Single license requirement

Scope

This regulation applies to CDL holders.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 383.21 — Number of drivers’ licenses
• 49 CFR 383.23 — Commercial driver’s license

Key definitions

• Commercial driver’s license (CDL): A license issued to an individual by a state or other jurisdiction of domicile, in accordance with the standards contained in 49 CFR 383, to an individual which authorizes the individual to operate a class of a commercial motor vehicle.
• Commercial learner’s permit (CLP): A permit issued to an individual by a state or other jurisdiction of domicile, in accordance with the standards in 49 CFR 383, which, when carried with a valid driver’s license issued by the same state or jurisdiction, authorizes the individual to operate a class of a commercial motor vehicle when accompanied by a holder of a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) for purposes of behind-the-wheel training. When issued to a CDL holder, a CLP serves as authorization for accompanied behind-the-wheel training in a CMV for which the holder’s current CDL is not valid.

• State of domicile: State where a person has a true, fixed, and permanent home and principal residence and to which the person has the intention of returning whenever the person is absent.

Summary of requirements

A driver who operates a commercial motor vehicle may not have more than one driver’s license. A driver’s CDL or CLP must be issued by the driver’s state or jurisdiction of domicile.

Once the individual’s state of domicile has been established, that is the state from which the driver’s license must be issued.

There is reciprocity when it comes to licensing. A valid license (class and endorsement(s)) for the type of vehicle operated, as issued by the driver’s state of domicile, is considered valid in all states as well as Canada and Mexico.