2026 data Missouri board official source

Missouri Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) License Requirements

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

Operates large commercial vehicles. Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

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

Becoming a licensed commercial truck driver (cdl) in Missouri means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 214 training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 21. Missouri regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "CDL Training Program".

Budget $81 to get started, plus $47 at each renewal on a 4-year cycle. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Missouri, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

On reciprocity, commercial truck driver (cdl)s should know: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states.

Licensing Ease Score

A-
Licensing Ease Score
81/100
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) · Missouri

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-
214 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee B-
$81
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$12/yr
$47 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 Missouri

Education / Training Hours
CDL Training Program
214 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$81
Renewal Fee
$47
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Missouri licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Missouri?
Missouri's requirements cover 214 hours of education or training, the CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test exam, and an initial fee of $81. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Missouri?
Missouri licenses commercial truck driver (cdl)s who complete its requirements (214 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Missouri licensing board.
Can I transfer my Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) license to Missouri from another state?
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Missouri licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Missouri require a background check for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licensing?
Yes, Missouri requires a criminal background check as part of the commercial truck driver (cdl) licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.

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

Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Missouri, 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 Missouri 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.