Last verified: September 18, 2026
Arizona at a glance
This Arizona CDL guide brings together the commercial licensing steps that are easy to miss: eligibility, learner-permit requirements, training or testing, endorsements, fees, and renewal.
- 18 for qualifying intrastate CDL driving; 21 for interstate commercial driving.
- Initial cost: Class A or B new CDL: $25; Class C: $12.50. Additional endorsement and skills-test fees may apply.
- Validity: Up to 8 years; some credentials can expire sooner based on authorized-presence dates.
- Arizona CDL testing can include the required knowledge tests for the CDL class and endorsements plus the three-part skills test: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control and road driving. First-time Class A or B applicants, Class B-to-A upgrades, and first-time P, S or H endorsement applicants may need Entry-Level Driver…
CDL Eligibility
An Arizona CDL applicant must meet federal commercial-driver standards plus state requirements. Drivers generally must be at least 18 for qualifying intrastate operation and 21 for interstate operation. Eligibility can also depend on the CDL class, endorsements, medical qualification, driving history, residency/domicile, and federal disqualifications.
Costs, timing and validity
18 for qualifying intrastate CDL driving; 21 for interstate commercial driving.
Class A or B new CDL: $25; Class C: $12.50. Additional endorsement and skills-test fees may apply.
Class A or B: $15; Class C: $10. A Travel ID credential is $25; HME renewal is $10.
Up to 8 years; some credentials can expire sooner based on authorized-presence dates.
Documents and information to prepare
Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.
Typical Arizona CDL applications require identity/residency documents, an acceptable driving record, the CLP, and medical/self-certification documentation when applicable. Endorsements can add requirements such as hazardous-materials screening. Use Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division's current CDL document checklist for the exact applicant category.
How to apply
Start with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division's CDL program.
Obtain the commercial learner's permit (CLP), complete the required knowledge tests, complete applicable FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), satisfy medical/self-certification and identity requirements, hold the CLP for at least 14 days before the CDL skills test unless a documented exception applies, and complete the skills test.
Then complete Arizona's issuance and endorsement steps.
Federal FMCSA requirements apply alongside the state licensing process.
CDL Testing, Training & Endorsements
Arizona CDL testing can include the required knowledge tests for the CDL class and endorsements plus the three-part skills test: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control and road driving. First-time Class A or B applicants, Class B-to-A upgrades, and first-time P, S or H endorsement applicants may need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before the applicable skills test. A CLP must generally be held for at least 14 days before the skills test.
Renewal and ongoing requirements
Arizona CDLs are valid for up to 8 years, although some credentials can expire sooner based on authorized-presence dates. Renewal fees are $15 for an existing Class A or B CDL and $10 for Class C; a Travel ID credential is $25. Drivers must also maintain required medical certification and any applicable TSA Security Threat Assessment for a hazardous materials endorsement. Renew through Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division before expiration.
Processing time
CDL processing in Arizona depends on CLP issuance, training completion, appointment availability, testing, medical/document verification, and license production. Applicants who need training or endorsements should allow additional time because the steps must be completed in sequence.
Quick Answers
What is the first step?
Start with Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division's CDL program. Obtain the commercial learner's permit (CLP), complete the required knowledge tests, complete applicable FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), satisfy medical/self-certification and identity requirements, hold the CLP for at least 14 days before the CDL skills test unless a documented exception applies, and complete the skills test. Then complete Arizona's issuance and endorsement steps. Federal FMCSA requirements apply alongside the state licensing process.
What determines CDL eligibility?
An Arizona CDL applicant must meet federal commercial-driver standards plus state requirements. Drivers generally must be at least 18 for qualifying intrastate operation and 21 for interstate operation. Eligibility can also depend on the CDL class, endorsements, medical qualification, driving history, residency/domicile, and federal disqualifications.
What testing or training is involved?
Arizona CDL testing can include the required knowledge tests for the CDL class and endorsements plus the three-part skills test: pre-trip vehicle inspection, basic control and road driving. First-time Class A or B applicants, Class B-to-A upgrades, and first-time P, S or H endorsement applicants may need Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) before the applicable skills test. A CLP must generally be held for at least 14 days before the skills test.
How often is the CDL renewed?
Arizona CDLs are valid for up to 8 years, although some credentials can expire sooner based on authorized-presence dates. Renewal fees are $15 for an existing Class A or B CDL and $10 for Class C; a Travel ID credential is $25. Drivers must also maintain required medical certification and any applicable TSA Security Threat Assessment for a hazardous materials endorsement. Renew through Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division before expiration.