CDL endorsement fees vary by state, but most charge between $5 and $15 per endorsement when you add it to an existing CDL

The cost to add an endorsement to your commercial driver's license depends entirely on which state issued your license. Some states charge a flat fee per endorsement—often $10—while others bundle endorsement fees into their CDL renewal cost or charge nothing at all at the time of addition. A few states charge more if you're adding multiple endorsements at once.

The fee you pay covers the state's cost to update your license record, run the required background check for certain endorsements (like hazmat), and issue your new card. It does not cover the cost of the written test or skills test you may need to pass first.

If you're renewing your CDL at the same time you add an endorsement, some states roll both fees together into one payment. Others charge them separately. You'll find the exact amount when you visit your state's DMV website or call your local office.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states charge $5 to $15 per endorsement, though a few charge nothing or significantly more.
  • The endorsement fee covers the license update and background check, not the written or skills test.
  • Some states charge the fee only when you renew your CDL; others charge it when ready when you add the endorsement.
  • Your state's DMV website lists the exact fee before you pay, so you can confirm the cost for your specific endorsement.
  • Hazmat endorsements may have an additional federal background check fee on top of the state endorsement fee.

How endorsement fees differ by state

There is no federal endorsement fee—each state sets its own. Texas charges $10 per endorsement. California charges $20 for a hazmat endorsement and $10 for others. New York charges $10 per endorsement. Florida charges $7.50. Some states, like Oregon, charge nothing to add an endorsement to an existing CDL but do charge when you renew.

A few states charge a single flat fee that covers all endorsements you add at once, rather than charging per endorsement. Others charge more if you're adding endorsements during a renewal versus adding them between renewals. The variation is significant enough that you should check your state's DMV fee schedule before you budget for the endorsement.

Your state's DMV website will have a fee table or schedule. Search "[your state] CDL endorsement fee" or call your local DMV office. They can tell you the exact amount for the endorsement you want and whether it changes if you're renewing at the same time.

Hazmat endorsement fees and federal background checks

A hazmat (hazardous materials) endorsement usually costs more than other endorsements because it requires a federal background check run by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Your state charges its endorsement fee, and the TSA charges a separate background check fee.

The TSA background check fee is $97.50 as of 2024, though this amount can change. Your state's endorsement fee is separate from this. So a hazmat endorsement in Texas would cost $10 (state) plus $97.50 (federal), totaling $107.50. In California it would be $20 plus $97.50, totaling $117.50.

You pay the TSA fee when you explore for the hazmat endorsement, usually through your state DMV. The fee is non-refundable even if your background check fails or you withdraw your process. Ask your DMV whether they collect the TSA fee upfront or whether you pay it separately to the TSA.

When you pay the endorsement fee

Most states charge the endorsement fee when you submit your process for the endorsement, before you take any tests. A few states charge it only when you renew your CDL, even if you added the endorsement years earlier. Some charge it when ready when you pass the written test but before you take the skills test.

The timing matters because the fee is usually non-refundable. If you pay the fee, fail the skills test, and want to retake it, you typically do not pay the endorsement fee again—you only pay a retest fee, which is usually smaller. But if you pay the fee and then decide not to pursue the endorsement, you lose the money.

Ask your DMV when the fee is due and whether it is refundable if you do not complete the endorsement process. Some states will refund it if you withdraw before taking the written test, but not after.

Other costs that come with endorsements

The endorsement fee itself is separate from the cost of the written test and the skills test. Most states do not charge for the written test, but some charge $5 to $10. The skills test (also called the road test or driving test) usually costs $50 to $150, depending on your state and whether you use a third-party tester or the DMV.

If you fail the skills test, you pay a retest fee, which is usually $25 to $75. You do not pay the endorsement fee again. If you need to take a training course before you test—which is not required by law but is common for hazmat or tanker endorsements—that course costs $200 to $500 and is paid to a private training provider, not the DMV.

Some states also charge a small fee to replace your physical CDL card if you add an endorsement between renewals. This is usually $5 to $10 and is included in or separate from the endorsement fee depending on the state.

How to find your state's exact endorsement fee

Go to your state's DMV website and search for "CDL endorsement fees" or "commercial driver's license fees." Most states have a fee schedule that lists every endorsement and its cost. If the website does not have it, call your local DMV office and ask for the endorsement fee for the specific endorsement you want.

When you call or visit, have ready the endorsement code or name (for example, "hazmat" or "passenger"). The DMV staff can tell you the fee, when you pay it, whether it is refundable, and what tests you need to pass. They can also tell you whether the fee changes if you are renewing your CDL at the same time.

Some states allow you to pay the endorsement fee online when you submit your process. Others require you to pay in person at a DMV office or by mail. Check your state's website to see which payment methods are accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the endorsement fee if I fail the skills test?

No. You pay the endorsement fee upfront, and if you fail the skills test, you pay only a retest fee (usually $25 to $75) to try again. The endorsement fee covers the license update, not the test itself. If you decide not to pursue the endorsement after paying the fee, most states do not refund it.

Is the hazmat endorsement fee the same in every state?

No. The TSA background check fee is $97.50 nationwide, but your state's endorsement fee varies. California charges $20, Texas charges $10, and some states charge nothing. Your total hazmat cost depends on both fees combined.

Can I add multiple endorsements at once to save on fees?

Most states charge per endorsement, so adding two endorsements costs twice as much as adding one. A few states charge a single flat fee for all endorsements added at the same time, so it may be cheaper to add them together. Check your state's fee schedule or call the DMV to confirm.

What if my state's DMV website does not list the endorsement fee?

Call your local DMV office directly. They can tell you the exact fee, when it is due, and what payment methods they accept. Some states update their fees annually, so calling is faster than searching an outdated website.

Do I pay the endorsement fee when I renew my CDL, or when I add the endorsement?

It depends on your state. Some charge it when ready when you add the endorsement between renewals. Others charge it only during your CDL renewal. A few charge it both times. Your state's DMV website or a phone call will clarify which applies to you.