Your license type is printed on the front and back of your card

The easiest way to find out what type of license you have is to look at your physical card. In the United States, every driver's license shows a class or type code — usually a letter like A, B, C, or D, or sometimes a number. This code appears in a specific box on your license, and the exact location varies slightly by state, but it is always there.

The back of your license also lists what vehicles you are permitted to drive. Some licenses come with restrictions or endorsements — additional codes that either limit what you can do (like height restrictions for certain vehicles) or add permissions (like the ability to drive a motorcycle or transport hazardous materials). These appear as letters or codes below or near the class designation.

If you cannot find your physical license or want to understand what your code actually means, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website has a chart that translates the codes into plain language. You can also call your local DMV office and read them your license number — they will tell you exactly what you are licensed to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license class or type is printed on the front of your card in a designated box, usually as a single letter or number.
  • Class C is the standard passenger vehicle license in most states; Class A and B are for larger trucks; Class D or M covers motorcycles depending on your state.
  • Restrictions and endorsements appear as additional codes and either limit what you can drive or add permissions like towing or hazmat transport.
  • Your state DMV website publishes a key that explains what each code means, or you can call your local office to have them read your license to you.

What the different license classes mean

Class C is the standard passenger vehicle license. It covers cars, small trucks, and vans up to a certain weight limit (usually around 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating). Most people who drive to work or run errands have a Class C license. This is what you get when you pass the standard written and driving test at your DMV.

Class A and Class B are commercial licenses for larger vehicles. Class A covers the heaviest trucks and truck-and-trailer combinations. Class B covers single large trucks that do not pull a trailer. These require additional testing, a medical certificate, and often a background check. You cannot legally drive a Class A or B vehicle with only a Class C license, even if you own the truck.

Class M or Class D (depending on your state) is a motorcycle license. Some states issue this as a separate class; others issue it as an endorsement added to a regular license. You need a motorcycle endorsement to legally ride a motorcycle on public roads. The test includes a written exam and a riding skills test on an actual motorcycle.

Class E or F (in some states) covers chauffeurs or drivers-for-hire. If you drive for a rideshare company, taxi service, or limousine company, you may need this class instead of a standard Class C. Requirements vary by state and sometimes by city.

Understanding restrictions on your license

A restriction is a limitation on what you can do with your license. Common restrictions include corrective lenses (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). Restrictions appear as letters or codes on your license and are legally binding — driving in violation of a restriction can result in a ticket even if you were not breaking any other law.

Some restrictions are temporary. For example, if you are under 18 in many states, you may have a restriction that limits when you can drive or how many passengers you can carry. These restrictions often expire on your birthday or after a certain period of safe driving.

Other restrictions are permanent or long-term. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving ability, the DMV may impose a restriction that requires you to renew your license more frequently or limits the types of roads you can drive on. If you have questions about why a restriction is on your license, your DMV can explain it.

What endorsements mean and why they matter

An endorsement is the opposite of a restriction — it adds a permission to your license. The most common endorsement is M for motorcycle, which means you are licensed to ride motorcycles in addition to driving regular vehicles. Other endorsements include H for hazardous materials (you can transport certain chemicals or explosives), P for passenger transport (you can drive a bus or van carrying passengers for hire), and T for towing (you can tow trailers above a certain weight).

Endorsements require additional testing beyond the standard license exam. For a motorcycle endorsement, you take a separate written test and riding skills test. For hazmat or passenger endorsements, you take additional written exams and may need a background check or medical clearance. You cannot legally perform the activity covered by an endorsement unless it is actually printed on your license.

If you want to add an endorsement to your existing license, you contact your DMV, pay a fee (which varies by state), and take the required test. You do not have to renew your entire license — the endorsement is usually added to your current card or issued as a replacement card with the new code.

How to read the codes on your license

The format of license codes varies by state, but the information is always there. On the front of your card, look for a box labeled "Class" or "Type" — this is your main license class. Below or near it, you will see a section for restrictions and endorsements, usually labeled "Restrictions" or "Codes."

Each code is a single letter or sometimes a two-letter combination. For example, "B" might mean corrective lenses required, "D" might mean automatic transmission only, and "M" might mean motorcycle endorsement. The exact meanings change by state, which is why the DMV publishes a code key.

To decode your license, visit your state's DMV website and search for "license codes" or "restriction codes." You will find a table that lists every code used in your state and what it means. If you cannot find it online, call your local DMV office with your license number, and they will read the codes to you and explain what each one means.

What happens if you drive outside your license type

Driving a vehicle type you are not licensed for is illegal, even if you know how to drive it. If you drive a commercial truck with only a Class C license, or ride a motorcycle without an M endorsement, you can be cited for driving with an invalid license. This is different from a speeding ticket — it is a more serious violation that can result in fines, points on your driving record, and in some cases a court appearance.

If you are in an accident while driving outside your license class, your insurance may not cover the damage. Insurance companies can deny a claim if you were breaking the law at the time of the accident, which means you could be personally liable for all costs.

If you violate a restriction — for example, driving at night when your license says daylight only — you face the same penalties. The violation is on your record even if nothing else went wrong during the drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean if my license says "REAL ID compliant"?

REAL ID compliance is a federal security standard, not a license type or class. It means your license meets federal requirements for identification and can be used for domestic air travel and federal building access. Most states now issue REAL ID-compliant licenses by default. It does not change what vehicles you can drive.

Can I drive a truck if I have a Class C license?

It depends on the truck's weight. Class C covers most pickup trucks and light-duty vehicles up to around 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. If the truck is heavier than that, you need a Class A or B commercial license. Check your truck's registration or door jamb for the gross vehicle weight rating.

How do I add a motorcycle endorsement to my license?

Contact your state DMV, pay the endorsement fee, and pass a written test and riding skills test on a motorcycle. Some states offer the riding test through a third-party provider. The process usually takes a few weeks from start to finish.

What if I lost my license and do not remember what type it was?

Call your local DMV office with your driver's license number or date of birth, and they will tell you what class and codes are on your license. You can also order a replacement license, which will be mailed to you with all your current class and restriction information printed on it.

Do restrictions expire, or are they permanent?

It depends on the restriction. Temporary restrictions like those for drivers under 18 expire automatically. Medical or vision restrictions may be permanent or may require periodic renewal depending on your state's rules. Your DMV can tell you whether a specific restriction on your license is temporary or ongoing.