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Category: Driver License

What is required to obtain a commercial driver license (CDL)?

This answer has been viewed 10529 times and was last updated on 11/22/2022.

All commercial driver license (CDL) transactions require an appointment and the completion of a driver license application. Use our online appointment system to schedule your appointment.

Do not print the application; an associate will access your electronic submission during your appointment. Applications are valid for 90 days.

General transaction information and requirements:

• For a complete list of acceptable identity documents, visit the state's what to bring for driver licenses and ID cards page.
• If you need replacement documents, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate, visit the VitalChek website. If you were born in Florida and need a replacement birth certificate, read our birth certificate publication.
• If you need to replace or change the name on your social security card, read our Social Security publication.
• Visit our driver license fees page to view a list of driver license and ID card fees.

CDL information and requirements:

• For information about obtaining a Commercial Driver License (including classes, restrictions, endorsements, etc.), read our Commercial Driver Licenses publication.
• Additional CDL information is available on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' commercial driver license page.
• Read our hazmat publication for information about adding the hazardous materials endorsement.
• To find approved providers for a CDL medical certificate, visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's medical examiners search page.
• If you have been disqualified from driving a commercial motor vehicle, read our commercial driver license disqualifications publication to view your options for reinstatement.

CDL medical certification information

You can provide self-certification information or update your medical certification online by using the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' commercial driver license self-certification system. For information about the federal CDL medical certification requirements, visit the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' CDL medical information page.

Downgrade CDL to a Class E driver license

Save a Trip! You can downgrade your CDL to a Class E driver license or ID card online!

If you are unable to process online, you must schedule an appointment online to visit our Driver License office, located at 904 301 Boulevard West, Bradenton.  If you are not in the state of Florida, you may email the Bureau of Records a request to downgrade to a Class E or mail your request to the Bureau of Records, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Room A218, MS 92, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0500.

Restoring CDL privileges for an expired CDL

Depending upon the length of time your CDL has been expired, and to ensure all CDL customers are knowledgeable of commercial vehicle driving laws and capable of demonstrating commercial driving skills, the State may require you to complete additional testing. The following are examples of when the applicable knowledge and skills tests will be required:

• Customer downgraded from a CDL to a Class E license due to a CDL disqualification or sanction, and the CDL on record has been expired for one year or more.
• Customer's Florida CDL expired and was not renewed within the one-year delinquent renewal period.
• Customer is applying for an original Florida CDL, and their out-of-state CDL has been expired for one year or more.

Services our office does not provide:

Our office does not provide CDL driving skills road tests. For information and to find providers, read our Commercial Driver Licenses publication.

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