🚛 CDL Driver License Requirements by State

Compare cdl driver license requirements across all 50 states and DC — experience, exams, fees, and salary data.

Last updated 2026-05-08

By the numbers: 51 of 51 jurisdictions require a state-level cdl driver license. Apprenticeship and Experience requirements range varies hours. Exam Application Fees range $50–$50. Most state Boards require Continuing Education at every Renewal cycle.
StateLicense RequiredExperienceExam FeeMedian Salary
ALAlabama Required — $50 $48,670
AKAlaska Required — $50 $62,340
AZArizona Required — $50 $52,890
ARArkansas Required — $50 $47,120
CACalifornia Required — $50 $58,670
COColorado Required — $50 $55,230
CTConnecticut Required — $50 $57,890
DEDelaware Required — $50 $52,340
DCDistrict of Columbia Required — $50 $56,780
FLFlorida Required — $50 $49,120
GAGeorgia Required — $50 $50,670
HIHawaii Required — $50 $55,230
IDIdaho Required — $50 $49,670
ILIllinois Required — $50 $57,120
INIndiana Required — $50 $52,340
IAIowa Required — $50 $51,670
KSKansas Required — $50 $50,120
KYKentucky Required — $50 $49,670
LALouisiana Required — $50 $48,230
MEMaine Required — $50 $50,670
MDMaryland Required — $50 $54,120
MAMassachusetts Required — $50 $59,670
MIMichigan Required — $50 $53,450
MNMinnesota Required — $50 $56,780
MSMississippi Required — $50 $45,670
MOMissouri Required — $50 $53,120
MTMontana Required — $50 $51,230
NENebraska Required — $50 $50,670
NVNevada Required — $50 $55,230
NHNew Hampshire Required — $50 $53,450
NJNew Jersey Required — $50 $59,120
NMNew Mexico Required — $50 $49,670
NYNew York Required — $50 $58,670
NCNorth Carolina Required — $50 $49,120
NDNorth Dakota Required — $50 $56,340
OHOhio Required — $50 $51,670
OKOklahoma Required — $50 $48,670
OROregon Required — $50 $56,120
PAPennsylvania Required — $50 $54,670
RIRhode Island Required — $50 $53,120
SCSouth Carolina Required — $50 $47,670
SDSouth Dakota Required — $50 $49,120
TNTennessee Required — $50 $49,670
TXTexas Required — $50 $52,340
UTUtah Required — $50 $51,670
VTVermont Required — $50 $50,120
VAVirginia Required — $50 $52,890
WAWashington Required — $50 $59,670
WVWest Virginia Required — $50 $47,120
WIWisconsin Required — $50 $53,450
WYWyoming Required — $50 $52,340

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Common questions about cdl driver licensing

Do all states require a cdl driver license?

No — 51 of 51 jurisdictions require a state-level cdl driver license. The remainder license at the local or county level, or not at all. See the table above for the per-state breakdown.

How much does it cost to get a cdl driver license?

Application fees across the states range $50–$50. Renewal fees and continuing education hours vary by jurisdiction — check the state-specific page for the exact numbers.

How many apprenticeship hours does a cdl driver license typically require?

Required apprenticeship/work experience hours range varies across states, with most states requiring 2–4 years of supervised on-the-job training plus passing a board-administered exam.

Data last verified 2026. Salary data from BLS OEWS. Always verify with your state licensing board.