CDL Cost in Texas 2026: State Fees and Total Planning

Texas publishes the main commercial-license fees, so the state portion is easy to separate from school, medical, vehicle, and endorsement expenses. For most first-time applicants, training is the largest variable cost.

Published Texas DPS Fees

• Original Commercial Learner Permit: $25.
• New standard CDL for ages 18 through 84: $97, valid for eight years.
• Standard CDL renewal for ages 18 through 84: $97.
• Replacement CDL or CLP: $11.
• New or renewal CDL with Hazardous Materials endorsement for ages 18 through 84: $61, with a five-year term.
• Non-domiciled CDL new or renewal: $121, with expiration tied to the lawful-presence period.

A basic planning baseline for a first-time applicant age 18–84 is therefore $25 for the original CLP plus $97 for the standard CDL, or $122 in the two published licensing fees. This is not an all-in cost and does not include training or other required services.

What the $122 Baseline Does Not Include

• DOT medical examination when required by your self-certification category.
• Entry-Level Driver Training or CDL-school tuition.
• Vehicle rental or use for the skills test if not supplied by a school or employer.
• Travel to DPS testing locations or training.
• Additional costs tied to HazMat, including the federal security-threat assessment.
• Retesting, extra behind-the-wheel instruction, or school-specific fees.

HazMat Has a Different Credential Term

Texas lists a $61 fee for a new or renewed CDL with a Hazardous Materials endorsement for drivers ages 18–84, and that credential expires after five years rather than eight. The federal TSA security process is separate from the DPS license fee, so budget for that process as well.

Training Prices Are Not State Fees

Texas does not set one statewide CDL-school tuition price. Private career-school prices vary by school, program length, city, vehicle class, included driving time, and whether vehicle use or testing is included. Compare written total costs rather than an advertised tuition number alone.

Funding Options

Local Workforce Solutions offices can help eligible job seekers explore WIOA-supported training. Texas also maintains statewide eligible-provider resources. Program eligibility and participant funding are separate decisions, so confirm your own approval before paying a non-refundable deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Texas CDL cost exactly $122?

That is a useful core-fee baseline using the current $25 original CLP and $97 standard CDL fees for ages 18–84. Your full cost can be much higher after training, medical, vehicle, and endorsement expenses.

Is CDL school included in the $97 license fee?

No. School and training costs are separate from Texas DPS licensing fees.

Why is the HazMat CDL fee lower than the standard eight-year CDL?

Texas lists a $61 HazMat CDL fee with a five-year credential term, while the standard age-18-to-84 CDL is $97 for eight years.

Sources: Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Fees; Texas DPS CDL application information; Texas Workforce Commission workforce-training resources. Last verified October 2026.

Free Texas CDL study guides. Not affiliated with Texas DPS, Texas Workforce Commission, or FMCSA.