CDL General Information
Due to new federal regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), effective Monday, September 29, 2025, the Colorado DMV has paused the issuance and renewals of term-limited (non-domiciled) Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) until further notice.
You must have a valid Commercial Driver License (CDL) to operate
- Any commercial motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or heavier
- Any commercial vehicle that is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver
- Any vehicle transporting hazardous material and is required to be placarded in accordance with 49 CFR Part 172, Subpart F
What do I need to obtain a CDL?
- Valid out-of-state commercial driver license.
- If you are transferring from another state, identification documents are required.
- Valid Colorado driver license AND a commerical learner permit.
- Current DOT medical card - find a FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner in your area.
- All DOT medical information is submitted directly to FMCSA’s National Registry (Registry) by the medical provider. The State of Colorado will receive the information electronically from the registry. This is the only allowable method of receiving Certified Medical Examiner Certificates. The medical provider will submit the information to the Registry within 24 business hours of the medical exam. If you have recently seen a provider, please wait 24-48 business hours, then you can confirm the information is posted on myDMV or by calling our customer service call center at 303-205-5613. If the medical information has not been updated, please contact your medical professional.
- Successful commercial drive skills test showing completed in Commercial Skills Test Information Management System (CSTIMS) (Testing company updates the system)
- Must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) at an approved school. Learn more about ELDT here.
- If you want to add a HAZMAT endorsement on your CDL, you will need to take an Entry-Level Driver Training course (if adding the endorsement for the first time), successfully pass the HAZMAT written exam and provide a current TSA background check every time you purchase a CDL. See the TSA Website for more information.
- Applicable fee
Classes of Commercial Licenses
- Class A - combination vehicles - consists of any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds
- Class B - straight trucks and light combinations - consists of any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any such vehicle towing a vehicle which does not have a GVWR in excess of 10,000 pounds
- Class C - single vehicles less than 26,001 GVWR - consists of any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that do not meet the definition of a Class A or B commercial vehicle, but that transports 16 or more passengers (including the driver) OR is placarded for transportation of hazardous materials
Which vehicles are exempt from requiring a CDL?
- Recreational vehicles such as a motorhome
- Military vehicles driven by military service members
- Firefighting equipment
- Emergency snow plows used during emergency snow removal operations
- Farm vehicles when controlled and operated by a farmer within 150 miles of the person's farm
Commercial Learner Permits
- Commercial Learner Permits (CLP) are valid for one year and are not eligible for renewal.
- Please note: The results of the written CDL knowledge test(s) are only valid for one issuance of a CLP. Once your CLP is issued, if you need a CLP with a different class or endorsement, you will need to re-take all required exams. Please take care to apply for the CLP that you need. Learn more here.
- CLPs must be held for 14 calendar days before the CDL skills test can be taken at an approved third-party testing facility.
Renewals
- CDLs are valid for 4 years
- All DOT medical information is submitted directly to FMCSA’s National Registry “Registry” by the medical provider. The State of Colorado will receive the information electronically from the registry. This is the only allowable method of receiving Certified Medical Examiner Certificates. The medical provider will submit the information to the Registry within 24 business hours of the medical exam. If you have recently seen a provider, please wait 24-48 business hours, then you can confirm the information is posted on myDMV or by calling our customer service call center at 303-205-5613.
- If the medical information has not been updated, please contact your medical professional. Find out more about CDL DOT Medical requirements here.
- Hazmat Endorsement Renewal: Requires a valid TSA hazmat clearance on file and a written hazmat test taken at an office.
- Appointments are required to take the written hazmat test.
Other information
- If you hold a CDL, you are licensed to drive commercial vehicles in your class as well as all lower vehicle classes (including regular vehicles)
- Endorsements and the Requirements to Obtain Endorsements
- CDL Restrictions
- The CDL Knowledge Test is available in English and Spanish.
- The Hazmat Knowledge Test is ONLY available in English.
For additional information, email DOR_cdlunit@state.co.us