What is a CDL?

The commercial driver license (CDL) originated from the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. The act is a nationwide effort to ensure that only qualified drivers receive and maintain a CDL and to remove unsafe and unqualified drivers from highways.

The Motor Vehicle Division of ADOT serves Arizona residents by issuing CDLs and conducting knowledge and road/skills tests at any CDL Office. In addition, MVD works closely with the Medical Review Program, which examines and monitors the physical qualifications of commercial drivers.

Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) are divided into three classes: Class A, B and C. Please refer to Section 1 of the CDL manual for more information on deciding what class of CDL you may need.

First Time CDLs:

If you are a first-time 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.

Please note: this service must be done through a State CDL facility. Please visit this page for more information about how to obtain a permit.

Transferring a 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.

Please note: this service must be done through a State CDL facility. Please visit this page for information about office locations and documentation requirements.

Want to Downgrade Your CDL?

Quick Stop Government Services can help! Simply bring in your Arizona issued CDL and we will do the rest!

Coming in from out of State? Check out this page for document requirements!

Want to downgrade your CDL but upgrade to the Travel ID? Check out this page!

Need a Duplicate of Your CDL Issued?

We can do that for you! Check out this page for more information about duplicate ID services.