Indiana · CDL truck driver licensing · verified July 2026

Indiana CDL truck driver license requirements

Do you need a license to work as a CDL truck driver in Indiana?

Indiana licenses CDL truck drivers statewide, so one credential is valid across the whole state.

Fee detail from official BMV Fee Chart (rev. 1/1/26): commercial learner's permit $17, commercial driver's license $35, add/remove CDL endorsement $19, amend or replace credential $9, administrative penalty for late license renewal $6. Indiana add-ons: mandatory human-trafficking recognition video for all first-time CDL applicants (since July 1, 2023); MEC must be electronically on file via the FMCSA National Registry; if a CDL has been expired 3+ years the applicant starts over as an initial applicant. Ages per BMV: 'at least 18 years old if you are transporting property within state lines,' 21 for school bus; 21 for interstate per federal rule.

What licenses does Indiana issue?

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) issues the credentials below for this trade. Boards often list further classes for specialties and business licenses; these are the ones this page covers.

Hours are what each class asks for on its own terms. Where a senior class shows fewer than a journeyman, the board is counting time served after the earlier license rather than from the start; the prerequisite column says which.

Source: Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) (in.gov). Verified July 2026.

What exam does Indiana require?

CDL knowledge exams (general knowledge, air brakes, combination, plus endorsement exams; results valid one year). Administered by Indiana BMV branches.

CDL skills exam (pre-trip inspection, basic control skills, road test; results valid one year). Administered by BMV-authorized third-party examination sites (results transmitted electronically to BMV); fee set by provider.

How much does an Indiana CDL truck driver license cost?

Getting a journeyman CDL truck driver license in Indiana costs $52 in board fees, before any training. That is the application fee and the initial license fee charged once, with renewal charged separately below. No board publishes this total, so it is added up here from the schedule it does publish. An exam is required and its fee is not in that figure, because no amount for it appears in the board material this page is built from. Check the board's current fee schedule before budgeting.

• Application fee$17
• Initial license fee$35
• Renewal fee (recurring)$35

Source: fee schedule (in.gov). Verified July 2026.

How often do you renew, and what continuing education is required?

Renewal period: 4 years ('A CDL issued in Indiana is valid for four years'); expires on the holder's birthday; $6 administrative penalty for late renewal

Continuing education: None. Valid Medical Examiner's Certificate must be maintained on file with the BMV throughout licensure; hazmat endorsement requires TSA security threat assessment.

Source: renewal requirements (in.gov). Verified July 2026.

How does the apprenticeship route work?

Not applicable, no apprenticeship-hour pathway. ELDT through FMCSA-registered providers is the required training route for new Class A/B applicants.

How does Indiana compare to neighboring states?

Requirements stop at the state line, which matters if you live near one or expect to move. Here is what the neighboring states ask of the same trade.

Source: state licensing boards. Verified July 2026.

Sources and verification

Other states with published requirements for this trade: Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine.

Price the whole path with the license cost estimator, or weigh earning against paying for school with the apprenticeship comparison. Back to CDL truck drivers overview.

Licensing requirements change between our verification sweeps. This page is informational only, so confirm current requirements with Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) before making decisions. Not legal advice.