Apply for a permit, license or certification

When you apply for a permit with us, you probably want to know how long the process will take. Each application is unique, but we set standard processing times to give you a general idea of what to expect.

The time it takes to review and decide on a permit application depends on many factors, including the type of permit, the complexity of the request, and whether public input is required. Each year, we calibrate estimated processing times to recent data.

For most types of permits, 90% of applications are processed within the standard time frame. Some may take less time, while others may take longer if they involve special circumstances.

While we strive to process applications as quickly as possible, certain factors may delay the process. These include:

Missing or incomplete information in the application
Required public review periods
Environmental or legal complexities that need additional evaluation

Roles and Responsibilities

The permit applicant—typically the owner or operator of a facility—is responsible for ensuring that all permit conditions are met. This includes compliance with environmental regulations, reporting requirements, and any special conditions outlined in the final permit.
A consultant may be hired to assist with completing the permit application and ensuring all technical requirements are met. However, the applicant remains accountable for the overall permit process, from submission to compliance with final permit conditions.

Key Milestones to Monitor

Applicants should closely track important steps in the permit process, including:

Submission and approval of a complete application
Providing supplemental information if requested, within the given timeline
Participation in public meetings, where applicable, to review the draft permit and provide information to the community
Review of public comments, which may influence final permit conditions
Understanding special conditions that may be included in the permit
Final permit issuance and renewal requirements, ensuring continued compliance and timely renewal when necessary

We encourage applicants to review the estimated processing times before applying. If you have questions or need assistance with your application, our staff is available to help guide you through the process.

Air and Radiation Administration
General Permit to Construct	45 days
Air Quality Permit to Construct	4 months - without expanded public review
	5 months – synthetic minor permits without expanded public review
	15 months - with expanded public review
New Source Review Approval	15 months
Prevention of Significant Air Quality Deterioration	15 months
Air Quality State Permit to Operate	4 months
Part 70 (Title V) Permit to Operate	18 months for new permits
Part 70 (Title V) Permit to Operate	15 months for renewals
Asbestos Contractor License	60 days
Asbestos Training Provider Approval	3 months
Incinerator Operator Certification	30 days
Incinerator Training Course Approval	60 days
Fleet Inspection Station License	30 days
Emissions Repair Facility Certification	30 days
Master Certified Emissions Technician Certificate	30 days
Radiation Machine Facility Registration	60 days for dental and veterinary machines
Radiation Machine Facility Registration	4 months for all other machines
Certification of Machines Emitting Radiation	6 months
Radioactive Materials License	12 months for new and renewals
Radioactive Materials License	90 days for amendments and terminations
Private Inspector License For Inspecting X-Ray Machines	60 days
Reciprocal Recognition of Out-of-State Radioactive Material Licenses	21 days

