Your license type is printed on the front, usually in a box labeled "Class" or "Type"

The easiest way to find your license type is to look at the front of your physical license. Most states print a single letter or letter-number combination in a box — often near the top right or bottom left, depending on your state's design. Common types are Class D (regular passenger vehicle), Class A (heavy truck), Class B (medium truck), or Class M (motorcycle). Some states use numbers instead: a "1" might mean standard passenger, a "2" might mean motorcycle.

If you cannot locate it on the front, check the back. Some states moved this information to the reverse side. The label next to the code will say "Class," "Type," "License Class," or sometimes just "Lic Class." If you have lost your physical license or need to verify the type before it arrives, you can log into your state's DMV website with your driver's license number and date of birth — most state DMV portals display your license class in your account dashboard.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license class appears as a letter or number in a labeled box on your license, usually on the front but sometimes on the back.
  • Class D or equivalent is the standard license for driving cars, SUVs, and light trucks under a certain weight.
  • Class A and Class B licenses are for commercial or heavy vehicles and require additional testing and medical clearance.
  • Class M or equivalent is required to operate a motorcycle and often requires a separate endorsement or separate license.
  • You can verify your license type through your state's DMV website or by calling your local DMV office if your physical license is not available.

What each common license class means

Class D (or "1" in some states) is the standard passenger vehicle license. It covers cars, SUVs, pickup trucks under a certain weight limit (usually 26,001 pounds or less), and vans. This is what most drivers hold. You get a Class D by passing a written test, vision test, and driving test at your local DMV.

Class A is a commercial license for heavy trucks — typically those over 26,001 pounds or any truck towing a trailer over 10,000 pounds. Class A requires a commercial driver's license (CDL), which means additional written tests covering air brakes, hazmat, and other commercial rules, plus a more rigorous medical exam. You must be at least 18 years old (21 in some states) and have held a regular license for a set period.

Class B is for medium-duty trucks and buses — vehicles between certain weight thresholds or designed to carry more than 15 passengers. Like Class A, it requires a CDL and medical clearance. The testing is less extensive than Class A but still covers commercial-specific rules.

Class M (or "M" endorsement on a Class D) is for motorcycles. Some states issue a separate Class M license; others add an "M" endorsement to your existing Class D. Either way, you need to pass a motorcycle-specific written test and riding test, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course. A few states waive the riding test if you finish the course.

How to tell if you have a commercial license

Commercial licenses (Class A or B) are marked differently than regular licenses. Look for the word "Commercial" printed prominently on the front, usually in red or a contrasting color. You will also see "CDL" (Commercial Driver's License) somewhere on the card. The expiration date may be different too — commercial licenses often expire sooner than regular licenses and require renewal of your medical certification.

If you hold a commercial license but are unsure whether it is Class A or Class B, the class letter or number will still appear in the same box as on a regular license. The difference between the two is the vehicle weight and type restrictions, which are listed in smaller print on the back or in a separate section of your license.

Endorsements and restrictions on your license

Beyond your main license class, your license may have endorsements (things you are allowed to do) or restrictions (things you cannot do). Endorsements appear as letters — "H" for hazmat, "T" for double/triple trailers, "P" for passenger bus, "S" for school bus, or "X" for both hazmat and tanker. These are only relevant if you hold a commercial license.

Restrictions also appear as letters and limit what you can drive. "B" might mean no air brakes, "E" might mean no manual transmission, or "L" might mean corrective lenses required. A restriction does not change your license class — it just narrows what you can legally operate within that class. Check the back of your license or your state's DMV website to see your endorsements and restrictions listed.

What to do if your license type seems wrong

If you believe your license class is incorrect — for example, you took a motorcycle test but your license shows only Class D with no M endorsement — contact your state's DMV office. Bring your physical license, your test completion certificate or receipt, and a photo ID. The DMV can issue a corrected license, usually within one to two weeks, though some states offer expedited processing for a small fee.

If you are unsure whether you need a different license class for a vehicle you want to drive, describe the vehicle to the DMV (make, model, weight, and intended use) and they can tell you which class you need. This is especially important for commercial vehicles — driving a vehicle that requires a CDL without one can result in fines and points on your record.

Renewing or upgrading your license class

If you want to upgrade from a regular Class D to a commercial Class A or B, you will need to pass the CDL written tests and a medical exam. You do not have to wait for your current license to expire — you can upgrade at any time by visiting your DMV and requesting a CDL process. The process typically takes two to four weeks from process to receiving your new license.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement to an existing Class D license, you can do so without renewing your full license. You will take the motorcycle written test and riding test (or complete a safety course), and the DMV will issue you a new card with the M endorsement added. Your original expiration date usually stays the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a motorcycle with just a Class D license?

No. Operating a motorcycle without a Class M license or M endorsement is illegal in all states and can result in fines, points on your record, and liability issues if you are in an accident. You must pass a motorcycle test or safety course to add the M endorsement to your license.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B commercial licenses?

Class A covers heavier vehicles and allows you to tow larger trailers. Class B covers medium-duty trucks and buses. Both require a CDL, but Class A has more extensive testing. The specific weight and vehicle-type cutoffs vary by state, so check your state's DMV website for exact thresholds.

Do I need a commercial license to drive a pickup truck?

Only if the truck weighs more than 26,001 pounds or is towing a trailer over 10,000 pounds. Most personal pickup trucks fall under the Class D limit, so a regular license is sufficient. Check your truck's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) on the driver's door jamb to be sure.

How do I know if my license has expired?

The expiration date is printed on the front of your license, usually in the bottom right corner. It shows the month and year. Commercial licenses often expire sooner than regular licenses — typically every four years instead of five or eight — and require medical recertification at renewal.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?

Some states issue a temporary paper license or digital license at the DMV counter when you upgrade your class or add an endorsement. Others mail your new license and do not provide a temporary version. Ask the DMV clerk when you explore — if they offer one, you can usually drive legally with it until your permanent card arrives.