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

Washington Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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 Washington data shows for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)s

To practice as a commercial truck driver (cdl) in Washington, the state licensing board requires 290 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 Washington's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "CDL Training Program".

Upfront cost is $166, with renewal running $85 on a 4-year cycle. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Washington, 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 Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
CDL Training Program
290 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test
Required
Initial License Fee
$166
Renewal Fee
$85
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 Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Washington? ▼
Washington's requirements cover 290 hours of education or training, the CDL Knowledge Tests and Skills Test exam, and an initial fee of $166. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) in Washington? ▼
Washington licenses commercial truck driver (cdl)s who complete its requirements (290 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Washington licensing board.
Can I transfer my Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) license to Washington 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 Washington licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Washington require a background check for Commercial Truck Driver (CDL) licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the commercial truck driver (cdl) licensing process in Washington. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.

Related Guides

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

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