State Listing of Drivers Licenses

State Listing of Drivers Licenses for HDTs

6/16/2017

Determination Procedure

This chart was developed to determine what class driver license was necessary to drive a MDT or HDT and trailer in the licensing state.  The assumption of a rig with a GCW greater than 26,001 lbs. was used.

To start, the USDOT FMCSA establishes that any rig greater than 26,001 lbs and the trailer greater than 10,000 lbs requires a Class A CDL unless the licensing state has an exemption.

So the first place to look is in the State CDL License for an exemption for a Recreational Vehicle.  The State Driver License Manual was also checked for a reference to Recreational Vehicle.  Finally the State Codes (or whatever the state calls them) is checked to find the specific language exempting a Recreational Vehicle from the definition of a Commercial Vehicle or from the requirement of a CDL.  Lacking an exemption, a CDL is required.

Next the State Codes are checked for definition of Class A and Class B licenses outside of the Commercial License context.  The existence of Class A and Class B licenses outside the Commercial License context means there are non-CDL licenses in that state.  Generally if non-CDLs exist, they apply to RVs.

State Codes usually define the licensing process but most state Codes also empower the Administrator (or whatever) of the Department of Transportation (or whatever) to issue Regulations (or whatever) that further define the Codes.  These regulations can be quite a challenge as they do not fall under the requirement to be available to the public on the Internet like state codes. 

Some states have a requirement for a special license for Recreational Vehicles when the rig is greater than 26,001 lbs and the trailer greater than 10,000 lbs.  Sometimes called a non-CDL or may be called a different class.

Encouraging states to make the application of CDL license uniform has become very obvious with the CDL Manual used by most of the states being virtually the same, with maybe the addition of exemptions to the CDL license.

Whatever your residence state requires, that license will work through the entire United States because of the Full Faith Clause of the Constitution.
 

More License Information

Also refer to HDT Drivers License for more information.
 

Caveats

As always, these information is as up to date as we can try but the final say is between you and your licensing state.
 

Table Creation

In the linked pdf authorities, the pertinent text is highlighted except where prevented because the state locked the pdf.  Not all manuals are complete.  If the state offered the manual in sections, only the pertinent section is used.

This table was developed from the ChangingGears with number link corrections.

Any additional authorities to clarify any state position on RV driver license would be appreciated.

Header legend:
State = State
HDT = as Motorhome, Private Truck, or Not
CDL = CDL required, yes or no
SL = Special License (non-CDL), yes or no
SWS = State Driver License Web Site
PDF Links
Comments = Research analysis, Original ChangingGears text in italics.
 

State HDT CDL SL SWS PDF Links Comments
AK MH N N Web Site AK_CDLManual.pdf
AK_28_90_990.pdf
AK 28.90.990 exempts RVs from Commercial Vehicle.
AL MH N N Web Site AL_32_6_49_7.pdf AL 32-6-49.7 exempts RVs from CDL license.
AR MH Y N Web Site AR_DriverManual.pdf
AR_27_23_111.pdf
AR_CDLManual.pdf

 

AR Driver Manual defines Class D license up to 26,000 lbs.

AR 27-23-111 defines the Class A, Class B and Class D licenses.

Driver's license manual states that a Class D license is valid up to 26,000 lb GVWR. We confirmed by phone that the Class D license is valid for all RV's.

AZ No N N Web Site AZ_28_3102.pdf HDT not considered RV.

Driver's license and CDL manuals imply that a CDL is required above 26,000 lb GVWR. However, A.R.S. 28-3102 exempts RV's from CDL requirement.

CA MH N Y Web Site Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Motor homes over 40' but not longer than 45' require non-commercial Class B. Trailers over 10,000 lb GVWR and fifth wheels over 15,000 lb GVWR require non-commercial Class A. See Recreational Vehicles and Trailers Handbook.
CO MH N N Web Site CO_CDLDefinitions.pdf
CO_42_2_4-2.pdf
CO 42-2-402 exempts RVs from CDL license.

While CDL manual states that a CDL is required for trucks above 6,500 lb, we confirmed by phone that CDL is not required for any RV.

CT MH N Y Web Site CT_CDLManual.pdf
CT_95-260.pdf
CT_DriverManual.pdf
CDL Manual says RVs not commercial.  

CT 95-260 says Class 2 (CDL B) can tow RV trailer regardless of weight.

Class 2 license required for trailers above 10,000 lb GVW

DC ? Y N Web Site DC_DriverManual.pdf
DC_50_402.pdf
Found no exemption of road test nor was a non-CDL license option found.

According to officials, a CDL is required above 26,000 lb. Must pass the CDL knowledge test, but the road test is not required.

DE ? N N Web Site DE_CDLManual.pdf
DE_2213.pdf
DE CDL Manual only exempts RVs from IFA tax.

DE 2213 exempts RVs from CDL license.

