CDL Fees by State: Commercial Driver's License Costs for 2026

Every step toward your Commercial Driver's License has a fee attached — from the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) application to the license itself. Each state sets its own fee schedule, and the differences are bigger than most people expect: total core state fees run from under $40 in the lowest-fee states to more than $300 in the highest. This guide breaks down every fee type, shows the current fee schedule for every state, and explains how to avoid most of these costs entirely.

Want to cut your CDL fee costs and get paid while you get your CDL? Consider Roehl's On-the-Job CDL Training.

At a Glance

CDL Fees by State — Complete Table

Each state name links to its official licensing agency. All 50 states were reviewed in June 2026: † marks figures verified directly against official state sources; ‡ marks figures updated in this revision based on a cross-check of current state licensing fee schedules. Fees change and some states price by license term or use third-party testers whose fees vary — always confirm current amounts with your state's licensing agency before you apply. If you believe we have missed something, please let us know.

* No separate fee listed by state licensing agency
** Included in license or combined application fee
*** Written test fee included (no separate charge)
**** Skills test included in overall testing process or combined fee
***** Road test included in skills test process
****** Endorsement fee not listed by state licensing agency
† Verified directly against official state licensing sources, June 2026
‡ Updated June 2026 based on a cross-check of current state licensing fee schedules
All figures are subject to change — confirm with your state's licensing agency before applying.

How Much Does a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) Cost?

CLP application fees range from $3 to $125 depending on the state, with most states charging $10–$40. New Jersey's $125 is the highest — but it's an examination receipt that covers your knowledge and skills testing, not just the permit. In addition to the CLP fee, you'll need a Medical Examiner's Certificate, which typically costs $75–$150 depending on the provider and is not usually covered by health insurance.

To earn your CLP you'll need to pass a written test based on your state's CDL manual — 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 (80%) correctly. Most states post their manual online; the FMCSA maintains a directory of state resources. You can also prepare with our free CDL practice tests, which feature real questions pulled from state CDL manuals. Full CLP instructions: The Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) & Becoming a Truck Driver.

How Much Does the CDL Application Cost?

Most states include the application in the license or permit fee itself; where charged separately, application fees run up to about $35 (Georgia). The application collects your identification information, certification questions (residency, medical conditions, qualifications), and which endorsements you're pursuing.

How Much Do CDL Endorsement Fees Cost?

Endorsement fees typically run $1–$48 per endorsement depending on the state, and some states (like Georgia) include endorsements free at initial issuance. There are six endorsements commercial truck drivers can add to their CDL:

• Double/Triple Trailers (Knowledge Test Only)
• Passenger (Knowledge and Skills Tests)
• Tank Vehicle (Knowledge Test Only)
• Hazardous Materials (Knowledge Test Only — plus a TSA background check with fingerprinting, typically an additional $86–$90)
• Combination of Tank Vehicle and Hazardous Materials (Knowledge Test Only)
• School Bus (Knowledge and Skills Tests)

How Much Does the CDL Written Test Cost?

Written (knowledge) test fees range from $0 to $50 depending on the state — most states include the knowledge test in the CLP or license fee. The exam covers safe operating speeds, cargo handling, electronic logging devices, vehicle systems, and more. Test-takers receive 60 minutes. Endorsement tests add roughly 20–25 questions each, usually untimed.

How Much Does the CDL Skills Test Cost?

Skills test fees range from $0 (included in application or testing fees) to about $190 depending on the state. The skills test has three parts: a pre-trip inspection, a basic vehicle control test, and an on-road driving test. It must be scheduled in advance, and in many states it's administered by state-certified third-party testers whose fees vary within a state-set maximum — Wisconsin's third-party full test runs $150, Washington's $175, and Idaho's up to $190.

If you have two or more years of military driving experience, you may qualify for a skills test waiver. See the FMCSA's Military Driver Programs for the waiver and the Even Exchange program.

How Much Does the CDL License Itself Cost?

