Compared
Provisional vs. full Class D water license
A provisional Class D water license lets you start without a high school diploma or GED yet, for a $74 application, valid two years. The full Class D requires the diploma or GED. You upgrade the provisional to the full license once you finish your education, so the provisional is a temporary on-ramp.
Last reviewed 2026-08-04
| Provisional | Full Class D | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | No diploma or GED yet | Has a diploma or GED |
| Application fee | $74 | $111 |
| How long valid | Two years | The standard license term |
| What happens next | Upgrade to full Class D once you finish your education | Renew where applicable |
| Same exam | Yes | Yes |
The bottom line
The provisional exists so a missing diploma does not keep you out of the field. It is a temporary path to the same full Class D license.
Common questions
- What does the provisional cost?
- $74 for the application.
- How long is it valid?
- Two years, during which you finish your diploma or GED.
- Is it the same exam?
- Yes, you take the same Class D exam.