Commercial driver's license (CDL)
A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate large and heavy vehicles, transport hazardous material, or carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
Update on non-domiciled CLPs and CDLs
The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced regulations that limit who is eligible to receive a non-domiciled commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or commercial driver’s license (CDL). A non-domiciled CLP or CDL is issued to drivers who are legally authorized to be in the U.S. but are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents and don't permanently live in Minnesota.
To qualify for a non-domiciled CLP or CDL you must have an unexpired foreign passport, a Form I-94/94A with an unexpired Admit Until date and one of the following visas:
- H-2A
- H-2B
- E-2
To apply for a non-domiciled CDL, you must visit a DVS exam station in one of the following locations:
License classes
There are three types of CDL license classes:
- Class A: Vehicle towing a unit of more than 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) with a gross combination weight rating (truck plus trailer) over 26,000 pounds
- Class B: Vehicle over 26,000 pounds GVWR
- Class C: Vehicle 26,000 pounds GVWR or less
You must apply for a Minnesota CDL if you live in Minnesota and operate a commercial vehicle.