The Class B endorsement fee is a one-time charge you pay when you add a passenger-for-hire endorsement to your commercial driver's license

A Class B endorsement allows you to drive a vehicle carrying passengers for money — think shuttle buses, tour buses, or limousines. The endorsement fee is separate from your regular commercial license fee. You pay it once when you first add the endorsement, and again only if you renew it later.

The exact amount varies by state. Some states charge between $10 and $50; others charge more. Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency sets the fee, so you need to check your own state's fee schedule rather than assume a national standard.

Key Takeaways

  • The Class B endorsement fee is a separate charge from your commercial driver's license fee, paid only when you add or renew the endorsement.
  • The fee amount depends entirely on your state and can range from under $20 to over $100 in some cases.
  • You pay the endorsement fee at your state DMV when you pass the required knowledge test and skills test.
  • The endorsement is valid for the same period as your commercial license, usually four to eight years depending on your state.

How the endorsement fee fits into your total licensing cost

When you get a commercial driver's license with a Class B endorsement, you are paying multiple fees at once. First comes the base commercial license fee. Then comes the Class B endorsement fee on top of that. Some states also charge a separate test fee if you take the knowledge or skills test at a third-party tester rather than the DMV.

Your total cost might be $150 to $300 or more, depending on your state and whether you need to retake any tests. Call your state DMV directly or visit their website to see the exact breakdown for your location — they usually post a fee schedule online.

When you pay the endorsement fee

You pay the Class B endorsement fee when you submit your process at the DMV, after you have passed both the written knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel skills test. The DMV will not issue your endorsement until payment is received.

If you already hold a commercial license and want to add the Class B endorsement later, you still take the same tests and pay the same endorsement fee. The fee applies whether you are getting it for the first time or adding it years later.

What the endorsement fee covers

The fee pays for the DMV to process your endorsement process, run a background check, and issue your updated license with the new endorsement printed on it. It does not cover the cost of your written test or skills test — those may have separate fees depending on your state.

The endorsement itself does not expire separately from your commercial license. When your commercial license comes up for renewal, you renew the endorsement at the same time and pay the endorsement fee again if your state charges it at renewal.

Renewing your Class B endorsement

When your commercial license expires, you renew both the license and the endorsement together. Most states charge the endorsement fee again at renewal time. Some states waive the endorsement fee at renewal if you renew by mail or online, but this varies — check your state's renewal rules.

If you let your commercial license expire, you will need to retake the Class B tests and pay the endorsement fee again if you want to restore it. It is cheaper to renew on time than to let it lapse and reapply.

How to find your state's exact endorsement fee

The fastest way is to visit your state DMV website and search for "Class B endorsement fee" or "passenger endorsement fee." Most states post a complete fee schedule that shows every charge you will encounter.

If you cannot find it online, call your state DMV directly. Have your state name ready, and ask for the Class B endorsement fee and whether it is charged at issuance, renewal, or both. They can also tell you if there are separate test fees or if the test is included in the endorsement fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the endorsement fee if I fail the test?

No. You pay the endorsement fee only after you pass both the written and skills tests. If you fail either test, you pay a retake fee (if your state charges one) but not the endorsement fee until you pass.

Can I add a Class B endorsement to a license I already have?

Yes. If you already hold a commercial license without the endorsement, you can add it by passing the Class B knowledge and skills tests and paying the endorsement fee. You do not have to renew your entire license.

Is the Class B endorsement fee the same in every state?

No. Each state sets its own fee. Some charge $15, others charge $75 or more. You must check your specific state's DMV website or call them to learn what you will pay.

What happens to my endorsement fee if I move to another state?

Your Class B endorsement does not transfer. You will need to get a commercial license in your new state and pay that state's endorsement fee to add the Class B endorsement there. Your old license becomes invalid once you get a new state's license.