Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MI Board of Transportation
Truck Driver (CDL) Licensing in Michigan
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for truck driver (cdl) in Michigan, 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 Michigan
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
An applicant for a Commercial Driver License must pass medical and driver qualifications, the required knowledge and vision tests, and a skills test through an approved third-party tester.
- 6
The CDL fee is $25.00, with a $25.00 renewal fee.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| The CDL fee | $25.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Michigan Secretary of State
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,140 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#33 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Michigan eligibility requirements for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 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. Budget filing costs (The CDL fee: $25.00).
- 7. Submit the application to Michigan Secretary of State and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Michigan
With a median salary of $55,140, Truck Driver (CDL)s in Michigan earn 4% below the national median of $57,440. Michigan ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,308Median annual salary
$55,140Hourly estimate
$26.514% below national median
Difference: -$2,300
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationTruck Driver (CDL) Salary Ranking
#33 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $55,140 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $58,080 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $60,090 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $57,380 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 21 years |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Michigan Secretary of State
P.O. Box 30204, Lansing, MI, 48918
Phone: 8887676424
Related Careers in Michigan
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Pilot | $130,560 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $153,350 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $69,370 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | $337,220 | Degree required | 12 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Truck Driver (CDL) in Michigan?
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 Michigan?
Michigan 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 Michigan?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Truck Driver (CDL) licensure in Michigan.
What is the typical Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Michigan?
The median annual salary for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Michigan is $55,140. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $72,690 (90th percentile).
How does the Truck Driver (CDL) salary in Michigan compare to the national average?
Truck Driver (CDL)s in Michigan earn 4% below the national median of $57,440, with a state median of $55,140.
How many Truck Driver (CDL)s work in Michigan?
Michigan employs approximately 59,910 Truck Driver (CDL)s according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Truck Driver (CDL) license to Michigan from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Truck Driver (CDL)s in Michigan?
The licensing agency is Michigan Secretary of State. Review agency details at https://www.michigan.gov/sos/.
How often do you renew a Truck Driver (CDL) license in Michigan?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.