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● Updated March 2026 · FMCSA Compliance Guide
CDL License Requirements by State (2026) — Complete 50-State Guide
Every state has slightly different fees, processing steps, and age rules — but the same federal foundation. This guide covers all of it: CDL classes, ELDT training, medical card requirements, endorsements, disqualifying violations, and state-specific differences across all 50 states.
📖 18 min read🗺️ All 50 states covered📅 Last verified March 28, 2026
21minimum age (interstate)
$40–$150state CDL fees
14 daysmandatory CLP hold
Feb 2022ELDT required since
● Quick Answer
To get a CDL in any U.S. state you must: (1) be at least 21 for interstate or 18 for intrastate, (2) pass a DOT physical and obtain a Medical Examiner's Certificate, (3) pass the CDL knowledge tests to get a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP), (4) complete FMCSA-approved ELDT training from a registered provider, (5) hold the CLP for at least 14 days, then (6) pass the 3-part CDL skills test. State fees range from $40 to $150+. Federal standards are uniform — but fees, scheduling, and processing speed vary significantly by state.
CDL Classes: A, B, and C Explained
Before you start the process, you need to know which CDL class you're pursuing. The class determines the size and type of vehicle you can operate — and the training required differs accordingly.
AClass A CDL
Any combination vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, where the towed unit weighs more than 10,000 lbs. Includes semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, flatbeds, tankers.
Most sought after
BClass B CDL
Single vehicle 26,001 lbs or more GVWR, or towing a unit not exceeding 10,000 lbs. Includes dump trucks, buses, box trucks, straight trucks.
Bus & delivery
CClass C CDL
Vehicles not meeting Class A or B but designed to transport 16+ passengers (including driver), or placarded hazardous materials. Includes vans, minibuses.
Specialized use
⚠️ Class A holders can operate Class B and C vehicles
A Class A CDL allows you to drive Class B and C vehicles in most situations. A Class B allows Class C. The reverse is not true — plan for the highest class your career will require, not just the one you need today.
Federal vs. State Rules: What's Uniform, What Varies
A common misconception: people assume CDL requirements are entirely set by each state. They are not. FMCSA sets the federal floor — minimum standards every state must meet or exceed. States then set their own fees, test scheduling, and some additional rules on top.
Identical in every state (federal, per 49 CFR Part 383)
Minimum age: 18 intrastate, 21 interstate
14-day mandatory CLP hold before skills test
ELDT training required (since Feb 7, 2022)
DOT physical / Medical Examiner's Certificate required
This sequence applies to every state. The timeline varies — budget 4–8 weeks minimum from starting to receiving your CDL.
1
Verify eligibility
Age (18+ intrastate, 21+ interstate). Valid regular driver's license. No active CDL disqualification. Check your MVR — any DUI conviction, drug offense, or major traffic violation in the past 10 years must be disclosed.
2
Pass the DOT physical examination
Schedule with an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. Pass vision (20/40 or better each eye), hearing, blood pressure, and general health tests. Receive your Medical Examiner's Certificate — valid up to 24 months.
3
Study and pass CDL knowledge tests (CLP application)
Visit your state DMV with your regular license, DOT medical certificate, Social Security card, and proof of state residency. Pass the written knowledge tests for your CDL class and any endorsements. Pay the CLP fee. The CLP is issued immediately upon passing.
4
Enroll in FMCSA-approved ELDT training
Required since February 7, 2022 for all new Class A, Class B, and certain endorsement applicants. Your provider must be registered in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR). Training combines theory instruction and behind-the-wheel hours.
5
Hold the CLP for at least 14 days
Federal law requires a minimum 14-calendar-day hold. You can train during this window — but the skills test cannot be scheduled before day 14. Some states have scheduling backlogs that extend this wait further.
6
Pass the CDL skills test (3 parts)
Pre-trip inspection: demonstrate knowledge of vehicle safety components. Basic vehicle control: straight-line backing, offset backing, alley docking. On-road driving: real road conditions, lane changes, intersections, railroad crossings.
7
Receive your CDL
Pay the CDL issuance fee at the DMV. Your CDL is issued — typically within 1–5 business days (some states same-day). The CDL is valid for 4–8 years depending on your state, after which renewal is required.
MW
Expert note
Marcus Webb, Senior FMCSA Compliance Specialist
14 years fleet compliance · Former DOT safety auditor
“The biggest mistake I see new applicants make is scheduling the skills test the moment they finish ELDT training — without accounting for DMV scheduling backlogs. In California and New York, I regularly see 3–5 week waits for skills test appointments. Apply for your CLP before you even start training so the 14-day hold runs concurrent with your coursework.”
ELDT Training: The 2022 Rule That Changed Everything
Before February 7, 2022, you could walk into most DMVs, pass the knowledge tests, and schedule your skills test with no formal training requirement. That era is over. Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) is now mandatory for virtually every new CDL applicant — and it's the most common point of confusion in 2026.
