A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required in Missouri to operate commercial motor vehicles over 26,000 lbs GVWR, buses carrying 16 or more passengers, or vehicles placarded for hazardous materials. Missouri CDL fees start at $50 for a 6-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 Missouri 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. Common for chemical and petroleum haulers operating through the St. Louis and Kansas City industrial corridors.
Required for bulk liquid or gas transport. Common for fuel, chemical, and anhydrous ammonia haulers throughout Missouri.
Required for vehicles carrying 16 or more passengers including the driver.
Requires P endorsement. Missouri requires background check for school bus drivers.
Required for pulling double or triple trailers. Class A CDL required. Common on I-70 and I-44 runs through Missouri.
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 Missouri →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 Missouri Department of Revenue. Intrastate-only CDL holders may qualify for a Missouri-specific medical waiver under certain conditions.
Find an FMCSA-certified medical examiner →Apply at a Missouri Department of Revenue driver license office with proof of identity, Social Security Number, and Missouri 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 $50. Visit dor.mo.gov for scheduling.
Missouri CDLs are valid for 6 years — longer than many states. 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 Missouri Class A CDL at age 18 allows intrastate (within Missouri) driving only. Interstate operation — crossing state lines in a qualifying CMV — requires the driver to be at least 21 under federal FMCSA regulations.
Most standard-legal truck loads can cross the St. Louis area Mississippi River bridges (including the McKinley Bridge, Jefferson Barracks Bridge, and I-255 bridge) without special permits, provided they comply with posted weight limits. Oversize or overweight loads require MoDOT permits and may need to use specific bridges. Check MoDOT for current bridge weight limits and routing guidance for oversize loads.
Missouri CDL skills tests are administered at Missouri Department of Revenue third-party testing sites statewide. Missouri uses a network of approved third-party testing providers. Visit dor.mo.gov for current testing locations and scheduling information. Contact the Missouri DOR for a current list of approved testing sites in your area.
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Missouri CDL fee is $50 for original and renewal with a 6-year renewal cycle. Knowledge tests are included in the CDL fee. Skills test fees vary by provider. Verify current amounts at dor.mo.gov 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: Missouri MO Official DMVLast reviewed: April 8, 2026