Unknown on how Delaware looks at HDTs as RVs.

FL No N N Web Site FL_CDLManual.pdf
FL_320_01.pdf
FL_322_53.pdf
The exemption for RVs in 322.53 refers to the definition in 320.01 which does not include an HDT and there is no provision for private truck.

But FL 322.53 does exempt a straight truck used personally which a HDT might be considered as with a bumper hitch.

Driver's license manual states that a Class E license is valid up to 26,000 lb GVWR. We confirmed by phone that the Class E license is valid for all RV's.

GA PT N N Web Site GA_45_5_142.pdf
GA_40_2_150.pdf
GA 45-5-142 exempts RVs from CDL.  GA 40-2-150 defines a Private Truck.

However, no exemption from CDL  was found for Private Truck.

HI ? Y N Web Site HI_CDLManual.pdf The HI CDL Manual exempts RVs from CDL license but no luck finding that in HI Codes.

Class 4 license required for trailers weighing more than 15,000 lb and less than 26,000 lb. CDL implied above 26,000 lb.

IA MH N N Web Site IA_321_176A.pdf Motorhomes and GVWR Trucks of less than 26,000 lbs are exempt from CDL requirements,
ID PT N N Web Site ID_CDLManual_trunc.pdf

ID_49_302.pdf

ID 49-302 exempts commercial vehicle used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members for nonbusiness or recreational purposes.
IL MH N Y Web Site IL_DriverManual.pdf
IL_CDLManual.pdf
IL_625_6_500.pdf
IL 625 6-500 exempts RVs from CDL requirements.

The IL Driver Manual refers to Class A and B licenses but not found in IL Codes.

Assumption that non-CDL is required.

Above 16,000 lb GVWR, or towing above 10,000 lb, requires non-commercial Class A, B or C.

IN MH N N Web Site IN_CDLManual.pdf
IN_9_24_6.pdf
IN 9-24-6 exempts vehicles registered as RV from CDL.
KS MH N Y Web Site KS_DriverManual.pdf
KS_8_2_34b.pdf
KS does define a RV uniquely therefore it is treated as a Class A or Class B vehicle but the assumption is that it is in the Non-CDL Classes.

Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires non-commercial Class A or B.

KY ? N N Web Site KY_DriverManual.pdf
KY_CDLManual.pdf

KY_281A_050.pdf

KY 281A-050 exempts RV from CDL requirements.
LA MH N N Web Site LA_DriverManual.pdf
LA_32_408.pdf
LA 32.408 indicated the standard Class E license is used for RVs
MA MH N N Web Site MA_DriverManual.pdf
MA_CDLManual.pdf
MA Codes are very vague.  No exemption from a CDL for an RV was found.

Driver's license manual states that a Class D license is valid up to 26,000 lb registered weight. We confirmed by phone that the Class D license is valid for all RV's.

MD No Y N Web Site MD_CDLManual.pdf
MD_11_901_1.pdf
Above 26,000 lb GVW requires non-commercial Class A or B 

MD11.901-1 defines RV as a non-CDL vehicle.

But MD does not see a HDT as a MH.

ME MH N N Web Site ME_CDLManual.pdf
ME_29A_1252.pdf
ME 29A-1252 defines a Class C license for RVs.
MI MH N N Web Site MI_CDLManual.pdf
MI_257.49a.pdf
MI_RecreationalDouble.pdf
MI 257.49a exempts RVs from special licenses.

MI Recreational Doubles define the rules for towing double trailers.

"R" endorsement required if pulling two trailers

MN ? N N Web Site MN_DriverManual.pdf
MN_169_011.pdf
MN 169/011 defines RVs exempt from CDL license.
MO MH N N Web Site MO_CDLManual.pdf
MO_302_775.pdf
MO 302.775 exempts RVs from CDL license.
MS ? N N Web Site MS_63_1_78.pdf MS 63.1.78 exempts personal nonprofit vehicles for CDL license.
MT MH N N Web Site MT_61_1_101.pdf MT 61.1.101 defines vehicles not used to transport goods for compensation or for hire are exempted from CDL license.

Driver's license manual states that a Class D license is valid up to 26,000 lb GVW. We confirmed by phone that the Class D license is valid for all RV's.

NC MH
PT
N Y Web Site NC_DriverManual.pdf
NC_CDLManual.pdf
NC_20_37_16.pdf
NC_20_2_7.pdf
NC 20 37-16 states that CDL license does not apply to vehicles used for personal use such as recreational vehicles.

NC 20 2-7 defines non-CDL Class A and Class B.

Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires non-commercial Class A or B.

ND ? N N Web Site ND_CDLManual.pdf
ND_39_06_2_06.pdf
ND 39-06.2-06 exempts RVs from CDL license.
NE ? N N Web Site NE_CDLManual.pdf
NE_60_465.pdf
NE 60-405 exempts RVs from CDL license
NH MH N N Web Site NH_CDLManual.pdf
NH_Saf_C_1801.pdf
NH Saf-C 1801 exempts RVs from CDL license.

