Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) / Delaware
2026 data Delaware board official source

Delaware Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Operates large commercial vehicles. Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

What the Delaware data shows for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)s

Delaware sets the entry bar for commercial truck driver (cdl)s at 249 training hours and a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 21 or older. The credential is administered under Delaware's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "CDL Training Program".

Budget $120 to get started, plus $64 at each renewal on a 4-year cycle. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Delaware, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states.

Licensing Ease Score

B+
Licensing Ease Score
75/100
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) · Delaware

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training B-
249 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee D
$120
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$16/yr
$64 every 4 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Delaware

Education / Training Hours
CDL Training Program
249 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$120
Renewal Fee
$64
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) All Delaware licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Delaware licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Delaware? ▼
In Delaware, the license path calls for 249 education/training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test, and a $120 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Delaware? ▼
To become a licensed commercial truck driver (cdl) in Delaware, you must meet the state's requirements including 249 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Delaware licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) license to Delaware from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for commercial truck driver (cdl)s nationally works like this: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Delaware. Verify the specifics with the Delaware licensing board.
Does Delaware require a background check for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for commercial truck driver (cdl) licensing in Delaware. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.

Related Guides

What to do with this commercial truck driver (cdl) license

Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Delaware, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a commercial truck driver (cdl)-wide, 50-state comparison.

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Delaware licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.