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

Montana Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Operates large commercial vehicles. Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

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

To practice as a commercial truck driver (cdl) in Montana, the state licensing board requires 281 documented education or training hours, a passing score on CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. The regulation sits under Montana's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "CDL Training Program".

Upfront cost is $156, with renewal running $81 on a 4-year cycle. Montana doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

For commercial truck driver (cdl)s, the reciprocity picture is: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states.

Licensing Ease Score

B
Licensing Ease Score
70/100
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) · Montana

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-
281 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$156
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A
$20/yr
$81 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 Montana

Education / Training Hours
CDL Training Program
281 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$156
Renewal Fee
$81
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 Montana licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Montana licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Montana? ▼
Montana's requirements cover 281 hours of education or training, the CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test exam, and an initial fee of $156. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Montana? ▼
Montana licenses commercial truck driver (cdl)s who complete its requirements (281 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Montana licensing board.
Can I transfer my Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) license to Montana from another state? ▼
For commercial truck driver (cdl)s, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Federal CDL recognized in all 50 states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Montana licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Montana require a background check for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licensing? ▼
Montana does require a background check before issuing a commercial truck driver (cdl) license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.

Related Guides

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

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

  • See how Montana's commercial truck driver (cdl) requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state commercial truck driver (cdl) license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Montana's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Montana overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Montana 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.