Minnesota commercial licensing
Minnesota CDL Requirements – Complete 2026 Guide
The federal CDL baseline is only part of the answer in Minnesota. This page ties the issuing agency, CLP charge ($26.75), and state license term together for the appointment path.
State workflow
How the Minnesota CDL workflow differs
- Choose the license classMatch Class A, B, or C to the vehicle and work you actually plan to perform.
- Complete the state transactionMinnesota issues a Class B CLP to an applicant pursuing a Class C CDL because the same written tests are required for those permit stages.
- Meet federal training rulesFirst-time Class A or B applicants and applicants adding certain endorsements must complete applicable ELDT with a provider listed in the federal Training Provider Registry.
- Bring the correct vehicleThe skills-test vehicle determines the class and restrictions printed on the final CDL, so arrange it before booking.
Verified Minnesota data
How Minnesota prices the CLP and first CDL
Issuing authority
Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services
Commercial learner permit
$26.75
First CDL
Class A $65; Class B $57; Class C $50; under-21 Class A $45
Credential term
Four years
Local value
The local operating context behind Minnesota CDL study
State-specific checkpoint
Use the workflow section before scheduling with Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services; this page lists the CLP cost note as $26.75.
Local planning context
Minnesota plans freight by region and transportation mode. Commercial drivers may encounter Twin Cities distribution traffic, agricultural corridors, and marine freight connected to river and Great Lakes ports.
Official fee structure
Separate the Minnesota permit, test, and card costs
| Stage | Published state information |
|---|---|
| Commercial learner permit | $26.75 |
| Initial commercial license | Class A $65; Class B $57; Class C $50; under-21 Class A $45 |
| License term | Four years |
For Minnesota, training, the medical examination, a TSA background check when required, vehicle access, and private testing are separate charges when applicable. The state-issued CDL itself is described here as: Class A $65; Class B $57; Class C $50; under-21 Class A $45
Knowledge and endorsements
Study the Minnesota manual by class and endorsement
Every applicant
Start with General Knowledge and the Minnesota manual, then match your checklist to this checkpoint: Minnesota issues a Class B CLP to an applicant pursuing a Class C CDL because the same written tests are required for those permit stages.
Tank or hazardous materials
Tanker or Hazmat applicants add the appropriate knowledge test and federal TSA process. The current Minnesota license term is Four years; pair that with this CLP note before booking: $26.75
Class A combination
Study Combination Vehicles and Air Brakes for an air-brake-equipped vehicle. For this Minnesota path, the CLP charge or transaction is: $26.75
Passenger or school bus
Passenger Transport and School Bus tests apply to those operations. In Minnesota, connect that study to Minnesota plans freight by region and transportation mode. Commercial drivers may encounter Twin Cities distribution traffic, agricultural corridors, and marine freight connected to river and Great Lakes ports.
Regional comparison
Minnesota and neighboring commercial-license costs
| State | CLP fee note | License term |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $26.75 | Four years |
| Wisconsin | $30 for a 180-day Class A, B, or C commercial learner permit. | An original CDL is aligned with the existing Wisconsin license; a renewed CDL is valid for 8 years. |
| Iowa | $12. The CLP is valid for 1 year and is not renewable. | Normally 8 years; 2 years for applicants age 78 or older. |
| North Dakota | $15 for a resident CLP or $20 for a nondomiciled CLP. Each knowledge-test attempt costs $5. | Approximately four years. North Dakota sets expiration using the applicant's birth date and the state's odd/even birth-year renewal cycle. |
Official verification
Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services application and manual links
These government pages were checked on August 22, 2026. For Minnesota, use them to recheck the published CLP note ($26.75), the final credential cost, and the license term before paying or scheduling.
State Q&A
Before a Minnesota CDL appointment
After the Minnesota CLP stage, how is the first CDL priced under this rule: Class A $65; Class B $57; Class C $50; under-21 Class A $45?
Class A $65; Class B $57; Class C $50; under-21 Class A $45
Why does this Minnesota process note matter: Minnesota issues a Class B CLP to an applicant pursuing a Class C CDL because the same written tests are required for those permit stages?
In Minnesota, the checkpoint is: Minnesota issues a Class B CLP to an applicant pursuing a Class C CDL because the same written tests are required for those permit stages. It affects when to pay, schedule, or arrange the test vehicle, so use it as the appointment filter before moving from manual study into a real CLP or skills-test booking.
Before this Minnesota step – Minnesota issues a Class B CLP to an applicant pursuing a Class C CDL because the same written tests are required for those permit stages – what CLP charge is published?
$26.75
What role does Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services play when minnesota issues a class b clp to an applicant pursuing a class c cdl because the same written tests are required for those permit stages?
Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services is the issuing authority for the commercial-license transaction. Use the official links here to confirm where to apply, where to test, and how this fee note applies before you go: $26.75
Why does Minnesota issue a Class B CLP when I am applying for a Class C CDL?
Driver and Vehicle Services uses the Class B CLP because the written-test requirements for the Class B and Class C permit stages are the same.
How should I read the Minnesota credential term 'Four years' alongside this rule: Minnesota issues a Class B CLP to an applicant pursuing a Class C CDL because the same written tests are required for those permit stages?
Four years
How should a Minnesota applicant plan around this local fact: Minnesota plans freight by region and transportation mode?
Minnesota plans freight by region and transportation mode. Commercial drivers may encounter Twin Cities distribution traffic, agricultural corridors, and marine freight connected to river and Great Lakes ports.
