Your driver's license class appears on the front of your card, usually in a box labeled "Class" or "License Class"

The class of your driver's license tells you what kinds of vehicles you are legally allowed to drive. Every state uses a letter or number system — Class D, Class C, CDL (Commercial Driver's License) — and the specific class you hold depends on what you applied for when you got your license and what your state's rules are. You do not need to contact anyone to find out: it is printed right on your license card itself.

If you have lost your license or cannot read the print clearly, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can tell you your class over the phone or through their online portal. Some states let you look it up by entering your license number and date of birth on their website. A few states also mail you a document called a "driving record" or "abstract" that lists your class and any restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license class is printed on the front of your physical driver's license card in a labeled box.
  • Class D or Class 5 usually means you can drive regular passenger cars; Class A or CDL means you can drive commercial trucks or buses.
  • Your state's DMV website often has a tool to look up your class by license number if you cannot read your card.
  • Restrictions (like corrective lenses or automatic transmission only) are also printed on your license and limit what you can drive even within your class.

Where to find your class on your physical license

Open your wallet and look at the front of your driver's license. Near the bottom or middle of the card, you will see a box or field labeled "Class," "License Class," or sometimes just a single letter or number. That is your class. The exact location varies by state — some print it on the left side, others on the right — but it is always visible on the card itself and usually in a box with a clear label.

If the print is too small or faded to read, hold the card under good light or use your phone's camera to zoom in on a photo of the card. The class is always a single letter (A, B, C, D, M) or sometimes a number (Class 1, Class 2, Class 5), depending on your state.

What the different classes mean

Each state defines its classes slightly differently, but the general pattern is the same across the country. Class D (or Class 5 in some states) is the standard passenger vehicle class — it covers cars, small trucks, and vans under a certain weight. Class C usually covers the same vehicles but may have different age or experience requirements. Class A and Class B are for larger commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers and buses. Class M is for motorcycles.

If you hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), your card will say "CDL" or "Commercial" prominently. A CDL is required to drive tractor-trailers, large buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials, and it comes with additional testing and medical certification requirements.

Your state's DMV website has a chart showing exactly what each class covers in your state. The rules are not identical everywhere — for example, Class A in one state might cover different vehicles than Class A in another — so checking your state's specific definitions is worth doing if you are unsure whether you can drive a particular vehicle.

How to look up your class if you cannot find your card

If you have lost your license or the card is too damaged to read, your state's DMV website usually has a tool to look up your license information. Go to your state's DMV homepage and look for a link that says "Check License Status," "View Driving Record," or "Look Up License Information." You will typically need to enter your license number, date of birth, and sometimes the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Some states charge a small fee (usually $5 to $10) to view or print your driving record, which will list your class and any restrictions. A few states offer this lookup for free. If you cannot find the tool online, you can call your state's DMV directly or visit a local DMV office in person — bring a photo ID and they will tell you your class on the spot.

Restrictions that limit what you can drive within your class

Your class tells you the type of vehicle you can drive, but your license may also have restrictions that limit how you can drive it. These restrictions are printed on the back of your license card or listed on your driving record. Common restrictions include "corrective lenses required" (you must wear glasses or contacts), "automatic transmission only" (you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle), or "daylight driving only" (you cannot drive at night).

If you have a restriction, you must follow it. Driving outside your restriction — for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only — is a violation and can result in a ticket. If a restriction no longer applies to you (for example, you had eye surgery and no longer need glasses), you can request a new license without that restriction by visiting your DMV and passing a new vision test.

When you might need to know your class

You need to know your class when you are renting a vehicle, explore for certain jobs (especially driving jobs), or checking whether you can legally drive a specific vehicle. Rental car companies will ask what class of license you hold to make sure you can rent the vehicle you want. Employers hiring for delivery, transportation, or commercial driving positions will ask whether you hold a CDL or a standard class license.

If you are thinking about driving a vehicle you do not own — a friend's truck, a rental van, or a borrowed motorcycle — check your license class and restrictions first. Driving a vehicle your class does not cover is illegal and can result in fines, points on your record, or both.

Upgrading or changing your license class

If you want to drive a vehicle your current class does not cover, you will need to explore for a different class of license. The process varies by state and by which class you are upgrading to. Upgrading to a motorcycle endorsement (Class M) usually requires passing a written test and a riding skills test. Upgrading to a commercial class (CDL) requires a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination.

Contact your state's DMV for the specific steps and fees for upgrading your class. Some states let you explore online or by mail; others require you to visit an office in person. The process typically takes a few weeks from process to receiving your new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if my license says "Class D"?

Class D is the standard passenger vehicle license in most states. It covers cars, pickup trucks, vans, and small SUVs. You cannot drive commercial trucks, buses, or motorcycles with a Class D license. Check your state's DMV website for the exact weight and size limits that explore in your state.

Can I drive a motorcycle with a regular driver's license?

No. Motorcycles require a separate endorsement or a Class M license, even if you hold a Class D or Class A license for cars. Driving a motorcycle without the proper class or endorsement is illegal. You will need to pass a written test and a riding skills test to add a motorcycle endorsement to your license.

What is a CDL and do I need one?

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required to drive tractor-trailers, large buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials. If you drive a regular car or small truck for personal use, you do not need a CDL. If your job involves driving commercial vehicles, your employer will tell you that a CDL is required before hiring you.

How do I know if my restrictions are still valid?

Your restrictions are listed on the back of your license card. If a restriction no longer applies — for example, you had corrective eye surgery — you can visit your DMV and request a new license without that restriction. You may need to pass a new test (like a vision test) to have the restriction removed.

Can I look up my license class online?

Most states have an online tool on their DMV website where you can enter your license number and date of birth to view your license information, including your class. Some states charge a small fee for this service. If you cannot find the tool, call your state's DMV or visit a local office in person.