National guide
Get a high-level guide to CDL classes, endorsements, medical rules, and testing paths before using your state agency instructions.
Overview
A commercial driver license is more regulated than a standard license because federal CDL standards combine with state testing, identity, medical, and issuance rules. The right path depends on vehicle class, endorsements, restrictions, entry-level driver training, medical certification, and whether the driver is applying, upgrading, transferring, or renewing.
Prepare
Typical steps
FAQ
Both. Federal rules set many CDL standards, but state agencies issue the credential, administer tests, apply fees, and manage local appointment and document requirements.
Not all. Entry-level driver training applies to specific first-time CDL, upgrade, and endorsement situations. Verify your exact path before scheduling testing.
Before applying, identify the commercial driving privilege you actually need. A passenger endorsement, school bus endorsement, hazardous materials endorsement, air brake restriction, or automatic-transmission restriction can change the testing path.
Related services
Learn how to update the name or address attached to your DMV records, driver credential, and vehicle files.
Understand minimum coverage rules, proof-of-insurance expectations, and when you must show insurance to drive or register a vehicle.
Find out what is usually required to register a vehicle, including title documents, proof of ownership, fees, and emissions or inspection rules.
Review how traffic convictions and other events can affect a driving record, suspension risk, and defensive-driving eligibility.
State starting points
This topic is handled differently across states and may sit under driver licensing, ID cards, boating, commercial licensing, or a separate agency. Start with your state page, then use the official agency link for the current forms, fees, appointments, and eligibility rules.
AL
Use this page to move quickly into the Alabama service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
AK
Use this page to move quickly into the Alaska service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
AZ
Use this page to move quickly into the Arizona service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
AR
Use this page to move quickly into the Arkansas service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
CA
Use this page to move quickly into the California service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
CO
Use this page to move quickly into the Colorado service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
CT
Use this page to move quickly into the Connecticut service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
DE
Use this page to move quickly into the Delaware service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
DC
Use this page to move quickly into the District of Columbia service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
FL
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GA
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HI
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ID
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IL
Use this page to move quickly into the Illinois service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
IN
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IA
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KS
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KY
Use this page to move quickly into the Kentucky service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
LA
Use this page to move quickly into the Louisiana service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
ME
Use this page to move quickly into the Maine service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
MD
Use this page to move quickly into the Maryland service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
MA
Use this page to move quickly into the Massachusetts service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
MI
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MN
Use this page to move quickly into the Minnesota service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
MS
Use this page to move quickly into the Mississippi service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
MO
Use this page to move quickly into the Missouri service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
MT
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NE
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NV
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NH
Use this page to move quickly into the New Hampshire service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
NJ
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NM
Use this page to move quickly into the New Mexico service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
NY
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NC
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ND
Use this page to move quickly into the North Dakota service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
OH
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OK
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OR
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PA
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RI
Use this page to move quickly into the Rhode Island service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
SC
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SD
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TN
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TX
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VI
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UT
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VT
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VA
Use this page to move quickly into the Virginia service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
WA
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WV
Use this page to move quickly into the West Virginia service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.
WI
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WY
Use this page to move quickly into the Wyoming service you need, then confirm the live requirements with the official state or territorial agency.