Driver's license manual states that a Class D license is valid up to 26,000 lb GVW. We confirmed by phone that the Class D license is valid for all RV's.

NJ MH N N Web Site NJ_DriveManual.pdf
NJ_CDLManual.pdf
NJ_39_3_10_11.pdf
NJ 39:3-10.11 exempts RVs from CDL definition.
NM MH
PT
N Y Web Site NM_CDLManual.pdf
NM_18_19_5.pdf
Above 26,000 lb GVW requires class E. See sections 18.19.5.30 and 18.19.5.112 in TRD Publication 18.18 & 18.19 NMAC.
NV PT N Y Web Site NV_Non-CDLManual.pdf
NV_CDLManual.pdf
NV_CDLManual.pdf
NV 483.850 exempts RVs from CDL license.

When towing trailer above 10,000 lb GVWR, requires "J" endorsement. Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires non-commercial Class A or B.

NY No N Y Web Site NY_CDLManual.pdf
NY_5_19_501.pdf
While non-CDL is mentioned in places, the definition could not be found in the codes.

NY 5-19 501a exempts a personal vehicle from CDL.

Not resolved.

Above 26,000 lb GVWR requires "R" endorsement. A new law enacted 7/2005 has eliminated the non-CDL class C. See The Elimination of the Non-CDL Class C License
 

OH MH N N Web Site OH_VehicleCode.pdf
OH_4506_3.pdf
OH 4506.3 exempts RVs from CDL license.
OK MH
PT
N N Web Site OK_47_1_107_4.pdf

OK 47.1.107.4 defines license for RVs.

Practice Test for Oklhoma Drivers Licenses.

OR MH N N Web Site OR_DriverManual.pdf

OR_801.208.pdf

OR 801.208 exempts RVs from CDL license.
PA No N Y Web Site PA_DriverManual.pdf
PA_CDLManual.pdf
PA_18_1603.pdf
PA_18_1504.pdf
RVs are exempted from CDL license.  But a Class A license is required, i.e. non-CDL.

Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires non-commercial Class A or B.

RI ? N N Web Site RI_31_10_3_16.pdf According to DL officials, above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires commercial Class A or B. However, RI statute 31-10.3-16 (5) specifically exempts RV's.
SC ? N Y Web Site SC_DriverManual.pdf
SC_56_1_2070.pdf
SC 56-1-2070 exempts RVs from CDL license.

SD driver Manual defines Class E (non-CDL B like) and Class E (non-CDL A like).

It appears these definitions are generated by a regulation of SCDOT .  Not found yet.

Above 26,000 lb GVW requires Class E or F.

SD PT N N Web Site SD_CDL_manual_2016.pdf
SD-32-9-3.pdf
Sd_32-12A-1.pdf
SD 32-9-3 exempts RVs from CDL license as defined in 32-12A-1.
TN MH
PT
N N Web Site TN_CDLManual.pdf
TN_55_50_102.pdf
TN 55-50-102 exempts RVs from CDL license.
TX MH
PT
N Y Web Site

TX_DriverManual.pdf
TX_CDLManual.pdf

TX_521_001.pdf
TX_522_001.pdf

TX 522-001 exempts RVs from CDL license but TX 521-001 defines non-CDL Class A and B licenses that do relate to RVs.

Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR (while towing > 10,000 lb) requires non-commercial Class A or B.

UT MH N N Web Site UT_CDLManual.pdf
UT_53_3_211.pdf
UT 53-3-211 exempt RVs from CDL license.

 

VA PT? N N Web Site VA_CDLManual.pdf
VA_46_2_341_4.pdf
VA 46.2-341.4 exempts Recreational Use from CDL license.

Information confirmed by a VA state trooper.

VT ? N N Web Site VT_CDLManual.pdf
VT_23_39_4103.pdf
VT 23 39-4103 exempts RVs from CDL license.
WA MH N N Web Site WA_CDLManual.pdf
WA_46_25_050.pdf
WA 46.25.050 exempts RVs from CDL license.
WI MH N N Web Site WI_CDLManual.pdf
WI_ 343_055.pdf
WI 343.055 exempts RVs from CDL license.

RV exemption in CDL manual: "motor home, fifth wheel mobile home,... provided it isn't longer than 45 feet"

WV ? N N Web Site WV_CDLManual.pdf
WV_17E_1.pdf
WV 17E-1 exempts RVs from CDL license.
WY ? N Y Web Site WY_CDLManual.pdf
WY_31_7_109.pdf
Only the WY CDL Manual exempts RVs from CDL license so far in the research.

WY 37-7-109 defines Class A and Class B licenses, non-CDL for RVs.

Above 26,000 lb GVWR or GCWR requires non-commercial Class A or B.