What a Customs Broker License Costs: Exam, Application, Permit and Upkeep
What CBP charges on the way to and after a customs broker license, as at 12 Oct 2026. Course fees and reference books are extra.
| Fee | Amount | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| CBLE exam | US$390 per sitting | 19 CFR 111.96(a) |
| License application, individual | US$300 | 19 CFR 111.96(a) |
| License application, partnership/association/corporation | US$500 | 19 CFR 111.96(a) |
| Fingerprint processing | Set by CBP (CBP lists US$10) | 19 CFR 111.96(a); CBP fees page |
| National permit application | US$100 (one time) | 19 CFR 111.96(b) |
| Annual permit user fee | US$190.88 from Oct 1, 2026 | 19 CFR 111.96(c), 24.22; 91 FR 48398 |
| Triennial status report | US$100 every three years | 19 CFR 111.96(d) |
Refunds
Withdraw by 8:30 a.m. Eastern two days before the exam to get the exam fee back (CBP; 19 CFR 111.13(d)). A license application fee is not refunded if you withdraw the application (19 CFR 111.12(b)).
A typical first-year total
Worked total (individual broker)
Exam US$390 + individual application US$300 + permit application US$100 + permit user fee US$190.88 = US$980.88, plus fingerprint processing.
Each retake adds US$390.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a customs broker license cost?
CBP fees for an individual: US$390 exam, US$300 application, US$100 permit application and the annual permit user fee (US$190.88 from Oct 1, 2026), plus fingerprint processing.
How often is the triennial fee due?
Every three years, US$100 with the status report (19 CFR 111.96(d), 111.30(d)).
Go deeper: study notes
Related guides
Put it into practice
Free account, 1,000+ original practice questions, instant explanations and full timed practice exams.
Build a daily practice habit — a few exam-style questions a day, with worked answers. Free to start.
Start practicing →CBLE Ready is an independent study service. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or the Department of Homeland Security. Released CBP exams are reproduced as public-domain government works, with CBP cited as the source; every other question is original.