California Heavy Truck Driver (CDL) License Cost
Every fee the state charges, what training adds on top, and what the same licence costs in other states.
The fees, itemised
These are the state's own charges. Training is the big variable and is listed separately where the state sets a requirement.
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $100 | |
| Renewal fee | $59 | |
| Total | $146 | before exam retakes |
The state fees are fixed. Training is the part that moves: community college, private trade school and employer-sponsored apprenticeship can differ by thousands of dollars for the same licence.
Renewal
Renewal costs $59. Over ten years that is about $590 in renewals alone.
Cost in other states
| State | State fees | Time | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $146 | — | $58,270 |
| Florida | $75 | — | $52,760 |
| Texas | $122 | — | $54,550 |
Cheapest route we found: Florida at $75. Highest median pay: California at $58,270 — the two are rarely the same state, which is the whole decision.
Sources
- https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/“If you have never had a commercial driver’s license (CDL) ... you first need to get a CLP and hold it for at least 14 days.”
- https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/licensing-fees/“Commercial Class A or B Application Original Fee $100 ... Application Renewal Fee $59 ... Commercial driving or skill retest Fee $46”
- https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/“Successful completion of Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) conducted by a registered training provider listed on the federal Training Provider Registry (TPR) is required”
- https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/commercial-driver-licenses-cdl/“If you have a valid CDL from another state that is current or has been expired for less than two years, you can surrender that license”