CDL Requirements by State
Here's the secret about state-by-state CDL requirements: the big ones are federal, so they're the same everywhere. Age minimums, medical cards, and training rules come from the FMCSA and apply in all 50 states. What varies is paperwork, fees, and testing details. Here's the baseline plus the differences that actually matter.
The short version: Federal rules set the floor nationwide: 18+ for a CDL (intrastate only until 21), DOT medical card, and ELDT training from a registered provider. States add their own fees ($50–$200), documents, and test scheduling.
The federal baseline (same in every state)
- Age: 18+ to hold a CDL; 21+ to drive across state lines (interstate) or haul hazardous materials. Under-21 holders are restricted to their home state.
- Valid driver's license with no active suspensions in any state.
- DOT medical exam: must pass a physical from a certified examiner and carry the medical card. $75–$150, valid up to 2 years.
- ELDT (Entry-Level Driver Training): since February 2022, first-time Class A or B applicants must complete training from a provider on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry — theory plus behind-the-wheel, proficiency-based (no minimum hour requirement). Completion is reported electronically to FMCSA.
- English proficiency: federal rules require reading and speaking English well enough to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
- Legal presence: proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
- No disqualifying offenses under FMCSA disqualification rules (DUIs, felonies involving vehicles, etc.).
What states control (and where they differ)
- Fees: CDL issuance runs $50–$200 depending on the state; permit and skills-test fees vary too.
- Documents: states differ on exactly which proofs of residency and identity they want — check your DMV's CDL checklist before you go.
- Test scheduling: some states let third-party schools administer the skills test; others require the DMV. Wait times range from days to weeks.
- Knowledge test details: same federal topics (general knowledge, air brakes, combinations), but states write their own questions.
- Washington is the outlier: it requires classroom instruction from a registered Washington training provider — online-only theory courses accepted elsewhere don't count there.
License classes: A, B, and C
- Class A: combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs (tractor-trailers). The universal license — covers B and C too. Get this one.
- Class B: single vehicles over 26,001 lbs (dump trucks, buses, box trucks). Fine for local work, but limits your options.
- Class C: smaller commercial vehicles, including hazmat or 16+ passenger vehicles under the weight thresholds.
Common endorsements
- Hazmat (H): requires a TSA background check on top of everything else — and you're 21+ minimum.
- Tanker (N): for liquid cargo; a knowledge test.
- Doubles/Triples (T): for pulling multiple trailers.
- Air brakes: not technically an endorsement everywhere, but you must pass the air brake test — most commercial vehicles have them.
The step-by-step, any state
- DOT physical — get the medical card first.
- Complete ELDT — enroll with an FMCSA-registered provider (your school handles the reporting).
- Commercial learner's permit (CLP) — pass the knowledge tests at the DMV; hold it at least 14 days.
- Behind-the-wheel training — practice with a licensed CDL holder.
- Skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road test.
- License issued — pay the state fee, get the CDL.
Moving states with a CDL
CDLs transfer between states — you generally surrender the old license and get the new state's version without retesting, though fees and paperwork apply. Your ELDT completion stays on your FMCSA record permanently, so you never redo training for a move.