What you pay depends on your state, the type of license you want, and whether you are renewing or getting one for the first time
Driver's license fees vary widely across the United States. A standard adult driver's license costs between $20 and $150, depending on where you live and how long the license is valid. Some states charge more for REAL ID-compliant licenses, and fees for commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and other special licenses are higher. Renewal fees are often lower than the cost of an original license.
The fee you pay covers the cost of the license card itself, the background check, the written test, and the road test (if required). Some states bundle these into one fee; others charge separately for each component. A few states offer reduced fees for seniors or people with low incomes, though these discounts are not common.
Beyond the license fee itself, you may also pay for things the DMV does not charge for directly: the written test study guide (if you buy one), the road test appointment (usually included in the fee but sometimes separate), and replacement documents like birth certificates or proof of residency if you do not have them on hand.
Key Takeaways
- Standard driver's license fees range from $20 to $150 depending on your state and the length of validity, with REAL ID licenses often costing $10 to $30 more.
- Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) and motorcycle endorsements cost significantly more—typically $50 to $200 additional—because they require extra testing and background checks.
- Renewal fees are usually lower than original license fees and do not require a road test, so you pay less the second time around.
- You may need to pay for supporting documents like birth certificates or state ID cards before you can get your driver's license, and these costs are separate from the DMV fee.
Standard Driver's License Fees by State
The following table shows the current fee for a standard, non-commercial driver's license in each state. Fees are for an original license (not a renewal) and assume you are an adult (18 or older). Fees change periodically, so contact your state DMV to confirm the exact amount before you go in.
| State | Original License Fee | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $25 | 4 years |
| Alaska | $20 | 5 years |
| Arizona | $25 | 5 years |
| Arkansas | $22.50 | 4 years |
| California | $36 | 5 years |
| Colorado | $31 | 5 years |
| Connecticut | $72 | 8 years |
| Delaware | $24 | 5 years |
| Florida | $87.50 | 6 years |
| Georgia | $32 | 5 years |
| Hawaii | $36 | 5 years |
| Idaho | $38 | 5 years |
| Illinois | $30 | 4 years |
| Indiana | $24 | 4 years |
| Iowa | $24 | 4 years |
| Kansas | $20 | 4 years |
| Kentucky | $38 | 4 years |
| Louisiana | $32.50 | 4 years |
| Maine | $35 | 6 years |
| Maryland | $109 | 8 years |
| Massachusetts | $50 | 5 years |
| Michigan | $25 | 4 years |
| Minnesota | $25 | 4 years |
| Mississippi | $24.50 | 4 years |
| Missouri | $25 | 6 years |
| Montana | $39 | 4 years |
| Nebraska | $28 | 5 years |
| Nevada | $60 | 4 years |
| New Hampshire | $30 | 5 years |
| New Jersey | $24 | 4 years |
| New Mexico | $25 | 4 years |
| New York | $65 | 5 years |
| North Carolina | $30 | 5 years |
| North Dakota | $20 | 4 years |
| Ohio | $27 | 4 years |
| Oklahoma | $38 | 4 years |
| Oregon | $50 | 5 years |
| Pennsylvania | $38.25 | 4 years |
| Rhode Island | $65 | 5 years |
| South Carolina | $24 | 5 years |
| South Dakota | $24 | 5 years |
| Tennessee | $27.50 | 5 years |
| Texas | $33 | 5 years |
| Utah | $33 | 5 years |
| Vermont | $70 | 4 years |
| Virginia | $37.50 | 5 years |
| Washington | $72 | 5 years |
| West Virginia | $21.50 | 5 years |
| Wisconsin | $28 | 5 years |
| Wyoming | $20 | 4 years |
The fees shown above are the most recent available but may have changed. Before you visit the DMV, check your state's official DMV website to confirm the current fee. Some states charge different amounts for licenses with different validity periods—for example, you may pay less for a 2-year license than a 5-year license.
REAL ID Licenses and Enhanced Licenses Cost More
A REAL ID-compliant driver's license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Most states now issue REAL ID licenses as the standard, but some still offer a non-compliant option at a lower price. If your state offers both, the REAL ID version typically costs $10 to $30 more than a standard license.
An enhanced driver's license is a step above REAL ID and allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport. Enhanced licenses are available in only a few states (Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington) and cost $20 to $50 more than a standard license.
If you are unsure whether your state's standard license is REAL ID-compliant, check your state DMV website or ask at the counter when you explore. You cannot use a non-compliant license for domestic air travel after the federal important date, so it is worth confirming before you pay.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Fees
A commercial driver's license is required to drive a truck, bus, or other large vehicle for work. CDL fees are significantly higher than standard license fees because they require additional testing, medical certification, and background checks. Most states charge between $50 and $200 for an original CDL, on top of the standard driver's license fee.
Some states bundle the CDL fee with the standard license fee; others charge them separately. You will also need to pay for a medical examination (called a DOT physical) before you can get a CDL. This exam is not performed by the DMV and typically costs $50 to $150 at a clinic or doctor's office.
If you want to add endorsements to your CDL—such as a hazmat endorsement or a passenger endorsement—each one costs extra, usually $5 to $25 per endorsement. These fees vary by state.
Motorcycle Endorsement and Other Add-On Fees
A motorcycle endorsement allows you to legally ride a motorcycle. In most states, you can add a motorcycle endorsement to your existing driver's license for $10 to $50. Some states require you to pass a written test and a riding skills test; others waive the riding test if you complete an approved motorcycle safety course.
Other endorsements and restrictions also have fees. For example, adding a school bus endorsement, a passenger endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement typically costs $5 to $25 each. A duplicate or replacement license (if you lose your card or need to update your photo) usually costs $5 to $25.
If you need to add multiple endorsements at once, ask your DMV whether they offer a package deal or whether you pay per endorsement. Some states charge a single fee to add all endorsements at the same time.
Renewal Fees Are Usually Lower Than Original License Fees
Renewing your driver's license costs less than getting an original license in most states because you do not have to take a written test or a road test. Renewal fees typically range from $15 to $100, depending on your state and the validity period of the new license.
Some states allow you to renew by mail or online, which may cost slightly less than renewing in person. A few states charge the same fee for renewal as for an original license, so check your state's DMV website to see what you will pay.
If you renew early (before your current license expires), some states give you a discount or extend your license validity period at no extra cost. Others charge the full renewal fee regardless of when you renew. Ask your DMV about early renewal discounts before you pay.
Additional Costs You May Need to Pay
The DMV fee covers the license card and the testing, but you may need to pay for supporting documents before you can get your license. A birth certificate costs $10 to $30 depending on which state issued it and how you order it. A state ID card (if you do not have a driver's license yet) costs $15 to $50 depending on your state.
If you need to prove your address, you may have to pay for a utility bill or other document. Some states accept free documents like a lease or a bank statement; others require you to pay for an official document. Check your state's list of acceptable documents before you go to the DMV.
If you fail the written test or the road test, you may have to pay a retest fee to try again. Retest fees are usually $5 to $25 per attempt. Some states include one or two free retests in the original license fee; others charge for every attempt after the first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the full license fee if I fail the road test?
No. In most states, if you fail the road test, you pay only a retest fee (usually $5 to $25) to try again, not the full license fee. However, if you fail the written test, some states charge a retest