How to Apply for a Customs Broker License

A customs broker assists customers in complying with regulations for shipping goods into and out of the United States. Licensed customs brokers in the United States are familiar with required forms, classifications of goods, duty calculations and import fees. To apply for a license, you must be a U.S. citizen who is at least 21-years-old, not a current federal employee and a person who can be cleared through a background check. A customs brokerage business must have at least one associate, officer or partner who is a licensed customs broker.

• 1

  Study for the broker examination by thoroughly learning the contents of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, Title 19 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, the Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements document and specified customs directives. Download sample examinations and answer keys from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.

• 2

  Apply to take the examination with the director of one of the CBP service ports by completing the Application for Customs Broker License Exam, CBP Form 3124E, and submitting it with the $200 exam fee in the form of cash, check or money order. Apply at least 30 days before the desired exam date. Exams are given on the first Monday in April and the first Monday in October. You will receive a confirmation of your registration at least ten days prior to the exam, listing the exam date, time and place.

• 3

  Arrive at the CBP service port on your registered exam date before the scheduled starting time for your exam. Bring written materials to be used as references during the examination, your confirmation of registration and photo identification. Bring a silent calculator and ruler if desired. Do not bring any electronic items such as laptops, PDAs, cell phones, or other communication devices, since these items are not permitted. Complete the exam within the four-hour allotted time and answer at least 75 percent of the 80 questions correctly.

• 4

  Apply for the customs broker license within three years of the date you receive the letter notifying you that you passed the license examination. Complete the Application for Customs Broker License, CBP Form 3124, and submit it with the $200 application fee to the director of the CBP service port where you want to provide brokerage services. Submit to a fingerprint check and pay the processing fee.

• 5

  Wait while the CBP reviews your application and completes a background investigation, including fingerprint analysis, credit check, review of personal references and review of arrest record, if any. The port director will make a recommendation to the CBP headquarters. CBP headquarters will review the application and supporting materials and advise you when your application has been approved.