USCG License Planning
What does a captain's license cost?
The exam is only part of it. Between an approved course, your TWIC card, the physical, the drug test, and Coast Guard fees, the real number surprises most first-timers. Pick your license to see a realistic 2026 breakdown and how long the whole process takes.
Estimated all-in cost
$1,000 – $1,800
Typical time to credential: 1–8 weeks (course + document gathering + NMC processing)
Line itemTypical
OUPV / 6-Pack course
USCG-approved course (in-person or online).
$495 – $895
TWIC card (5-year)
Transportation Worker ID — required for the application.
$125
USCG physical exam (CG-719K)
Medical certificate from a clinic or your doctor.
$100 – $250
Drug test (CG-719P)
DOT 5-panel urinalysis.
$50 – $100
CPR / First Aid card
Required for Master & most upgrades; good for OUPV too.
$75 – $150
USCG evaluation + exam + issuance fees
Paid to the NMC — varies by endorsements.
$140 – $245
Passport photos & misc.
Photos, mailing, notary.
$15 – $35
Total$1,000 – $1,800
Estimates for 2026 in USD; your school, region, and endorsements will move these. Fees paid to the Coast Guard are set by the National Maritime Center — confirm current amounts at uscg.mil/nmc. Not affiliated with the USCG or NMC.
What drives the cost
- The course is the biggest variable — OUPV runs a few hundred dollars; a 200-Ton with celestial can be over $2,000.
- TWIC, the physical, and the drug test are roughly the same for everyone and are required before the Coast Guard will issue.
- NMC fees (evaluation, exam, issuance) scale with the endorsements you apply for.
- Time is the hidden cost — gathering documents and waiting on NMC processing usually outlasts the course itself.