CDL Requirements

If you are a first-time Commercial Driver License (CDL) applicant, you must obtain a CDL instruction permit to operate a vehicle requiring a CDL on the highway. The CDL instruction permit is valid for six months. The minimum age for a CDL is 21. If you are at least 18, you may apply for an intrastate CDL that is valid only in Arizona. Drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from transporting hazardous materials.

Commercial Driver License Information

Transfer Your CDL

You have 30 days to change your CDL if you have changed your state of domicile to Arizona. Federal and state laws require that you surrender all previous license credentials.

Drivers with the HME (H or X) must have a current and approved Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background record check (BRC) at the time of the application. If you do not have one, follow the instructions under the Applying for a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) section below.

Attention Military Personnel

If you are a CDL holder on active duty serving in the United States Armed Forces, including a member of a National Guard or Reserve unit, you may be granted an exemption from the five-year license renewal requirement.

To request this exemption, you (or a designee) must provide MVD with a legible copy of the military orders that show the effective date and the length of the service member’s deployment.