Driver's license fees vary by state, from about $20 to $150 for a standard license

The cost of a driver's license depends on which state you live in, what type of license you need, and how long you want it to be valid. Most states charge between $20 and $60 for a standard five-year or eight-year license. Some states charge more for Real ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal identification standards. A few states charge less for shorter validity periods.

Beyond the license fee itself, you may also pay for the written test, the driving test, and the documents you need to bring—like certified birth certificates or passport photos. These costs add up differently depending on your state and whether you're getting your first license or renewing one.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard driver's license fees range from about $20 to $150 depending on your state and the license type you choose.
  • Real ID licenses, which work for federal purposes like boarding planes, usually cost $10 to $30 more than standard licenses in most states.
  • Written and driving tests typically cost $5 to $30 each, and these fees are separate from the license fee itself.
  • You will need to pay for certified documents like birth certificates or passport photos before you can get your license, which can add $10 to $50 to your total cost.
  • Renewal fees are usually lower than the cost of a new license, and many states now offer online renewals at a reduced rate.

Standard license fees by state

Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency sets the fee for a standard driver's license. States with lower fees include South Carolina ($20), Oklahoma ($25), and Tennessee ($27). States with higher fees include Illinois ($150), New Hampshire ($120), and Maryland ($109). Most states fall between $40 and $80.

The fee you pay usually covers a license valid for four to eight years, depending on your state. Younger drivers sometimes pay less because their licenses expire sooner. Some states charge different amounts based on whether you want a standard license or an enhanced license that also works for border crossing.

Real ID licenses cost more but work for federal purposes

A Real ID-compliant license meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Most states charge an extra $10 to $30 on top of the standard license fee to issue a Real ID license. A few states include Real ID compliance in the standard fee at no extra charge.

You will need to show more documents to get a Real ID license than a standard one. You must bring proof of citizenship (like a passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The extra documents themselves may cost money if you need to order a certified birth certificate or passport.

Test fees for written and driving exams

If you are taking your written test for the first time, most states charge $5 to $15 for that exam. The driving test (also called the road test or practical exam) usually costs $10 to $30. Some states bundle these fees into the license fee; others charge them separately when you take the test.

If you fail a test, you usually pay the test fee again to retake it. Some states allow you to retake a failed written test the same day at no extra charge, while others make you wait a few days and pay again. Check your state's DMV website to see the retake policy before you schedule your test.

Document costs you may need to pay

Before you can get a driver's license, you need to bring documents that prove your identity, date of birth, and address. If you do not have these documents already, you will need to order them. A certified birth certificate costs $10 to $30 depending on your state and how fast you need it. A passport photo costs $10 to $20 at most drugstores or photo studios.

If you need to prove your Social Security number, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration at no cost, but it takes one to two weeks to arrive. Some people choose to bring a tax return or W-2 form instead, which they already have. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of documents it accepts so you do not buy something you do not need.

Renewal fees are usually lower than new license fees

Renewing an existing driver's license costs less than getting a new one in most states. Renewal fees typically range from $15 to $80, depending on your state. Many states offer online renewal at a reduced rate—sometimes $10 to $20 less than renewing in person at the DMV.

You can renew your license before it expires, usually 30 to 90 days before the expiration date. Some states allow you to renew by mail or online without visiting the DMV at all, which saves you time and sometimes money. Check your state's DMV website to see whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal and what the fee is.

Commercial and specialty licenses cost more

A commercial driver's license (CDL), which you need to drive a truck or bus for work, costs more than a standard license. CDL fees range from $50 to $200 depending on your state, and you will also pay for a commercial written test and a commercial driving test. Some states charge these tests separately; others bundle them into the CDL fee.

Motorcycle endorsements, which allow you to ride a motorcycle on your standard license, usually cost $10 to $30 extra. Hazmat endorsements for commercial drivers cost $75 to $85 in most states. If you need multiple endorsements, each one may have its own fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for a Real ID license or can I get a standard one?

You can choose a standard license if your state offers both. However, starting May 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you plan to fly or visit federal facilities, a Real ID license is worth the extra cost now rather than paying for a passport later.

What happens if I lose my license before it expires?

A replacement license usually costs the same as a renewal fee, which is less than a new license. You will need to go to your DMV in person with your documents and report the loss. Some states charge an extra $5 to $10 for a replacement, while others charge the same renewal rate.

Can I get a license if I cannot afford the fee right now?

Most states do not offer fee waivers for driver's licenses based on income. However, some states have payment plans or reduced fees for certain groups. Contact your state's DMV directly to ask whether any reduced-cost options are available to you.

Do I have to pay for the written test if I already passed it in another state?

If you are moving to a new state and already have a valid driver's license, you can usually transfer it without taking the written test again. You will pay a transfer or renewal fee instead, which is lower than the cost of a new license with tests. Bring your current license and proof of residency to your new state's DMV.

What if I fail the driving test—do I have to pay again?

Yes, most states charge the driving test fee again if you fail and want to retake it. The fee is usually the same as the first attempt, though a few states offer a discount on retakes. Some states let you retake the test the same day at no extra charge if you fail in the morning and want to try again in the afternoon.