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Skilled Trades license portability
CDL Truck Driver license reciprocity by state
CDL Truck Driver licenses are broadly portable across the US — 34 of the 50 states and DC offer direct recognition or licensure by endorsement, though endorsement often still requires a state-specific law and business exam. Each row below links to the state's official licensing board and lists the specific reciprocal states where we have them.
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4 states recognize
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30 via endorsement
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5 require exam
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1 not recognized
Reciprocity tier legend
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Recognized
Existing license or national cert accepted directly.
assignment_turned_in
Endorsement
Apply for a new license — paperwork, fees, no re-exam.
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Exam required
Must retake the state exam or complete state-specific training.
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Not recognized
No reciprocity pathway. Satisfy state requirements from scratch.
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No license required
State does not license this profession.
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Check with board
The state publishes no clear transfer rule. Contact the licensing board.
All 50 states + DC
Each row shows the destination state's reciprocity tier, the board's own language behind it, and a link to the official state licensing board.
| State | Reciprocity tier | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Alabama is part of a nationally uniform system of classifying, testing, and licensing commercial vehicle drivers. Drivers transferring from out of state will need to present specific documents. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Alaska | edit_note Exam required | Alaska residents must obtain an Alaska CDL within 30 days of moving to the state. Drivers with a valid CDL from another state can drive in Alaska, but if they intend to remain, they must transfer their license. Transferring a CDL requires passing the non-commercial general knowledge test and surrendering the out-of-state license (if not expired over one year). Official state board arrow_outward |
| Arizona | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Arizona allows transfer of out-of-state CDLs without retesting, but a new knowledge test is required for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement. Out-of-state Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) are not transferable. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Arkansas | check_circle Recognized | Reciprocity is generally recognized for valid CDLs issued by other U.S. states, territories, or possessions, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, and under international trade agreements with Canada and Mexico, provided the driver meets specific requirements like valid U.S. work authorization and English language proficiency in Arkansas. Official state board arrow_outward |
| California | edit_note Exam required | Drivers with a valid CDL from another state will likely need to reapply for a California CDL, which involves retaking written and practical driving tests. However, the skills test may be waived if the applicant holds a valid CDL from another state with equivalent classifications and endorsements, or if their employer is authorized to issue a Certificate of Driving Skill (DL 170 ETP), or through the Troops to Trucks military waiver program. Drivers with a California CLP who completed CDL training and passed the skills test in another state are not required to take the skills test in California. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Colorado | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | All valid out-of-state CDLs transfer to Colorado, with the exception of Hazmat (H) and Tanker/Hazmat (X) endorsements. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Connecticut | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Connecticut allows transfer of an out-of-state CDL of equal class without retesting, with exceptions for the school bus ('S') and hazardous material ('H') endorsements. A CDL from Puerto Rico cannot be transferred and requires retesting. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Delaware | help_outline Check with board | Delaware has reciprocity agreements for Class D licenses with Germany, Taiwan (Republic of China), and France, exempting drivers from knowledge and road exams for a Class D license only. Commercial endorsements are not included in these reciprocity agreements. Residents of other states with a valid CDL/CLP issued in conformity with federal standards may drive a commercial motor vehicle in Delaware. Official state board arrow_outward |
| District of Columbia | help_outline Check with board | Drivers with an out-of-state CDL must convert it to a DC DMV CDL if they reside in the District for more than 30 days. Reciprocity permits are available for temporary and part-time District residents for vehicle registration, but commercial vehicles do not qualify for these permits. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Florida | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Florida reciprocates out-of-state and Canadian CDLs. However, applicants with a Hazmat endorsement must reapply, which includes the Hazmat knowledge exam, fingerprinting for a background check, and associated fees. CDLs from U.S. Territories (other than Washington, D.C.) or other foreign countries cannot be reciprocated. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Georgia | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Georgia offers reciprocity for out-of-state CDLs, with the exception of the Hazmat endorsement, which requires a knowledge test and potentially TSA fingerprinting if the previous state was not a participating TSA state. An unexpired out-of-state CDL (or one expired less than 2 years) can be transferred without retesting, provided a vision exam is passed and required documents are presented. If the license is expired for more than 2 years, written knowledge, road, and vision exams are required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Hawaii | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Hawaii allows transfer of valid out-of-state CDLs within 30 days of arrival. A current DOT Certificate, certified U.S. Birth Certificate, and proof of residency are required. A HAZMAT written test is needed if the current HAZMAT clearance has less than 1 year remaining. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Idaho | help_outline Check with board | Idaho generally offers reciprocity for out-of-state CDL permits, with the exceptions of Washington and North Carolina. When moving to Idaho, you must apply for an Idaho CDL within 30 days. A CDL is not a federal or universal license and does not automatically transfer; you must surrender your former CDL and obtain a new one in Idaho. Transferring a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) across state lines is not possible. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Illinois | help_outline Check with board | Illinois is planning to permanently stop requiring out-of-state CDL holders with a valid CDL to retest when moving to Illinois. However, a CDL permit (CLP) cannot be transferred between states; a new CLP must be obtained in the new state of residence. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Indiana | edit_note Exam required | Indiana generally requires transferring CDL holders to pass the general knowledge written exams. If you have a hazardous materials endorsement, you will also need to pass that knowledge exam and have acceptable threat assessment approval. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Iowa | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Iowa offers reciprocity for CDLs from other states, but a hazmat endorsement requires retesting the knowledge exam. A CDL permit (CLP) is not transferable between states. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Kansas | help_outline Check with board | Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma (for farm use exemptions) Official state board arrow_outward |
