The Class B endorsement fee is a separate charge added to your CDL renewal or initial process, and the amount depends on which state issues your license.
A Class B endorsement allows you to operate certain vehicles that fall between a standard passenger vehicle and a full Class A or Class B commercial truck — typically straight trucks (single-unit trucks) with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds, or buses designed to carry 16 or more passengers. The fee to add or renew this endorsement is not included in your base CDL fee; it is charged separately by your state's DMV.
The cost ranges from roughly $5 to $50 depending on your state, and some states charge the same fee whether you are adding the endorsement for the first time or renewing it. Other states charge different amounts for initial endorsement versus renewal. A few states bundle endorsement fees into a single CDL fee structure, so you will not see a separate line item.
Key Takeaways
- Class B endorsement fees are charged separately from your base CDL fee and vary by state, typically between $5 and $50.
- You must pay the endorsement fee when you first add the endorsement to your license or when you renew your CDL if the endorsement is still active.
- Some states charge one flat fee for both initial and renewal; others charge different amounts depending on whether you are adding it new or keeping it current.
- The endorsement fee does not cover the written test or skills test — those are separate costs that vary by state and testing provider.
- You cannot operate a vehicle requiring a Class B endorsement without paying the fee and having the endorsement officially recorded on your license.
How State DMV Fees Are Structured
Most states charge the Class B endorsement fee as a line item on your CDL process or renewal form. When you submit your paperwork to the DMV, you will see the base CDL fee, then separate charges for each endorsement you want to add or maintain. The endorsement fee is non-refundable once you have submitted your process, even if you do not pass the written or skills test.
A handful of states — including some that issue CDLs through third-party testing centers — do not break out endorsement fees separately. Instead, they charge a single CDL fee that covers the license itself plus any endorsements you hold. In those cases, your total cost depends on how many endorsements you carry, but you will not see individual line items on your receipt.
Some states also charge a separate endorsement test fee on top of the endorsement fee itself. This covers the cost of administering the written test specific to the Class B endorsement. That test fee is typically $10 to $20 and is paid at the time you take the test, not when you submit your process.
Initial Endorsement versus Renewal Costs
When you add a Class B endorsement to an existing CDL for the first time, you pay the endorsement fee plus any test fees. The endorsement fee itself is usually the same whether you are adding it new or renewing it, but some states charge a lower renewal fee if you are straightforward keeping an endorsement you already hold.
If your CDL is expiring and you want to keep your Class B endorsement active, you must pay the endorsement fee again as part of your renewal. The fee is due even if you do not take another test — the endorsement does not automatically carry over without payment. A few states waive the endorsement fee if you renew your CDL within a certain window (often 30 to 90 days before or after expiration), but this is uncommon and varies by state.
State-by-State Fee Variation
Because CDL fees are set by individual states, there is no single national Class B endorsement fee. The table below shows examples of how fees differ across a sample of states; your actual fee depends on where you hold or plan to obtain your license.
| State | Class B Endorsement Fee (Approximate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | $35–$45 | Charged per endorsement; test fee separate |
| Texas | $20–$30 | Included in CDL fee structure; no separate line item |
| Florida | $10–$15 | Charged at renewal; initial endorsement may differ |
| New York | $25–$35 | Separate fee; test administered by DMV |
| Ohio | $5–$10 | Lower fee; test fee charged separately |
These amounts are examples and change periodically. Your state DMV website will list the exact current fee for your state and endorsement type. Some states also increase fees every few years, so the amount you paid last time may not match what you owe now.
What the Endorsement Fee Covers and Does Not Cover
The endorsement fee pays for the administrative cost of adding or maintaining the endorsement on your license record. It does not cover the written test, the skills test, or any training you may need to prepare for those tests. Those costs are separate and are charged by your state DMV or by a third-party testing provider.
The endorsement fee also does not cover your CDL medical certificate (if required), your background check, or any other documents the state may request. If you are renewing your CDL and adding a new endorsement at the same time, you will pay both the base CDL renewal fee and the endorsement fee, plus any test fees.
Once you have paid the endorsement fee and passed the required tests, the endorsement is printed on your physical license and recorded in the state's DMV database. You do not pay the fee again until your CDL expires and you renew it.
How to Find Your State's Exact Fee
The fastest way to find your state's Class B endorsement fee is to visit your state DMV website and search for "CDL fees" or "endorsement fees." Most states publish a fee schedule that lists every endorsement and its cost. You can also call your local DMV office or visit in person to ask about the current fee before you submit your process.
If you are working with a third-party CDL testing center, ask them for a fee breakdown before you schedule your tests. Some testing centers charge their own administration fees on top of the state endorsement fee, and you need to know the total cost upfront. Do not assume the endorsement fee is the only charge you will owe.
Common Mistakes When Paying Endorsement Fees
The most common mistake is not realizing that the endorsement fee is separate from the CDL fee. Drivers often arrive at the DMV with payment for only the base license and are surprised to learn they owe additional money for each endorsement. Bring enough to cover both, or check your state's fee schedule before you go.
Another mistake is paying the endorsement fee but not taking the required test. Some drivers think the fee alone adds the endorsement to their license. It does not — you must pass the written test (and sometimes a skills test) after paying the fee. If you do not pass, you lose the fee and must pay again if you want to retake the test.
A third mistake is not paying the endorsement fee at renewal time. If your CDL expires and you renew it without paying to keep your Class B endorsement active, the endorsement will be removed from your license. You will then have to pay the fee again and retake the test to add it back, which costs more than straightforward renewing it on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I pay the endorsement fee but fail the test?
No. The endorsement fee is non-refundable once submitted, even if you do not pass the written or skills test. You will need to pay the fee again if you want to retake the test. Some states allow you to retake the test within a certain window (often 30 days) without paying the fee again, so check your state's policy before you give up.
Do I have to pay the endorsement fee if I am renewing my CDL but not using the Class B endorsement anymore?
No. If you do not want to keep the endorsement active, you do not have to pay the fee. The endorsement will be removed from your license at renewal. If you change your mind later and want to add it back, you will have to pay the fee and pass the test again.
Is the Class B endorsement fee the same in every state?
No. Each state sets its own endorsement fees, and they vary widely — from as low as $5 in some states to $50 or more in others. Your state DMV website will show the exact fee for your location. If you move to a different state, you will need to transfer your CDL to that state and may pay a different endorsement fee.
What if I add the Class B endorsement at the same time I renew my CDL?
You will pay both the CDL renewal fee and the endorsement fee. Some states offer a small discount if you do both at once, but most charge the full amount for each. Ask your state DMV whether a combined renewal-and-endorsement discount is available.
Do I pay the endorsement fee every time I renew my CDL?
Yes, if you want to keep the endorsement active. The endorsement fee is due at each renewal cycle, just like your base CDL fee. If you do not pay it, the endorsement will be removed from your license and you will have to reapply and retake the test to add it back.