CDL Requirements
- Be at least age 18.
- Provide proof of full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Provide proof of citizenship .
- Provide proof of Iowa residency (your license showing your Iowa address will meet this requirement). If you do not currently have an Iowa driver’s license, you will need to provide two proofs of Iowa residency.
- Pass vision screening.
- Hold a CLP (commercial learner’s permit) for at least 14 days and satisfy the ELDT requirement before you complete your skills and drive test.
- Pass an interstate driving record check. This check will be performed for all CDL applicants and must show the applicant is eligible for commercial licensing in all other states.
- Complete Entry-Level-Driver Training (ELDT).
- You must certify how you will use the commercial motor vehicles you will operate, which may require you to obtain a medical certificate.
How do I get a CDL?
Proof of Citizenship
You must bring one of the of the following documents to prove citizenship or lawful presence in the U.S.
U.S. Citizens
- Certified copy of U.S. birth certificate
- Valid U.S. passport
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA)
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Certificate of Citizenship
Permanent Resident
- Permanent resident card (lawful permanent residents)
Temporary Foreign National
Individuals that are not citizens of the U.S., lawful permanent residents (green card/I-551 holders), or citizens of Canada or Mexico may present a valid, unexpired foreign passport, AND I-94 with a future “valid until” or “admitted until” date with one of the below classifications:
- H-2A
- H-2B
- E2
- CFA/FSM (no valid until or admitted until date required)
- CFA/MIS (no valid until or admitted until date required)
- CFA/RMI (no valid until or admitted until date required)
- CFA/PAL (no valid until or admitted until date required)
An Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is no longer acceptable documentation for issuance of a non-domiciled CLP or CDL.
Applicants who are citizens of Mexico or Canada cannot obtain or renew a non-domiciled CDL or CLP according to regulations under 49 CFR § 383.71 and § 383.23.
FMCSA has determined that commercial licenses issued by Canadian provinces and territories, and the United Mexican States, are in accordance with the standards established by FMCSA rules.
All Mexican and Canadian drivers who are in the U.S. on temporary status must have an appropriate commercial license from their home country to operate commercial vehicles within the U.S.