| Kentucky | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Kentucky participates in the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS), which serves as a clearinghouse for commercial driver information nationwide. Drivers transferring a valid CDL from another U.S. state are generally not required to retest, but must surrender their old license and provide proof of identity, residency, and medical certification. Those transferring from foreign countries must take written, vision, and road tests. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Louisiana | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Louisiana honors CDLs from other states, but a new resident must obtain a Louisiana CDL within 30 days of establishing domicile. HazMat endorsement requires re-testing and ELDT if not previously held. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Maine | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Maine offers reciprocity for CDL holders from other U.S. states. Canadian CDLs and CLPs from any jurisdiction cannot be converted to a Maine CDL; individuals must first convert to a Maine Class C license and then complete Maine's CDL testing process. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Maryland | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Maryland accepts skills tests from other states for Maryland CDL permit holders. Commercial drivers transferring an out-of-state CDL to Maryland must do so within 30 days. If an out-of-state license has been expired for one year or more, knowledge and skills tests are required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Massachusetts | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Massachusetts converts out-of-state CDLs from other U.S. states and territories. However, HazMat (H) endorsements are not transferable and require reapplication. There are specific, strict requirements for transferring an out-of-state CDL, including a certified driving record less than 30 days old with no disqualifying events. Massachusetts does not convert international CDLs. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Michigan | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Michigan honors CDLs from other states, but drivers must transfer their CDL to Michigan upon establishing residency. It is illegal to hold a CDL from more than one state. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Minnesota | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Minnesota offers reciprocity for CDLs from other states; new residents have 30 days to transfer their license. There is also a vehicle reciprocity free zone with South Dakota for interstate commerce within 20 miles of the border. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Mississippi | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Mississippi has written reciprocity agreements with Alabama for certain permits, but general CDL reciprocity is not explicitly detailed beyond recognizing valid, unrevoked, and unexpired licenses from other states. Nonresident CDLs may be issued to residents of foreign jurisdictions if their licensing standards do not meet 49 CFR, Part 383. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Missouri | help_outline Check with board | Kansas (farm use), Nebraska (farm use) Official state board arrow_outward |
| Montana | help_outline Check with board | Montana has reciprocity agreements with adjacent states (Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming) for farm vehicle drivers operating within 150 air miles of their farm. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Nebraska | help_outline Check with board | Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota Official state board arrow_outward |
| Nevada | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Nevada transfers valid CDLs from other states within 30 days of residency. Drivers from Canada and Mexico may have reciprocity, but Nevada is phasing out Limited-Term CDLs for non-domiciled drivers. Official state board arrow_outward |
| New Hampshire | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | New Hampshire generally waives written tests for transferring a valid out-of-state CDL with the same class and endorsements, except for Hazmat endorsements, which require fingerprinting and a knowledge test. Official state board arrow_outward |
| New Jersey | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | New Jersey does not have reciprocity agreements for CDLs with other states or foreign countries. Out-of-state CDL holders must transfer their license within 60 days of becoming a resident or before their current license expires, and will need to pass a vision test and submit a medical certificate and self-certification document. HAZMAT endorsement holders must pass a written test and submit fingerprints. Official state board arrow_outward |
| New Mexico | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | New Mexico does not require written tests to exchange a valid out-of-state CDL for a New Mexico CDL of the same class and endorsements. However, a DWI records check is required for all out-of-state transfers. Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) are not transferable from state to state. Official state board arrow_outward |
| New York | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | New York has reciprocity with other U.S. states and territories, and Canadian provinces. Drivers with an out-of-state CDL must apply for a NYS CDL within 30 days of establishing residency. To keep a HazMat endorsement, a knowledge test and background check are required. Official state board arrow_outward |
| North Carolina | help_outline Check with board | North Carolina is a member of the International Registration Plan (IRP), a registration reciprocity agreement for apportioned payments of registration fees based on distance operated in the continental U.S. and Canada. Drivers with an out-of-state CDL must transfer it to North Carolina within 30 days of becoming a resident. Written and road tests may be waived if you have a valid license from another state, but a vision test is required. Some sources indicate that the written test might need to be retaken, and a motorcycle endorsement would require retesting. Official state board arrow_outward |
