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Military/Veteran driver's license and vehicle services

Checklist for military commercial driver’s license (CDL) waiver

If you have recent experience driving large trucks in the military, you may be eligible to obtain an Iowa commercial driver’s license (CDL) without taking the skills or knowledge tests that are normally required.

• Be on active duty in military service or have separated from service within the past year.
• Have legally operated the same type of commercial motor vehicle that you expect to operate as a civilian for at least two years immediately preceding honorable separation from military service (or for at least two years prior to applying for a CDL, if you are still in the military)
• Within the past two years, have had no more than one civilian driver’s license, not been subject to any driver’s license sanction or disqualifying conviction listed in Iowa Code section 321.188(6).
• Be an Iowa resident.
• Hold a valid Iowa driver’s license.
• Complete the Application for Military Skills Test Waiver form.
• [For the knowledge test waiver only] must have one of the below military occupational specialties or classifications:
  • U.S. Army:
    • 88M - Motor Transport Operator
    • 92F - Fueler
    • 14T - Patriot Launching Station Operator
  • U.S. Marine Corps:
    • 3531 - Motor Vehicle Operator
  • U.S. Navy:
    • EO - Equipment Operator
  • U.S. Air Force
    • 2TI - Vehicle Operator
    • 2FO - Fueler
    • 3E2 - Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator

In addition you must present the required documentation listed below.

1. Acceptable evidence that you have operated a vehicle representative of a commercial motor vehicle is required, which can include either:
   • A valid military CDL that clearly defines the types of vehicles you are/were authorized to drive; or
   • An expired military CDL that clearly defines the types of vehicles you are/were authorized to drive.
2. Your military service record. One of two forms is required.
   • DD Form 2 (Active Duty Uniformed Services ID Card), certifying you are a member of the active or reserve components of any branch or unit of the U.S. armed forces; or
   • DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), certifying you are a veteran who received an honorable discharge from any branch or unit of the active or reserve components of the U.S. armed forces.

Note: Some circumstances could require further review of an application. In addition to the documents listed above, you may be required to bring written verification from your commanding officer.

View the complete Military CDL Waiver eligibility and process

For more information about this federal military waiver program, please visit: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/even-exchange-program

If you have questions about the waiver, call the Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Division's help desk at: 515-244-1052 available Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., except official state holidays.