The license fee ranges from about $17.50 (Colorado) to $164.50 (New York), with most states in the $25–$100 range. Note that some states price per year of the license term — Iowa's $8/year comes to $40–$64 for a typical term, Hawaii's $5/year to $40, and North Carolina's ~$21.50/year to $107.50 for five years. Renewal cycles vary by state, so check your state's requirements.

What Are the Total Costs of Getting a CDL?

Core state fees — permit, application, testing, and license — typically total $75–$300 depending on your state, ranging from about $37 in Colorado to roughly $345 in Oregon. But state fees are the small part. CDL training tuition typically runs $3,000–$8,000 and can exceed $10,000 at some private programs, and federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required for all first-time CDL applicants. Add the DOT medical exam ($75–$150), and the realistic all-in cost of getting a CDL on your own is several thousand dollars. For the full training-cost picture, see our CDL school cost guide.

Alternatively, you can avoid most of these expenses through Roehl's Get Your CDL™ paid training program. You're hired as a full-time employee on day one and earn a paycheck while you train — no tuition. Training lasts about three weeks at a Roehl terminal, with multiple locations available. See how to get your CDL for the step-by-step process, and our guide to choosing a CDL training program if you're comparing options.

Frequently Asked Questions: CDL Fees

How much does it cost to get a CDL?

Core state fees (permit, application, testing, and license) typically total $75–$300 depending on your state. Training tuition is the bigger cost — typically $3,000–$8,000+ at private CDL schools. Company-sponsored programs like Roehl's Get Your CDL™ eliminate tuition entirely and pay you during training.

Which states have the lowest CDL fees?

Based on combined core fees (license, permit, and testing), the lowest-fee states include Colorado (about $37), New Mexico (about $38), Kansas (about $48), Michigan (about $50), and Indiana and Iowa (about $52 each). Exact totals depend on endorsements and license class.

Which states have the highest CDL fees?

Based on combined core fees, the highest-fee states include Oregon (about $345), Washington (about $317), Pennsylvania (about $273), Idaho (about $269), and Wisconsin (about $254). High-fee states typically charge separately for skills testing through third-party examiners.

How much does a Commercial Learner's Permit cost?

CLP fees range from $3 to $125 by state; most states charge $10–$40. You'll also need a Medical Examiner's Certificate (typically $75–$150, paid to the medical provider).

How much does the CDL skills test cost?

From $0 (included in other fees) up to about $190 depending on the state. Many states use third-party testers with state-set maximum fees. Military drivers with two or more years of experience may qualify for a skills test waiver through the FMCSA.

How much do CDL endorsements cost?

Typically $1–$48 per endorsement depending on the state; some states include endorsements free at initial issuance. Hazmat endorsements add a TSA background check with fingerprinting, usually an additional $86–$90 regardless of state.

How much is the DOT medical exam for a CDL?

Typically $75–$150, depending on the examiner and location. It's paid directly to the medical provider, is required before you can get your CLP, and is not usually covered by health insurance. Find a certified examiner through the FMCSA National Registry.

Can military drivers skip the CDL skills test?

In most states, yes — drivers with at least two years of qualifying military commercial vehicle experience may be eligible for the FMCSA Military Skills Test Waiver, and some qualify for the Even Exchange program, which can waive knowledge tests as well. Some states, including Georgia, also waive licensing fees for qualifying veterans.

Do CDL fees change?

Yes — states adjust fees periodically, and several states (including Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Texas) have significantly restructured CDL-related fees in recent years. The table above notes how each figure was verified. Always confirm current fees with your state licensing agency before applying.

Can I avoid paying CDL fees and tuition?

You can avoid tuition — the largest cost — through paid, company-sponsored training. Roehl's Get Your CDL™ program hires you as a full-time employee on day one, pays you while you train, and covers the training itself. State licensing fees still apply, but the total out-of-pocket cost drops from thousands of dollars to a few hundred.