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Who must complete ELDT?
Anyone obtaining a Class A or Class B CDL for the first time. Anyone upgrading from Class B to Class A. Anyone adding a passenger (P) or school bus (S) endorsement for the first time. Hazmat (H) endorsement has separate knowledge test requirements.
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What ELDT requires
Theory instruction (classroom or online): covers regulations, vehicle systems, pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, shifting, backing, coupling, and cargo. Behind-the-wheel (BTW) training: range and public road driving hours. No federal minimum hour requirement — providers set their own benchmarks.
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How to verify a provider
Search the FMCSA Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov before paying any tuition. If a school isn't listed, your training won't satisfy the ELDT requirement and the DMV will not issue your CDL. Non-listed providers are a significant scam vector.
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ELDT costs in 2026
Private CDL schools: $3,000–$10,000. Company-sponsored programs (Swift, Werner, Prime, etc.): $0 upfront in exchange for a 1–2 year driving commitment. Community college programs: $2,000–$5,000. Union apprenticeship programs: subsidized for members.
⚠️ ELDT completion is reported electronically — the DMV checks automatically
Your ELDT provider reports your completion to the FMCSA TPR system. The DMV pulls this data when you apply for your CDL skills test. There is no paper certificate that can substitute — if your provider failed to upload your completion data, the DMV will reject your skills test application. Always verify your completion is recorded in the TPR system before your test date.
DOT Medical Requirements: What the Physical Covers
Every CDL holder must maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) — also called a DOT medical card. The physical must be performed by an FMCSA-registered medical examiner, not just any doctor.
Vision20/40 or better each eye (corrected)Monocular vision (one eye), uncorrectable vision
HearingMust perceive forced whisper at 5 feetSevere hearing loss without aid (aids acceptable)
Blood pressureUnder 140/90 for 24-month certStage 3 hypertension (BP ≥180/110)
CardiovascularNo current cardiac conditions on FMCSA disqualifier listAngina, arrhythmia, heart failure (may qualify with waiver)
DiabetesControlled — insulin-treated drivers may apply via FMCSA exemptionInsulin use without FMCSA exemption
NeurologicalNo epilepsy or loss of consciousness conditions without waiverActive epilepsy, Parkinson's, narcolepsy
Medical certificates are valid for up to 24 months for drivers with no monitored conditions. Drivers with conditions like controlled hypertension or sleep apnea may receive 12-month, 6-month, or 3-month certificates.
🩺
Track every driver's DOT medical expiration
The DOT Physical Tracker sends automated alerts 60, 30, and 14 days before expiration. Free for up to 5 drivers — no account required.
State-by-State CDL Fee and Requirements Comparison
The following table covers key CDL parameters for the 20 highest-volume CDL states. All fees are current as of March 2026 — always verify with your state DMV before applying.
StateCLP feeCDL feeMin ageCDL validDMV portal
Texas$11$5718/218 yearsdps.texas.gov
California$75$7918/215 yearsdmv.ca.gov
Florida$33$7518/218 yearsflhsmv.gov
New York$40$8218/218 yearsdmv.ny.gov
Pennsylvania$31$7418/214 yearsdmv.pa.gov
Illinois$20$6018/214 yearsilsos.gov
Ohio$28$4618/214 yearsbmv.ohio.gov
Georgia$35$3218/218 yearsdds.georgia.gov
Tennessee$26$6418/218 yearstn.gov/safety
North Carolina$20$4018/218 yearsncdot.gov
Michigan$25$7518/214 yearsmichigan.gov/sos
Indiana$20$3518/214 yearsin.gov/bmv
Arizona$25$5518/218 yearsazdot.gov
Washington$35$8918/215 yearsdol.wa.gov
Colorado$18$4618/215 yearsdmv.colorado.gov
Minnesota$22$5018/214 yearsdps.mn.gov
Missouri$10$4218/216 yearsdor.mo.gov
Nevada$41$8818/218 yearsdmvnv.com
Wisconsin$28$3418/218 yearswisconsin.gov/dot
Montana ★$40$2818/218 yearsdoj.mt.gov
* Green = below-average cost. Highlighted row (★) = lowest total fees in table. All fees verified March 2026 — verify with your state DMV before applying.
CDL Endorsements: What They Are and How to Get Them
Endorsements are add-ons to your CDL that allow you to operate specialized vehicle types. Each requires an additional knowledge test — some also require a skills test or background check.
HHazardous Materials
NTank Vehicles
PPassenger Vehicles
SSchool Bus
TDouble/Triple Trailers
XHazmat + Tanker
CodeEndorsementRequiresExtra testNotes
HHazardous MaterialsA, B, or CKnowledge + TSA background checkBackground check takes 60–90 days. No felony convictions.
NTank VehicleA or BKnowledge test onlyRequired for liquid tankers 1,000 gal+
PPassengerA or BKnowledge + skills test16+ passengers including driver. ELDT required.
