If you are over 18 years old and have a valid Washington driver license, you can apply for a CDL.
Before you get started
You can apply for a CDL if you:
- Are 18 years or older with a valid Washington driver license.
- Do not have a lifetime driver license disqualification.
Please note: to operate commercial vehicles from state to state (interstate) you must be at least 21 years old.
How to apply for a CDL
- Make an appointment at a driver licensing office that offers knowledge testing.
- Gather the required documents:
- Current driver license
- Social Security number
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or non-domicile document. (See a list of approved documents.)
- We're required to verify your status under federal and state law.
- Self-certify the type of driving you will be doing and complete a DOT physical. Your medical examiner will upload your medical certificate to the National Registry.
- If you are required to have an intrastate or federal medical waiver or federal Skill Performance Evaluation, you must get the document before we can issue your CDL.
- If your medical certificate and federal waiver or SPE (if needed) are not uploaded to the National Registry, DOL will not be able to issue your CDL.
- Pass the knowledge test for the type of vehicle you'll be licensed to operate.
- You must have a hazmat training course completion on record before taking the hazmat knowledge test.
- Get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).
- Complete training requirements for the type of CDL you'll be issued.
- Call us to schedule and pay for your skills test.
- Pass the skills test. (You can take a skills test after we receive notice you’ve completed your training course.)
- Make an appointment at a driver licensing office so we can issue your CDL. We must have proof of your completed training course and skills test before we can issue your CDL. If we don’t have this information, we could ask you to contact the skills tester and/or training provider to have them enter your results.
