A CDL license cannot be transferred from state to state if you have moved. The CDL license will need to be turned into the new state and you will have to get a new one with the state that you have moved to. You will have sixty days to turn in your CDL license and to get the new CDL license with the state that you have moved to.
You will just have to transfer your CDL, and usually you will not be required to redo all the testing, but you will be required to pay for the new CDL license transferring fees.
It’s against the law to possess two driver’s licenses, which would include the CDL and your personal driver’s license.
Once you receive your CDL you will have to surrender all other driver’s licenses.
If you are still not sure exactly what a CDL is and who needs one then take a moment to read this article where I explain exactly what it is.
Is A CDL Valid In All States?
A CDL is valid in all states. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 eliminated truck drivers from getting numerous CDL licenses for each state that they would be driving in. (source)
Your CDL has to be obtained in the state you reside. That CDL is valid for you to drive with in all states though.
If you move you will have to transfer the CDL to the new state of residence.
This safety act eliminated drivers who were trying to hide a bad driving record that they had in another state too.
A CDL can be used in all of the states just like a regular driver’s license can be.
A driver under the age of twenty-one is unable to drive outside of the state that they obtained their CDL. Any driver that is less than twenty-one years of age can only drive within the state they obtained their CDL.
Do I Need A CDL To Cross State Lines?
Yes, you need a CDL to cross state lines and be over the age of 21. If you are over the age of twenty-one, then your regular CDL is sufficient to cross state lines.
If you are less than twenty-one years of age you cannot cross state lines with your CDL.
Truck drivers can drive across the state lines with their CDL from the state they obtained it.
A truck driver doesn’t need to obtain a CDL for each state that they are driving in as the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 eliminated truck drivers from possessing multiple CDL’s for each state that they will be driving in.
Remember, the CDL allows drivers to cross state lines just as a regular driver’s license.
Can You Take Your CDL Test In A Different State?
You are not allowed to take your CDL test in a different state.
The CDL test must be taken in the state that you reside in.
You will need to provide the state where you reside your residency or citizenship.
You will also have to provide your social security card, and you will need to show your birth certificate or your green card when you are going to be taking your CDL test.
Once you have passed all of your CDL tests you will give the Department of Motor Vehicles your original (regular) driver’s license.
Yes, in order to have a CDL you will also need to surrender your original driver’s license that you have been using to drive your car.
At this point the CDL is the only driving license you will have.
How Do You Transfer Your CDL To Another State?
To transfer your CDL to another state you will need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state that you are wanting your CDL to be transferred to.
Not all states are the same but in general this is what you can expect:
1. You will have to show proof of your new address where you are moving to such as a lease or contract on a house or apartment, an electricity bill, etc.
2. You will have to pass the CDL required tests and you will need to pay any transferring CDL fees too. A medical exam certificate or a physician’s letter will need to be provided. The medical exam certificate or letter must state that you are medically able to drive a commercial vehicle. The medical exam certificate or letter cannot be over a year old or it will not be accepted.
3. An eye exam will be given, and depending on the state you may be required to take a road sign exam along with a driving exam.
4. If you will be also applying for a HAZMAT endorsement with your CDL transfer, then you will have to provide a clean background check along with a fingerprints check.
5. All of the transfer and testing fees will need to be paid, and then you will have to surrender your old CDL.
6. Usually, you have thirty to sixty days to transfer your CDL to your new state. Each state varies, so you should contact your DMV to find out the exact days you have to transfer your CDL.
Can You Have A CDL In Two States?
You cannot have a CDL in two states.
A CDL is valid in all states, which means you don’t need to have multiple CDL’s. If you are moving to a new state, then you are required to transfer your CDL to your new state.
Usually, you will have thirty to sixty days to transfer your CDL, but you should contact your local DMV to see the exact time that you have to transfer your CDL.
It is against the law to have two CDL’s in two states.
Is A CDL A Federal License?
A CDL is not a federal license.
Many years ago, there was talk to making a CDL a federal license, which would allow truck drivers to receive federal government benefits, but that never happened.
Truck drivers have to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines and requirements to have a CDL, but it isn’t a federal license.
The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 have requirements that must be met by drivers before the state that they are applying for the CDL must be met. (source)
CDL Transfer Review
1. A CDL can be transferred from one state to the other state. Usually, you will just have to show proof of residency, pass any tests, then pay the transferring fees.
2. A CDL is valid in all states unless the driver is under the age of twenty-one, then that driver can only drive in the state that they have a CDL. Truck drivers don’t need to have any additional CDL’s.
3. The CDL allows you to cross every state line just like a regular driver’s license does. A driver can only take their CDL exam in the state that they are residing in.
4. You are not allowed to have more than one CDL.
5. When you transfer your CDL you will hand over your original CDL once you have passed all the testing and paid all of the transferring fees.
