Transfer your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) from out-of-state

If you are transferring a CDL to Massachusetts, you have the option of choosing a REAL ID.

Individuals 18 and older now need a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card (or another ID accepted by the TSA) to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities.

A Massachusetts REAL ID has a star in the top right corner. A standard driver's license does not.

Visit REAL ID in Massachusetts for more information.

Once you've decided what kind of CDL you want:

• Complete your application online.
• Bring your required identification (including your out-of-state learner's license) and completed application to an RMV Service Center
  • In addition to the required identification, all CDL applicants must prove U.S. citizenship or permanent lawful presence. If your name differs on the lawful presence document, you must also provide proof of the legal name change.
• Pass a vision test
• Present your current, unexpired CDL at the time of the transaction

When converting an out-of-state CDL, the written and road tests may be waived if you are currently licensed at the time of your application, and the following criteria are met:

• You must certify that, during the 2-year period immediately before applying for a CDL you:
  • Do not have more than one driver’s license
  • Do not have any license suspended, revoked, or canceled
  • Do not have any convictions for any type of motor vehicle disqualifying offenses
  • Do not have more than one conviction for any type of motor vehicle for serious traffic violations
  • Do not have any conviction for a violation of state or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control. This excludes parking violations. You must have no record of an accident in which you were at fault and no incidents of fraud relating to obtaining a driver’s license.
• You must provide evidence and certify that:
  • You have operated a vehicle, representing a commercial motor vehicle you intend to drive
  • You can provide documentation proving U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency

You must provide the following documentation for waiver consideration:

• Current out-of-state CDL
• A certified copy of a driving record from a previous state of licensure less than 30 days old. This must state that you have held a CDL with no disqualifying events
• Proof of residency in Massachusetts

Transferring endorsements

When you apply for a Commercial Driver's License out-of-state conversion, you may also choose to transfer the endorsements on the previous Commercial Driver's License. However, due to federal requirements, an H endorsement (HazMat) is not transferable. To receive an H endorsement on a Massachusetts Commercial Driver's License, you must reapply for the endorsement.