| North Dakota | check_circle Recognized | North Dakota has reciprocity agreements for Farm CDLs with South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming within 150 miles of the farm. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Ohio | edit_note Exam required | Ohio has reciprocity for out-of-state CDLs, but federal rules require the CDL to be from the driver's state of residence. Out-of-state applicants can take the Ohio CDL skills test with an out-of-state CLP if they have a current out-of-state driver's license and a certificate from an Ohio truck driving school. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Oklahoma | help_outline Check with board | Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin Official state board arrow_outward |
| Oregon | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Oregon DMV will waive all Commercial Knowledge Tests EXCEPT the Hazardous Materials Endorsement Test if you surrender a current, valid commercial driver license from another U.S. state or Washington D.C. for a comparable Oregon Commercial Driver License. Commercial learner permits from other jurisdictions may not be used to waive Commercial Knowledge Tests. Oregon no longer allows CDL transfers from Mexico or Canada without testing. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Pennsylvania | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Pennsylvania accepts CDLs from other states. New residents with an out-of-state CDL must obtain a PA CDL within 30 days of establishing residency by surrendering their out-of-state CDL and providing proof of residency and Social Security card. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Rhode Island | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Rhode Island allows transfer of a valid out-of-state CDL if the driver provides a driving record and meets other documentation requirements, including proof of citizenship, Rhode Island residency, and a valid medical exam certificate. The CDL must be active and not expired or downgraded. Official state board arrow_outward |
| South Carolina | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | South Carolina does not transfer out-of-state CLPs. Out-of-state CDLs must be transferred within 30 days of becoming a permanent resident, and the out-of-state CDL must be surrendered. Official state board arrow_outward |
| South Dakota | check_circle Recognized | South Dakota grants reciprocity to valid CDLs from other states, Canada, and Mexico. Specific interstate and intrastate reciprocity agreements exist with North Dakota and Minnesota for certain operations and distances. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Tennessee | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Tennessee does not issue non-domicile Commercial Driver Licenses. Drivers with CDLs from other states must transfer their license. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Texas | check_circle Recognized | Texas recognizes CDLs from Canada and Mexico. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Utah | help_outline Check with board | Taiwan, Republic of Korea Official state board arrow_outward |
| Vermont | block Not recognized | Vermont has a reciprocal agreement for driver licensing with Taiwan (Republic of China) for Class D driver's licenses, but HazMat endorsements are generally not transferable between states. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Virginia | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | CDLs are generally interchangeable between states, though Hazmat endorsements do not transfer and require retesting and a background check. Virginia has reciprocity agreements for non-CDL driver's licenses with Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, but this does not directly apply to CDL reciprocity. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Washington | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Washington allows transfer of valid out-of-state CDLs, but if the out-of-state license is non-transferable, all Washington state CDL requirements must be met. A CDL permit (CLP) cannot be transferred between states. Official state board arrow_outward |
| West Virginia | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | West Virginia honors CDLs from other states, but new residents must transfer their CDL to West Virginia within 30 days of establishing residency. The DMV will obtain driving information through the Commercial Driver's License System (CDLIS) and National Driver Register (NDR). Official state board arrow_outward |
| Wisconsin | assignment_turned_in Endorsement | Commercial drivers are required to transfer their CDL within 30 days of moving between states by federal law. Wisconsin has reciprocity agreements for regular driver's licenses with France, Germany, the Republic of Korea, and Taiwan, but this does not apply to CDLs. Official state board arrow_outward |
| Wyoming | edit_note Exam required | Wyoming offers a skills test waiver for qualified military service members who are currently licensed or were employed within the last 12 months in a military position requiring the operation of a military motor vehicle equivalent to a CMV. This waiver allows them to apply for a CDL without skills testing, but knowledge tests cannot be waived. Official state board arrow_outward |
CDL Truck Driver reciprocity: common questions
Does a CDL truck driver license transfer to another state?
CDL Truck Driver licenses are broadly portable across the US — 34 of the 50 states and DC offer direct recognition or licensure by endorsement, though endorsement often still requires a state-specific law and business exam. It depends on the destination state — see the state-by-state table above.
Which states accept an out-of-state CDL truck driver license directly?
4 states recognize an existing license or national credential without a new state exam: Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas. Confirm with the destination state's board before you move — rules change.
Which states license out-of-state CDL truck drivers by endorsement?
30 states issue a new license by endorsement — an application, fees and verification of your current credential, typically without retaking the main exam: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin. Confirm with the destination state's board before you move — rules change.
Which states make CDL truck drivers take an exam to transfer?
5 states require a state exam or state-specific training before licensing an out-of-state CDL truck driver: Alaska, California, Indiana, Ohio, Wyoming. Confirm with the destination state's board before you move — rules change.
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How this was compiled · Last updated 2026-10-15
Reciprocity tiers and summaries are compiled from each state's licensing board and department of professional regulation — linked per row above — and reviewed against public board guidance. Licensing rules change frequently and often depend on your license class (for example journeyman vs. master) and the specific states involved. Always confirm current requirements directly with the destination state's board before making a career or relocation decision. This page is informational and is not legal or licensing advice.
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