Permit Processing Times

Most permit applications are processed within a standard timeframe. Use the list below to find your permit type and see how long the review process typically takes. Click on a permit name for more details about a specific permit.

Ready to Apply?

Many of our permits are available to apply online through our Environmental Service Center. Here you can search for permits and learn about turnaround times, required documents, and associated fees.

Visit the Service Center

Understanding the Timeline

The processing times listed below start from when MDE receives a complete application. If any information is missing, we will contact you, but this will delay your application.

What causes delays?

Public Reviews: Projects that require public hearings or expanded reviews (like major power plants or large landfills) can take 15–36 months.
Incomplete Forms: Missing signatures or insurance documents are the #1 cause of delays. Be sure to check your email for any additional information requests.
Complex Projects: Significant environmental impacts require more detailed technical reviews.

*Available to submit application and pay fees online through the Environmental Service Center

Air and Radiation Administration
General Permit to Construct *	30 days
Air Quality Permit to Construct *	90 days - without expanded public review
	113 days (3.75 months) – synthetic minor permits without expanded public review
	240 days (8 months) - with expanded public review
New Source Review Approval	13 months
Prevention of Significant Air Quality Deterioration	13 months
Air Quality State Permit to Operate *	90 days
Part 70 (Title V) Permit to Operate *	13.5 months for new permits
Part 70 (Title V) Permit to Operate *	338 days (11.26 months) for renewals
Asbestos Contractor License	30 days
Asbestos Training Provider Approval	60 days
Incinerator Operator Certification	7 days
Incinerator Training Course Approval	7 days
Fleet Inspection Station License	23 days
Emissions Repair Facility Certification	23 days
Master Certified Emissions Technician Certificate	23 days
Radiation Machine Facility Registration	45 days for dental and veterinary machines
Radiation Machine Facility Registration	90 days all other machines
Certification of Machines Emitting Radiation	135 days 4.5 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	45 days
Reciprocal Recognition of Out-of-State Radioactive Material Licenses	16 days

Land and Materials Administration
Refuse Disposal Permit *	85 days (2.8 months) for transfer stations
	110 days (3.7 months) for processing facilities
	180 days (6 months) for processing facilities & transfer stations
	360 days (12 months) for incinerators
	360 days (12 months) for land-clearing debris landfills
	312 days (10.4 months) for industrial landfills
	430 days (14.3 months) for rubble landfills
	190 days (6.3 months) for municipal landfills
Groundwater Discharge Permit for Rubble Landfill *	90 days
Sewage Sludge Utilization Permit *	100 days (3.3 months) – research project
	75 days (2.5 months) – transportation
	120 days (4 months) – utilization or disposal at a sanitary landfill, energy generation, or incineration
	175 days (5.8 months) – marketing
	210 days (7 months) – land application
	530 days (18 months) – treatment, composting, distribution facility, or storage
	125 days (4.2 months) – sewage sludge landfill
	500 days (16.6 months) – innovative projects
General Discharge Permit for Animal Feeding Operations	120 days (4 months) for new construction
General Discharge Permit for Animal Feeding Operations	810 days 27 months for renewal
Natural Wood Waste Recycling Individual Facility Permit *	9 months
Natural Wood Waste Recycling Facility General Permit *	54 days
Individual Composting Facility Permit	220 days (7.3 months)
General Composting Facility Permit	120 days (4 months)
Scrap Tire Hauler	81 days (2.7 months)
Scrap Tire Collection Facilities (General and Secondary)	68 days (2.3 months)
Scrap Tire Solid Waste Acceptance Facility	104 days (3.5 months)
Scrap Tire TDF/Substitute Fuel Facility	270 days (9 months)
Scrap Tire Primary Collection Facility	360 days (12 months)
Scrap Tire Recyclers	360 days (12 months)
Oil Operations Permit – Storage, Delivery, Transfer in Maryland (OPT)	720 days (24 months)
Oil Operations Permit – Delivery Only (OPV)	270 days (9 months)
Oil Operations Permit – Solidification of Oil Sludge, Refuse, and/or Oil Mixed with Other Wastes (OPX)	270 days (9 months)
Oil Operations Permit – Oil Contaminated Soil Storage and Treatment (OPS)	405 days (13.5 months)
Oil Transfer License	6 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) *	270 days (9 months)
Surface Water Discharge Permit for Oil Terminals (ODS) *	360 days (12 months)
Groundwater Discharge Permit for Oil Terminals (ODG)	360 days (12 months)
Underground Storage Tank (UST) Technician, Remover, and Inspector Certifications	79 days (2.6 months)
Controlled Hazardous Substances Facility Permit	686 days (23 months)
Hazardous Waste; EPA Identification Number	30 days
Controlled Hazardous Substances Hauler and Vehicle Certifications	45 days
Special Medical Waste (SMW) Hauler and Vehicle Certifications	45 days
Coal Mining Permit	270 days (9 months)
Surface Coal Mining Blaster Certification	Immediately on passing exam
Coal Mining Operator License	23 days
Non-Coal Mining Permit	90 days (3 months)
Non-Coal Mining License	11 days
Oil and Gas Exploration and Production	90 days (3 months)
Lead Paint Accreditations	35 days
Lead Paint Training Course Approvals	15 days
Lead Paint Instructor Approvals	15 days
Voluntary Cleanup Program	49 days to determine if application is accepted
Voluntary Cleanup Program	66 days to review action plan

Water and Science Administration
General Discharge Permit Registrations (excluding Construction Activities and Animal Feeding Operations) *	30 days for all general permits
Individual Permit for Wastewater Discharges *	453 days (15 months) for new minor surface facilities
	453 days (15 months) for new surface major facilities
	941 days (31 months) for renewal surface discharge facilities
	738 (25 months) for new or renewal groundwater discharge facilities
Water and Sewerage Construction Permit	22 days
Water Appropriation and Use Permit	142 days (5 months) for under 10,000 gallons per day
Water Appropriation and Use Permit	142 days (5 months) for over 10,000 gallons per day
Well Construction Permit	30 days
Drinking Water Laboratory Certification	40 days (1.3 months)
Nontidal Wetlands and Waterway Construction (Nontidal Wetlands and Waterways Permits) *	67 days (2.2 months) for minor projects
	152 days (5 months) for major projects
	50 days for stream restoration projects when no public hearing is requested
Tidal Wetland Licenses and Permits *	46 days for minor projects
	190 days (6.3 months) for major projects when no public hearing is requested
	100 days (3.3 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 Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity	30 days
Individual Permit for Stormwater Associated with Construction Activity	365 days (12 months)
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit	325 days (12 months )
Dam Safety Permit (major project)	296 days (10 months)
Dam Safety Permit (minor project)	329 days (11 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	142 days (4.7 months) for all licenses
Well Driller License	66 days (2.2 months) for new licenses
Well Driller License	30 days for renewals
Marine Contractor’s License	84 days (1.8 months) for new licenses 55 days for renewals

Need Help?

Call us: You can contact our central office at 410-537-3000 or find the relevant program office in our directory.
Email us: General emails can be sent to [email protected].