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Commercial Driver License

As of September 30th, FLHSMV is temporarily pausing the issuance of Non-Immigrant Commercial Driver Permits and Licenses. Read our latest news post here.

Commercial Document Requirements

First-time commercial learner permit (CLP) and commercial driver license (CDL) applicants must provide: 

  1. Primary identification/proof of legal presence document(s)
  2. Proof of social security number
  3. Two recent proofs of residential address as required for CLP/CDL applicants
  4. Proof of medical certification (valid DOT medical card) or certification in exempt category
  5. Proof of Florida Residency

Note: U.S. citizen and U.S. permanent resident applicants who hold a current Real ID-compliant Florida driver license only need to bring items 3-5: two proofs of residential address, proof of medical certification or exemption, and proof of Florida residency.

For full details, please review the applicable CLP/CDL Required CLP/CDL Required Document Checklist based on your current citizenship status: 

U.S. Citizen Applicants: 

U.S. Permanent Resident Applicants:

Temporary Status (Non-Immigrant) Applicants: 
FLHSMV has temporarily suspended the issuance of CLP and CDLs. For more information, please refer to the latest news article here.

Commercial Learner Permit (CLP)

To obtain a Commercial Learner Permit, customers must pass the required knowledge exam(s) for the class of license desired. For first-time CLP applicants, CDL General Knowledge Exam is required to be taken and passed prior to any other commercial exams. A “CDL Knowledge Test” appointment is required. 

To be eligible to take the required knowledge and skills tests, first-time CDL applicants (who have never held a commercial license before in their lifetime) must complete applicable Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a registered training provider.

Visit FLHSMV.gov to access the CDL Handbook online (available in English & Spanish).

Upon passing all necessary exam(s), if all required documents are presented, the CLP will be issued the same day. CLP holders must pass applicable skills exams and have their full CDL issued within one year of the CDL General Knowledge Exam pass date, or retesting will be required.

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Men smiling while Driving

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

Drivers who wish to obtain a commercial driver license (CDL) for the first time in Florida are required to have a valid Class E Florida driver license, present required documents (see details at the top of this page), pass knowledge and skills tests for the type of license/endorsements desired, meet minimum vision requirements, and hold a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) for a minimum of 14 days. 

Additionally, when applying to upgrade a commercial learner’s permit, applicants must bring any applicable skills testing waivers issued by their testing provider.

 To be eligible to take the required knowledge and skills tests, first-time CDL applicants (who have never held a commercial license before in their lifetime) must complete applicable Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a registered training provider.

 All commercial permit/license applicants must be at least 18 years old. CDL applicants under 21 years of age will be restricted to intrastate operation only and cannot obtain a HazMat endorsement.

Transferring an out of state CDL

All required documents as outlined at the top of this page must be provided to obtain your first-time commercial driver license (CDL) in Florida.

Florida will reciprocate an out of state or a Canadian CDL. However, any applicant with hazmat endorsement will have to reapply, which will include the hazmat knowledge exam, fingerprinting for background check, and fees. A “CDL HazMat Endorsement/Fingerprinting” appointment is required.

CDLs from U.S. Territories (other than Washington, D.C.) or other foreign countries cannot be reciprocated. 

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Replacements/Renewals

US citizens and US permanent residents holding a current Florida Commercial Driver License (CDL) may replace or renew online or at a Tax Collector Service Center. Renewals are available up to 12 months prior to the expiration date on the credential.

Documents are required for any name, address, or citizenship changes; see our Current Florida Resident page for details.

Non-immigrant Florida CDL holders (“Temporary” listed on front of license) cannot currently replace or renew their CDL. FLHSMV has placed a pause on all issuances of Non-Immigrant CDLs and CLPs. Read more here. 

Endorsements

An endorsement is a special authorization which permits a driver to drive certain types of vehicles, transport certain types of property, or carry a certain number of passengers. Access the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website for details on available endorsements.

 To obtain a passenger and/or school bus endorsement, you will be required to complete the required knowledge exam(s), hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit for at least 14 days, and pass a skills exam in the appropriate type of passenger vehicle (skills exams must be taken with an approved third-party provider).

 To obtain a hazardous materials (HazMat) endorsement, knowledge testing and fingerprinting for background check will be required. A “CDL HazMat Endorsement/Fingerprinting” appointment is required for processing.

Booking an appointment is required for all exams. For CDL exams (except hazmat endorsement), choose service type “CDL Knowledge Test.” CLP or CDL issuance will be included as part of your knowledge testing appointment, if applicable.

 Visit FLHSMV.gov to access the CDL Handbook online (available in English & Spanish).

Medical Self-Certification Requirements

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require all CDL holders to self-certify with their State’s Driver License Agency in one of four categories prior to the issuance or renewal of license. Unless exempt per category B or D, all CLP/CDL holders must maintain a valid medical certification or downgrade to a non-commercial license.

Failure to present valid medical certification documentation when required will result in the denial of the issuance or renewal of a CDL. Failure to maintain current medical documentation on file may result in CDL disqualification.

You can visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website to self-certify online.

For information on CDL Medical requirements, visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s CDL medical certification page.

Military CDL

Military or prior military customers requesting the issuance of a CDL due to qualifications of experience while serving on military duty must:

  • Pass all required knowledge and endorsement exams for the CDL license class and endorsements they are applying to obtain, and
  • Present the Certification for Waiver of Skill Test for Military Personnel form completed by their commanding officer or designee within one year from the date applicant was honorably discharged from military service

Booking an appointment is required for all exams. For CDL exams (except hazmat endorsement), choose service type “CDL Knowledge Test.” CLP or CDL issuance will be included as part of your knowledge testing appointment, if applicable.

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