CDL for new Minnesota resident
Transfer your CDL to Minnesota
You have 30 days to transfer your commercial driver’s license (CDL) from another state to Minnesota.
What do I need to apply for a Minnesota CDL?
To transfer your CDL to Minnesota, you must also show proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or employment authorization in the U.S. One of the following documents is acceptable proof:
- A valid, unexpired U.S. passport book/card
- A U.S. certified birth certificate
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State
- A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship issued by U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card
- An unexpired Employment Authorization Card (EAD) or an unexpired foreign passport with an approved I-94 form
If the name on your document has changed you must also present proof of your legal name change(s).
Acceptable proof documents are:
- Certified marriage certificate(s)
- Certified divorce decree(s)
- Certified court order(s)
The document must show the name change. You must provide documentation of all your name changes, from the name listed on your primary document to your current name.
You will need to present all driver’s licenses and commercial learner’s permits (CLPs) to be voided.
You will need to pass a vision screening.
Submit a Commercial Driver’s License Medical Self-Certification form. Please note that if you have a school bus endorsement, you cannot claim you are exempt.
Submit a valid Medical Examiner Certificate (if applicable).
You will need a federal medical waiver if you or your cargo cross state lines, and your medical certificate says you need a waiver.
- For a hearing waiver, please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website for the package.
- For a seizure waiver, please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website for the package.
If you have amputation of a limb, you may have to have a Skill Performance Evaluation done. Please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website for further information.
Complete an application and pay the required fee(s).
Vision Screening
Your eyes will be checked when you apply for a driver's license. This is not a medical exam; it is a screening to determine if your vision meets minimum standards. To pass, your normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40 in each eye for school bus, and 20/40 in either one usable eye or both eyes together for other commercial motor vehicles. Your peripheral vision must be at least 140 degrees in either one or both eyes.
How do I reduce time waiting in line to apply?
What is the fee?
Refer to the Driver’s License Fee page to see all fees, including endorsement and reinstatement fees.
Select the situation that best applies to you
Check the status of your driver's license application at drive.mn.gov.
FMCSA and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) contact information.
Federal Motor Carriers Administration
MnDOT medical waivers