Driver's license fees vary by state and by the type of license you need
The cost to get a driver's license depends on three things: which state you live in, what type of license you're getting, and whether you're renewing an existing license or getting one for the first time. A standard Class D passenger license costs between $20 and $200 depending on the state. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more — typically $50 to $300 — because it requires additional testing and background checks. Some states charge extra for REAL ID-compliant licenses, and a few charge different rates based on how long the license is valid.
Most states bundle the written test, road test, and license issuance into a single fee. A few states charge separately for each component. If you fail the road test, you usually pay a retest fee ($5 to $50) when you try again. Replacement licenses for lost or damaged cards cost $10 to $75 in most states. The fees listed here are current as of early 2024, but states change them regularly — always check your state DMV website for the exact amount before you go in.
Key Takeaways
- Standard driver's license fees range from $20 to $200 depending on your state, with most states charging $40 to $100.
- Commercial driver's licenses cost more than standard licenses because they require additional testing, background checks, and medical certification.
- REAL ID-compliant licenses may cost $5 to $25 extra in some states, though many states now include REAL ID at no additional charge.
- Road test retakes, replacement cards, and address changes each carry separate fees that vary by state.
- Payment methods at the DMV are usually cash, debit, or credit card, but some states accept only certain methods — check ahead.
Standard driver's license fees by state
The following table shows the base fee for a standard Class D (passenger) driver's license in each state. These are the fees for a first-time license or a renewal. The validity period varies — some states issue 4-year licenses, others 8-year, and a few issue licenses valid for different lengths depending on your age.
| State | Standard License Fee | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $32.50 | 8 years |
| Alaska | $97 | 5 years |
| Arizona | $45 | 12 years |
| Arkansas | $22.50 | 4 years |
| California | $39 | 5 years |
| Colorado | $31.50 | 10 years |
| Connecticut | $127 | 8 years |
| Delaware | $70 | 8 years |
| Florida | $87.50 | 8 years |
| Georgia | $32 | 8 years |
| Hawaii | $60 | 6 years |
| Idaho | $38.25 | 8 years |
| Illinois | $151 | 4 years |
| Indiana | $36.25 | 8 years |
| Iowa | $24.50 | 8 years |
| Kansas | $99.50 | 6 years |
| Kentucky | $38 | 8 years |
| Louisiana | $60 | 6 years |
| Maine | $65 | 6 years |
| Maryland | $109 | 8 years |
| Massachusetts | $100 | 5 years |
| Michigan | $65 | 8 years |
| Minnesota | $68 | 8 years |
| Mississippi | $40 | 8 years |
| Missouri | $67.50 | 6 years |
| Montana | $85 | 8 years |
| Nebraska | $41.50 | 5 years |
| Nevada | $60 | 8 years |
| New Hampshire | $100 | 5 years |
| New Jersey | $144 | 10 years |
| New Mexico | $45 | 8 years |
| New York | $120 | 8 years |
| North Carolina | $80 | 8 years |
| North Dakota | $40 | 6 years |
| Ohio | $40.50 | 8 years |
| Oklahoma | $55 | 8 years |
| Oregon | $70 | 8 years |
| Pennsylvania | $135.50 | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | $100 | 5 years |
| South Carolina | $75 | 10 years |
| South Dakota | $48 | 5 years |
| Tennessee | $70 | 8 years |
| Texas | $95 | 8 years |
| Utah | $40 | 5 years |
| Vermont | $100 | 6 years |
| Virginia | $70 | 8 years |
| Washington | $72 | 12 years |
| West Virginia | $45 | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | $79.50 | 8 years |
| Wyoming | $50 | 6 years |
These fees cover the written test, road test, and the license card itself. In most states, you pay once at the DMV and that covers everything. A few states — including California, New York, and Texas — charge a separate fee if you want a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) fees
A commercial driver's license costs more than a standard license because it requires a medical examination, additional written tests for the endorsement you need (tanker, hazmat, passenger, etc.), and a more rigorous road test. Most states charge between $50 and $300 for a CDL, depending on the endorsements. Some states charge a base fee for the license plus an additional fee for each endorsement you add.
For example, Texas charges $95 for the base CDL, plus $10 to $20 per endorsement. New York charges $120 for the base license plus $25 per endorsement. You must also pay for a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination, which is not part of the DMV fee — that typically costs $50 to $150 and must be done by a certified medical examiner. The medical certificate is valid for two years and must be renewed before your CDL expires.
If you fail the CDL road test, most states charge $25 to $75 to retake it. Some states allow unlimited retakes at no additional cost within a certain period, while others charge each time. Check your state's CDL handbook for the exact retake policy.
REAL ID and other add-on fees
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license is required for federal building access and domestic air travel. As of May 7, 2025, you cannot board a domestic flight or enter a federal building with a standard driver's license — you need either a REAL ID license, a passport, or a military ID.
Most states now include REAL ID compliance at no extra charge when you renew or get a new license. However, some states still charge $5 to $25 extra if you want the REAL ID version. Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are among the states that charge an additional fee. Check your state DMV website to confirm whether REAL ID is included in the base fee or costs extra.
Other add-on fees include organ donor registration (usually free but sometimes $1 to $5), address changes ($5 to $25), and name changes due to marriage or court order ($10 to $50). These are separate from the license fee itself and are charged only if you request them.
Replacement and duplicate license fees
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement card. Most states charge $10 to $75 for a replacement, and the new card is usually issued the same day or within a few days. Some states charge less for a duplicate (an extra copy of your current license) than for a replacement (a new card with a new number).
A few states offer rush processing for an extra fee — typically $10 to $25 — if you need the replacement within 24 hours. Mail-in replacement is available in some states and costs the same as in-person replacement, though it takes longer.
Road test and written test retake fees
If you fail the written test, most states let you retake it when ready or within a few days at no additional cost. However, some states charge $5 to $15 per retake after the first attempt. Check your state's rules before you schedule your test.
Road test retakes are almost always charged separately. The fee ranges from $5 to $50 depending on the state. Some states include one free retake within a certain period (usually 30 to 90 days), while others charge every time. If you fail the road test, you must pay the retake fee to schedule another appointment. In some states, you can retake the test the same day; in others, you must wait several days.
Payment methods and what to bring
Most DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some states accept checks or money orders, but this is becoming less common. A few states accept only cash or debit at certain locations. Call your local DMV office ahead of time to confirm what payment methods they accept — this varies by location even within the same state.
Bring your fee in the exact amount or be prepared for change. Some DMV offices have limited cash on hand and may not be able to make large change. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — online payment is not available at most DMV offices, though a few states now offer online renewal with card payment for certain transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full fee if I fail the road test?
No. The road test fee is separate from the license fee. If you fail the road test, you pay only the retake fee (typically $5 to $50) when you schedule your next attempt. You do not pay the full license fee again unless your written test also expires and must be retaken.
What if I renew my license early — do I pay the full fee?
Yes, in most states you pay the full renewal fee even if you renew early. However, your new license will be valid for the full term from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date. Some states offer a small discount if you renew within a certain window before expiration