15 to $25 for expedited processing.
Not all MVA offices offer the same expedited options, so call ahead or check the MVA website to see what is available at your nearest location. Some offices may have longer wait times for expedited service during busy periods.
Real ID licenses and federal compliance
Maryland offers Real ID-compliant driver's licenses at no extra cost. A Real ID license looks like a standard license but has a small star in the upper right corner. It meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings without a passport.
To get a Real ID license, you need to bring additional documents when you explore — typically a birth certificate, Social Security card, and proof of address. The license itself costs the same $70 for eight years. You do not pay extra for the Real ID designation.
If you already have a standard Maryland license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you can do so during your next renewal or by visiting an MVA office and paying for a replacement license. A replacement Real ID license costs $70 (the same as a renewal) and takes the same processing time.
Commercial driver's licenses and special endorsements
If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive a truck or bus, the cost is higher than a standard license. A CDL costs $105 for an eight-year license or $52.50 for a four-year license. You must pass a separate knowledge test and road test specific to commercial driving, which adds additional fees.
Endorsements — such as a hazmat endorsement or passenger endorsement — add to the cost of your CDL. Each endorsement costs $5 to $10 depending on the type. If you need multiple endorsements, the costs add up.
CDL testing is more involved than standard driver testing and requires scheduling at specific MVA locations. The knowledge test for a CDL is longer and covers different material than a standard license test. Plan for a longer appointment and higher total cost if you are pursuing a commercial license.
How to pay and what payment methods the MVA accepts
The MVA accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person offices. Online renewals require a credit or debit card. Mail-in renewals can be paid by check or money order.
If you are paying in person, bring your payment method with you to the MVA office. If you are renewing online, you will enter your card information on the MVA website. If you are renewing by mail, include your check or money order with your renewal process.
The MVA does not accept payment plans or installments. You must pay the full fee at the time of process or renewal. If you cannot pay in full, you will need to wait until you have the funds available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full $70 if I only need a license for a few months?
No. You can get a four-year license for $35 instead of an eight-year license for $70. However, the MVA does not offer licenses shorter than four years. If you need a license for less than four years, you still pay the $35 four-year fee.
What if I lose my license or it gets damaged — do I have to pay the full fee again?
Yes. A replacement license costs the same as a renewal: $70 for eight years or $35 for four years. You do not get a discount for replacing a lost or damaged license. Bring your Social Security card and proof of address to the MVA office when you explore for a replacement.
Can I pay online if I am renewing by mail?
No. Mail-in renewals must be paid by check or money order included with your process. Online renewals are paid by credit or debit card on the MVA website. In-person renewals can be paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Does the fee change if I renew early?
No. The fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until your license expires. You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires without any penalty or fee change. Early renewal is useful if you are planning a trip and want your new license before your current one expires.
Are there any discounts for seniors or military members?
Maryland does not offer reduced fees for seniors or military members on driver's licenses. All adults pay the same $70 for an eight-year license regardless of age or military status. Some other states offer discounts, but Maryland does not.