A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Mississippi to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Mississippi CDL fees start at $56 for a 4-year license. Three CDL classes are available: Class A for tractor-trailer combinations, Class B for single large vehicles, and Class C for passenger and HazMat vehicles. First-time applicants must complete Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) through an FMCSA-registered provider before taking the skills test. All interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Certificate. Test your knowledge with the Mississippi CDL knowledge test, then pass the skills test — pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and road driving — to earn your license.
Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the towed vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR not exceeding 10,000 lbs.
Any single vehicle or combination not covered by Class A or B, designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, or required to be placarded for hazardous materials.
TSA security threat assessment and fingerprinting required. Valid 5 years. Important for Port of Pascagoula industrial chemical and petroleum operations.
Required for bulk liquid or gas transport. Common for fuel haulers throughout Mississippi.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Requires P endorsement. Mississippi requires background check for school bus drivers.
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Class A CDL required. Common on I-55 and I-20 runs through Mississippi.
Combination of H and N endorsements. TSA background check applies.
Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) is required by federal regulation (49 CFR Part 380, effective Feb 7, 2022) for first-time Class A or B CDL applicants, and for adding H, P, or S endorsements. Training must be completed through an FMCSA-registered provider listed in the Training Provider Registry at tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Find a registered ELDT provider in Mississippi →Interstate CDL holders must maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate (MEC) issued by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner, valid up to 24 months. Submit self-certification and MEC copy to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Intrastate-only CDL holders may qualify for a Mississippi-specific medical waiver under certain conditions.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver license location with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Mississippi residency. Pass the required knowledge tests, complete ELDT through an FMCSA-registered provider, then schedule and pass the skills test. The CDL original fee is $56. Visit dps.state.ms.us for scheduling.
Mississippi CDLs are valid for 4 years. Your DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate is separate and must be renewed every 24 months for most interstate drivers, or more frequently if required by your medical examiner.
A Mississippi Class A CDL at age 18 allows intrastate (within Mississippi) driving only. Interstate operation — crossing state lines in a qualifying CMV — requires the driver to be at least 21 under federal FMCSA regulations.
Live poultry haul in standard livestock/poultry trailers typically requires a Class A CDL — no special endorsement is needed for the trailer type. Processed poultry in refrigerated trailers also requires a Class A CDL. If hauling poultry waste or byproducts that require HazMat placards, an H endorsement would be needed. Check with your carrier for specific requirements.
Mississippi CDL skills tests are administered at Department of Public Safety testing locations statewide. Third-party testing providers may be available in some areas. Visit dps.state.ms.us or contact the Mississippi DPS for current testing locations and scheduling information.
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Mississippi CDL fee is $56 for original and renewal. Knowledge tests are included in the CDL fee. Skills test fees vary by provider. Verify current amounts at dps.state.ms.us before scheduling.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is compiled from publicly available government sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. TruckRadar is an independent search engine — we are not affiliated with any government agency and this content does not constitute legal or compliance advice. Regulations change frequently; always verify current requirements directly with the official source before making compliance decisions.
Official source: Mississippi MS Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026