Can My CDL Transfer to Another State? Updated 2024

As you make deliveries across the country, you may ask yourself, “Can my CDL transfer to another state?” The answer is no, your commercial driver’s license does not transfer from state to state if you decide to move. 

It’s easy to see yourself living in a different state when your job allows you to travel through multiple states a week.  As you experience new places, you may find yourself wanting to move to a place that you have visited during a trip. Since truck driving is an extremely versatile career, you can still make the move by transferring your CDL to your new residing state. 

Can My CDL Transfer to Another State?

Yes, if you move, you can apply with the Department of Motor Vehicles to transfer your CDL to another State.  Because a CDL is not a “federal or universal license”, it does not automatically transfer to another State.

It is against the law to obtain two driver’s licenses at once. When you receive your CDL in your new state, you are prohibited from using your personal driver’s license or former commercial driver’s license any further. 

Usually, most states require that you surrender your former CDL and receive your new one within 30 to 60 days of becoming a resident. On the other hand, some states only require that you do so before your current license expires. It’s critical that you change your license within the specific time period of your new state because you risk receiving a ticket or having your license revoked.

How Do You Transfer Your CDL To A New State?

The specific requirements to transfer your CDL to a new state varies depending on the state. However, the transferral process is relatively easy and convenient. When you transfer your CDL, this is what you can generally expect:

1. Visit your new state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in-person or online. If you proceed to transfer your CDL online, you may find a form that will need to be filled out in order to complete the transfer. A transfer fee is likely to be required by most states, as well. 
2. You will need to present proof of your new address in the state that you moved to. This can include a vehicle registration, utility bill, bank statement, etc. 
3. Some states require you to retake certain parts of the CDL test and pay a testing fee. Usually, the written part of the CDL test is required to transfer your commercial drivers’ license to a new state. 
4. Present a medical examination letter or certificate. The document must state that you are medically permitted to drive a commercial vehicle. Medical documents that are over a year old will not be accepted by the DMV. 
5. A background and fingerprint check must be provided if you will be applying for a HAZMAT endorsement with the change of your CDL. 
6. Transfer your CDL to your new state within 30 to 60 days of your new residency. All fees must be paid and testing must be completed during that time in order to change your CDL to your new state. 

Upon your move, utilize these general steps and research the CDL transfer requirements for your new state in order to change your CDL more efficiently. 

Can You Have A CDL In Two States?

Government regulations prohibit you from obtaining a CDL in two states. The moment that you change your Commercial Driver’s License to a new state, you must surrender your former CDL license. 

Your CDL is valid in every state, but it has to be issued within the state that you currently reside. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 restricted truck drivers from receiving multiple CDL licenses for each state they would be driving in.

How Do You Train for Your CDL?

For more than 47 years, Truck Driver Institute (TDI) has been offering one of the industry’s leading CDL training programs. Our programs are notable for providing effective and professional training at an affordable price. While you may imagine the schooling to receive your CDL is a long process, this is not true. We understand many individuals are eager to get their commercial driver’s license and be back on the road. In just three weeks you can achieve your Commercial Driver License with TDI. We offer locations in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, and South Carolina.

While many truck driving schools will require thousands of dollars upfront, we allow our students to utilize our financial assistance to ensure they are able to cover the cost of schooling. Get started with our training program with just $225 out of pocket! 

At Truck Driver Institute, you will learn essential truck driving skills through classroom instruction, hands-on training, and on-the-road driving instruction in the latest training vehicles. Our staff of highly trained instructors and professionals are dedicated to training you for a lasting, valuable career in the truck driving industry. They will be with you every step of the way and ensure you are prepared to take on any situation in your new career. We will prepare you to drive tanker vehicles, livestock carriers, dump trucks, passenger vans, hazmat vehicles, and buses. TDI will get you ready for your next big career move. 

The application process is straightforward with zero gimmicks. Unlike other truck driving schools, there is no lengthy contract when you apply at Truck Driver Institute. Once you submit your application online, you will notice that TDI has numerous financial resources available for you to pay for your CDL training. We never want you to be discouraged from beginning your career as a truck driver, which is why we offer many options for financial assistance. Our Student Services Department is available to guide you in finding and providing the best funding option for your specific needs. We’re proud to offer military benefits*, carrier-paid tuition, and various scholarship options for all qualified applicants. We also offer career education funding, which requires little upfront expenses. Additionally, many trucking companies will offer employer tuition assistance and will cover the cost of your education once you are hired. 

Before you step foot in the classroom, we implement our job placement methods—boasting an 80% job placement rate at TDI. With some of the industry’s major carrier partners, our graduates are set up for successful, rewarding careers. At TDI, we are partnered with over 20 trucking carriers. The trucking industry is always in need of new drivers, and we can guarantee you will have no trouble finding a job after graduation. Carriers in our industry know that TDI produces reliable, skilled drivers. Our employment partners’ requirements expect a pre-hire CDL job screening to ensure that you’re qualified to work in the industry. In addition, our training requires a DOT physical exam and drug screening to ensure you are fit for the job. 

During your training, you will have access to specific career information and staff members who will assist you in finding a career that suits your goals, skills, and preferences. The majority of our students accept jobs before they graduate, but we have continuous placement assistance for every TDI graduate. 

At TDI, we will ensure that you are ready for a career in the trucking industry. Being a commercial truck driver is incredibly rewarding and will not disappoint as your next career move. After graduation, most drivers make between $0.26 and $0.50 per mile. This can add up very quickly as most drivers travel upwards of 3,000 miles per week. At Truck Driver Institute, graduates can earn between $40,000 and $78,000 per year. Additionally, the wage per mile for truck drivers has gone up by 10 percent since October 2020. Due to the high demand for drivers, many carriers are offering to increase the pay for their drivers, as well as offer additional benefits. Companies recognize the importance of having reliable truck drivers, and they want to hire as many drivers as possible. Coming from TDI, carriers know we produce the best of the best, and will have no hesitation in hiring our graduates. 

Begin CDL Training at Truck Driver Institute 

No matter where you are in life, it’s never too late to embark on a well-paid career with CDL training at Truck Driver Institute. A truck driving career offers you the opportunity to travel while earning a competitive salary, considerable healthcare benefits, and a retirement plan. The trucking industry is eager to have more drivers on the road. A career in truck driving is rewarding in many ways and will allow you to break free from the stereotypical 9 to 5 and try something new.

Your next career move begins with TDI. Get started with your training and be on the road in just a few weeks with one of our carrier partners.  Are you ready to start a new and exciting career in the truck driving industry? Take the first step with the Truck Driver Institute. We have 11 locations for you to choose from across the Midwest and Gulf Coast with enormous training space and a staff of industry experts to provide the best CDL training. 

Let’s connect today so you can begin your journey to a fruitful career in the truck driving industry!