Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Truck Driver (CDL) in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: Vision test required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
For more information contact the state DMV or https://cms.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/commercial-drivers-license/how-do-i-get-commercial-drivers-license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- centrally
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation • Motor Vehicle Division
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,080 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation~Motor Vehicle Division and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $55,080, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Iowa earn 4% below the national median of $57,440. Iowa ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$55,080Hourly estimate
$26.484% below national median
Difference: -$2,360
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#34 of 50 statesfor Truck Driver (CDL) median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Alaska | $64,890 |
| #2 | New Jersey | $64,720 |
| #3 | Washington | $63,760 |
| #4 | Oregon | $61,180 |
| #5 | Minnesota | $61,090 |
Nearby States Comparison
Truck Driver (CDL) licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $55,080 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $61,090 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 21 years |
| Wisconsin | $57,380 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 21 years |
| Illinois | $59,790 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $50,540 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $57,940 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18-21 years |
| South Dakota | $56,880 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation • Motor Vehicle Division
See official licensing board website
Phone: N/A
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $101,040 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $70,080 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $385,010 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Iowa?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Iowa?
Iowa lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Truck Driver (CDL)s.
What education do you need to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Iowa?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Iowa is $55,080. Salaries range from $38,570 (10th percentile) to $79,290 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Iowa earn 4% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $55,080.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 37,430 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Iowa from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Motor Vehicle Division and the Iowa Department of Transportation / Motor Vehicle Division. Review agency details at https://www.iowadot.gov/#/services.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.