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Non-commercial license classes

Use this page to find the correct license class for non-commercial vehicle operators. A class C license is needed unless defined below.

For reference, the term “combination vehicle” means:

  • a towed vehicle, like a trailer, and
  • a power unit, or the vehicle doing the towing

Single, non-combination vehicles

Weight 26,001+ pounds = class B license

Graphic for class B license for single vehicle 26,001 pounds or more

If the single vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, the operator needs a class B license.

Combination vehicles

Trailer 10,001+ pounds AND combination 26,001+ pounds = class A license

Graphic for class A license for trailer 10,001 pounds or more and combination 26,001 pounds or more

If the trailer has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of  10,001 pounds or more and the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is 26,001 pounds or more, a class A license is needed.

The GCWR is the greater of:

  • The value specified by the manufacturer of the power unit, if the value is displayed on the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard certification label required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or
  • The sum of the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWRs) or the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVWs) of the power unit and the towed unit(s), or any total of these values that is highest

Trailer less than 10,001 pounds but power unit 26,001+ pounds = class B license

Graphic for class B license for trailer less than 10,001 pounds and power unit 26,001 pounds or more

If the trailer is less than 10,001 pounds, but the power unit has a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, you need a class B license.