Apply for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or Commercial Learner's Permit

A commercial driver's license (CDL) allows you to operate commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks, cargo vans and buses.

A commercial learner's permit (CLP) allows you to drive a commercial vehicle only when a person licensed to drive the same type of vehicle is with you. To get a CDL, you must hold a CLP for at least 14 days and complete Entry Level Driver Training.

  • A standard CDL with no endorsements costs $64 and is valid for 8 years.
  • A CLP costs $3.
  • Endorsements cost an additional $1 per year.

See the DMV Fee Chart for more details.

You must be at least at age 18 to get an intrastate CDL and age 21 to get an interstate CDL.

How to Apply for a CDL or CLP

To apply for a CDL or CLP, please present DMV with a completed Commercial Driver's License Application and documents proving your eligibility.

You must apply for your CDL or CLP in person at a DMV customer service center.

Before you apply, did you…

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a CDL or CLP, you must meet all requirements for a Virginia driver's license, as well as the potential additional requirements listed below.

Testing Requirements

CDL applicants must pass a series of CDL skills tests.

Tests may include a vision screening, CDL knowledge exams and a CDL road skills test. You may also need to take the two-part driver's license knowledge exam. A DMV representative will tell you which tests you need to take.

For more information, see CDL skills test eligibility requirements.

Identification and Residency Requirements

If you have EVER HELD a Virginia driver's license or ID card, you must present the following documents to prove your eligibility:

  1. Current Virginia license or ID
  2. One federally required document.

If you have NEVER held a Virginia driver's license or ID card, you must present the following documents to prove your eligibility:

  1. One proof of identity
  2. One proof of legal presence
  3. One proof of your social security number
  4. Two proofs of Virginia residency
  5. Current driver's license if you are applying to exchange one issued by another U.S. state, territory or jurisdiction for a Virginia driver's license
  6. Proof of name change, if your name appears differently on your proof documents
  7. One proof that you are eligible under federal requirements.

Non-Domiciled CDL and CLP Issuance 

Virginia DMV has stopped the issuance of non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs). This is necessary while DMV determines the impact on DMV's systems and processes to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) new federal rules on CDL eligibility for non-citizens. 

Why the Change Is Happening 

FMCSA issued an Interim Final Rule on September 29, 2025, which took effect immediately. The rule requires: 

  • Stricter eligibility standards for non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs.
  • Employment-based visas for applicants.
  • Mandatory immigration status checks.
  • Expiration dates limited to one year or the expiration of work authorization, whichever is sooner. 
What This Means for CDL/CLP Applicants 

Effective immediately, DMV has stopped processing all transactions for limited-duration non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs, including: 

  • Original issuances
  • Reissues or duplicates
  • Transfers or upgrades 
Customers with Existing Credentials 

Customers who currently hold a valid limited-duration CDL or CLP issued before September 29, 2025 may continue to drive until the credential’s expiration date. However, if the credential is lost, stolen or damaged, DMV cannot issue a replacement at this time. 

How Long Will This Last 

At this time, DMV does not have a timeline for when or if issuance of non-domiciled CDLs and CLPs will resume. We will provide updates on system and process changes as they become available. 

Medical Certification Requirements

All CDL and CLP applicants must certify to one of four categories of commercial motor vehicle operation:

  1. Excepted interstate
  2. Excepted intrastate
  3. Non-excepted interstate
  4. Non-excepted intrastate

To learn about these categories and the medical certification requirements for each, please read the Medical Certification Requirements.

Driver Training Requirements

If you are 18 or older and have not previously held a CDL, you must either hold a valid Virginia driver's license or meet all the requirements necessary to get a driver's license.

You must also:

Note: If applicable, you must complete Entry Level Driver Training before taking the HAZMAT knowledge exam, and before road skills testing for a Class A or B CDL.

HAZMAT Endorsement

Applicants must complete the Entry Level Driver Training Program and pass the HAZMAT knowledge exam to be issued a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) endorsement.

HME applicants must be fingerprinted for a background check. The non-refundable fee is $83 and the HME is valid for five years.

Applicants using a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC®) comparability for a reduced HME fee do not have to be fingerprinted. The non-refundable fee is $41 and the background check will be valid through your TWIC's expiration.

Duration of a CDL or CLP

Typically, your Virginia CDL is valid for eight years and expires on your birthday.

Your Virginia CLP is valid for one year and cannot be renewed. You must reapply.

Exception

Individuals required to register with the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry will be issued CDLs valid for five years. 

They are not eligible for a Virginia CDL or CLP with an "S" endorsement during any period in which registration with the Registry is required. They are also not eligible for a Virginia CDL or CLP with a "P" endorsement unless it includes a restriction code prohibiting the driver from transporting children for school and/or daycare activities.

Receiving Your License

Once you pass your required testing, DMV will mail you your CDL or CLP. For security purposes, pick up is not possible.

The U.S. Postal Service will not forward driver's licenses, so make sure DMV has your current, correct address on record. To check your address on file, log in or create an account.

If you have moved, notify DMV right away.

FAQs