SSchool BusP endorsement + B or AKnowledge + skills test + backgroundState criminal background check required. ELDT required.
TDouble/Triple TrailerClass A onlyKnowledge test onlyNot legal in all states — verify before adding
Disqualifying Violations: What Will Bar You from a CDL
Certain violations result in automatic CDL disqualification — either temporary or permanent. These are federally mandated under 49 CFR Part 383 and cannot be waived by individual states.
OffensePeriodNotes
DUI/DWI (1st offense)1 year3 years if carrying hazmat
DUI/DWI (2nd offense)LifetimeMay petition after 10 years in some states
Leaving accident scene (hit and run)1 yearIn CMV or personal vehicle
Using vehicle in felony offense1 yearLifetime if involving controlled substances
Refusing breath/blood test1 yearTreated same as DUI
BAC 0.04%+ while operating CMV1 yearHalf the legal limit for regular drivers
Railroad grade crossing violations60 days / 120 days / 1 year1st / 2nd / 3rd offense
⚠️ Prior convictions in a personal vehicle count
A DUI conviction in your personal car five years ago can still disqualify you from obtaining a CDL today. Under 49 CFR §383.51, the disqualification applies regardless of vehicle type at time of offense.
Company-Sponsored CDL Training: The Zero-Cost Path
If paying $5,000–$10,000 for CDL school is a barrier, company-sponsored training eliminates the upfront cost entirely.
CarrierTraining costCommitmentNotes
Swift Transportation$0 upfront1 yearRepay if you leave early. OTR focus.
Werner Enterprises$0 upfront1 yearCompany-sponsored school. OTR.
CR England$0 upfront1 yearOwn training centers. Leasing available.
Prime Inc.$0 upfront6 monthsShorter commitment than most. Refrigerated focus.
The tradeoff: Company-sponsored programs are real training with FMCSA-certified instructors — not shortcuts. Review the training agreement carefully — early termination penalties can reach $5,000–$10,000.
Full Cost Breakdown: What a CDL Actually Costs in 2026
Cost itemLowHighNotes
DOT physical exam$75$150Varies by examiner. Not covered by most insurance.
CDL study materials$0$60State CDL manuals are free. Apps and prep books cost extra.
CLP knowledge test fees$10$60State DMV fee. Includes multiple endorsement tests.
ELDT training (private school)$3,000$10,000Community college at low end, private schools at high end.
ELDT training (company-sponsored)$0$0In exchange for driving commitment. Read the contract.
CDL skills test (3rd party)$100$250Some states allow 3rd-party testing. DMV testing is free.
CDL issuance fee (state)$28$150Varies by state. See table above.
Total (private school path)~$3,200~$10,600Typical range for new applicants paying out of pocket.
Marcus spent 14 years working as a DOT safety auditor before joining TruckComplianceHQ. He has conducted over 200 carrier compliance reviews and holds certifications from the National Association of Transportation Compliance (NATC) and the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). This is informational only — not legal advice. Verify current requirements at FMCSA.dot.gov and your state DMV.
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Frequently Asked Questions
21 for interstate commerce (crossing state lines) under federal law. 18 for intrastate only (within your state). Some states allow 18–20 year olds to operate commercially within state borders, but FMCSA prohibits interstate CDL driving under 21. Note: as of late 2023, FMCSA's Pilot Program for CDL holders 18–20 in interstate commerce is still in testing — no full rulemaking has been finalized as of March 2026.
State fees alone range from $28 (Montana CDL) to $150+ (California total). ELDT training adds $3,000–$10,000 for private school, or $0 for company-sponsored programs. Total out-of-pocket on the private school path: $3,200–$10,600. Company-sponsored path: $75–$300 for the DOT physical and DMV fees only.
Yes. Since February 7, 2022, all new CDL applicants for Class A, Class B, and anyone adding a Passenger (P) or School Bus (S) endorsement must complete FMCSA-approved Entry-Level Driver Training from a provider registered in the Training Provider Registry (TPR). Your provider must upload your completion to the TPR before the DMV will issue your CDL.
Federal CDL standards are identical in every state — the written tests, skills test format, ELDT requirements, and medical requirements are the same everywhere. 'Easier' states differ in DMV scheduling speed and state fees. Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia are frequently cited for faster scheduling and lower state fees. But the training and testing requirements are the same nationwide.
Not for Class A or Class B in 2026. ELDT training from a registered provider is federally required. You cannot self-study and show up to the skills test. However, some company-sponsored programs serve as your ELDT provider — so 'school' doesn't have to mean a separate tuition-paying institution. The training happens through your employer's registered training program.
4–8 weeks is a realistic range. The 14-day CLP mandatory hold sets the floor. ELDT programs typically run 3–6 weeks (some accelerated programs in 2–3 weeks). Add DMV appointment waits — which in high-volume states like California and New York can be 3–5 weeks for skills test scheduling. Start your CLP application before ELDT to run the 14-day hold concurrently with training.