Land and Materials Administration
Refuse Disposal Permit	9 months for transfer stations
	9 months for processing facilities
	9 months for processing facilities & transfer stations
	12 months for incinerators
	12 months for land-clearing debris landfills
	24 months for industrial landfills
	36 months for rubble landfills
	36 months for municipal landfills
Groundwater Discharge Permit for Rubble Landfill	18 months
Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit	150 days – research project
	4 months – transportation
	6 months – utilization or disposal at a sanitary landfill, energy generation, or incineration
	8 months – marketing
	12 months – land application
	24 months – treatment, composting, distribution facility, or storage
	36 months – sewage sludge landfill
	24 months – innovative projects
General Discharge Permit for Animal Feeding Operations	160 days for new construction
General Discharge Permit for Animal Feeding Operations	36 months for renewal
Natural Wood Waste Recycling Individual Facility Permit	9 months
Natural Wood Waste Recycling Facility General Permit	60 days
Individual Composting Facility Permit	220 days
General Composting Facility Permit	120 days
Scrap Tire Hauler	6 months
Scrap Tire Collection Facilities (General and Secondary)	6 months
Scrap Tire Solid Waste Acceptance Facility	9 months
Scrap Tire TDF/Substitute Fuel Facility	9 months
Scrap Tire Primary Collection Facility	12 months
Scrap Tire Recyclers	12 months
Oil Operations Permit – Storage, Delivery, Transfer in Maryland (OPT)	24 months
Oil Operations Permit – Delivery Only (OPV)	12 months
Oil Operations Permit – Solidification of Oil Sludge, Refuse, and/or Oil Mixed with Other Wastes (OPX)	12 months
Oil Operations Permit – Oil Contaminated Soil Storage and Treatment (OPS)	18 months
Oil Transfer License	45 days
General Permits for Discharge of Treated Groundwater from Oil Contaminated Groundwater Sources to Surface or Groundwaters of the State (OGR)	30 days
General Permits for Discharge of Stormwater and Hydrostatic Test Water from Oil Terminals to Surface or Groundwaters of the State (OGT)	12 months
Surface Water Discharge Permit for Oil Terminals (ODS)	12 months
Groundwater Discharge Permit for Oil Terminals (ODG)	12 months
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Technician, Remover, and Inspector Certifications	40 days
Controlled Hazardous Substances Facility Permit	24 months
Hazardous Waste; EPA Identification Number	30 days
Controlled Hazardous Substances Hauler and Vehicle Certifications	60 days
Special Medical Waste (SMW) Hauler and Vehicle Certifications	60 days
Coal Mining Permit	12 months
Surface Coal Mining Blaster Certification	Immediately on passing exam
Coal Mining Operator License	30 days
Non-Coal Mining Permit	4 months
Non-Coal Mining License	20 days
Oil and Gas Exploration and Production	5 months
Lead Paint Accreditations	90 days
Lead Paint Training Course Approvals	90 days
Lead Paint Instructor Approvals	90 days
Voluntary Cleanup Program	60 days to determine if application is accepted
Voluntary Cleanup Program	75 days to review action plan

Water and Science Administration
General Discharge Permit Registrations (excluding Construction Activities and Animal Feeding Operations)	100 days for all general permits
Individual Permit for Wastewater Discharges	12 months for new minor surface facilities
	18 months for new surface major facilities
	24 months for renewal surface discharge facilities
	18 months for new groundwater discharge facilities
	34 months for renewal groundwater discharge facilities
Water and Sewerage Construction Permit	3 months
Water Appropriation and Use Permit	90 days for under 10,000 gallons per day
Water Appropriation and Use Permit	18 months for over 10,000 gallons per day
Well Construction Permit	30 days
Drinking Water Laboratory Certification	4 months
Nontidal Wetlands and Waterway Construction (Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways Permits)	6 months for minor projects
	12 months for major projects
	90 days for stream restoration projects when no public hearing is requested
Tidal Wetland Licenses and Permits	90 days for minor projects
	8 months for major projects when no public hearing is requested
	11 months for major projects when a public hearing is requested
Erosion/Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Plan Approvals	9 months
Erosion and Sediment Control - Responsible Personnel Certification - Online	1 day
Erosion and Sediment Control - Responsible Personnel Training Program Approval	4 weeks
General Discharge Permit Registrations (excluding Construction Activities and Animal Feeding Operations)	100 days for all general permits
Individual Permit for Wastewater Discharges	12 months for new minor surface facilities
	18 months for new surface major facilities
	24 months for renewal surface discharge facilities
	18 months for new groundwater discharge facilities
	34 months for renewal groundwater discharge facilities
General Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity	45 days
Individual Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity	12 months
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit	36 months
Dam Safety Permit (major project)	36 months
Dam Safety Permit (minor project)	18 months
Dam Safety (small pond)	18 months
Dam Safety Permit Exemption	6 months
Dam Safety Permit (removal)	36 months
Waterworks and Waste Systems Operator Certification	60 days for all licenses
Well Driller License	6 months for new licenses
Well Driller License	30 days for renewals
Marine Contractor’s License	3 months for new licenses 60 days for renewals

Need to talk to an expert? Consult our phone directory.