Here’s one question I get asked a lot; “Do I need a special license to drive a motorhome?”  The answer is no. To my knowledge, in the state of Colorado, as I am filming this video, you do not need a special license to drive any of the motor homes or travel trailers. Now, a bus, an actual bus (which we don’t rent any buses at this time), would be the only exception. Sometimes, some states will require a special license for what’s called a, “Tag Axle” or Tag Axles are what they’re called. This is when the RV has duel axles in the rear of the vehicle, sometimes you need a special license for this. But generally speaking, the majority of US states do not require a special license for RVs weighing under 26,000 pounds or towed vehicles under 10,000 pounds. Vehicles that can carry more than 16 passengers are often subject to special licensing. But, again, as of now, in the state of Colorado you DO NOT need any special license to rent any motorhomes, at least not in our fleet.  I’ve provided a list below of all the states and their specific requirements. Please note, state laws, rules and regulations are subject to change. We always recommend checking with your local DMV to confirm the information below.

Class A	Class C	Class B	Travel Trailer
0-26,000 lbs	0-26,000 lbs	0-10,000 lbs	0-10,000 lbs

What is a special license?

Broadly speaking, there are two types of special licenses: a commercial and non-commercial license. Some states require you to have a non-commercial special license in order to drive a recreational vehicle over a certain length or weight. Other states will require you to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) — the kind of license needed for large and heavy vehicles likes buses or tractor trailers.

States That Require A Commercial Driver’s License

• Arkansas: CDL required for vehicle over 26,000 lb
• Connecticut: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Hawaii: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Kansas: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• New Mexico: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Washington, D.C.: CDL (Class B) required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; CDL (Class A) required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Wisconsin: CDL required over 45 feet

States That Require A Non-Commercial Special Driver’s License

• California: Class B license required over 26,000 lb or over 40 feet; Class A license required for towing over 10,000 lbs
• Maryland: Class B license required over 26,000 lb
• Michigan: Recreational Double “R” Endorsement required to tow a fifth wheel plus a trailer (it’s unlikely that you’ll ever need this)
• North Carolina: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Nevada: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb; “J” Endorsement required to tow a vehicle over 10,000 lb (if the combined weight is less than 26,000 lb)
• New York: Recreational Vehicle or “R” endorsement required for vehicles over 26,000 lb
• Pennsylvania: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• South Carolina: Class E license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class F license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Texas: Class B license required for single vehicle over 26,000 lb; Class A license required for multiple vehicles with combined weight over 26,000 lb
• Wyoming: Class B license required for vehicle over 26,000 lb and towing under 10,000 lb; Class A license required for vehicle over 26,000 lb and towing over 10,000 lb

States That Do Not Require A Special Driver’s License

The following states do not require a special driver’s license to drive an RV. Where possible, we have provided links to the relevant state laws where the exemption for recreational vehicles can be found. Remember: When in doubt, contact your local DMV.

Alabama (Ala. Code § 32-6-49.7)	Montana (§ 61-1-101, MCA.)
Alaska (AS § 28.90.990)	Nebraska (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-465)
Arizona (Ark. Code § 28-3102)	New Hampshire (N.H. § Saf-C 1801.02)
Colorado (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-2-402)	New Jersey (N.J. Rev. Stat § 39:3-10.11)
Delaware (Del. Admin. Code tit. 2 § 2213)	North Dakota (N.D.C.C. § 39-06.2-06)
Florida (Fla. Stat. § 332.53)	Ohio (Ohio Rev. Code § 4506.3)
Georgia (OCGA § 40-5-142)	Oklahoma (47 O.S. § 1-107.4)
Idaho (I.C. § 49-302)	Oregon (Or. Rev. Stat § 801.208)
Illinois (625 ILCS § 5/6-500)	Rhode Island (31 R.I. Gen. Laws § 10.3-16)
Indiana (CDL Manual)	South Dakota (S.D. Codified Laws § 32-9-3)
Iowa (Iowa Code §321.176A)	Tennessee (T.C.A § 55-50-102)
Kentucky (KRS § 281A-050 and CDL Manual)	Utah (Utah Code § 53-3-102)
Louisiana ( LSA-RS § 32:408)	Vermont (23 V.S.A § 39-4103)
Maine (29A M.R.S § 1252 and CDL manual)	Virginia (Code § 46.2-341.4)
Massachusetts (DMV.org)	Washington (RCW 46 25-050)
Minnesota (Minn. Stat. § 169.011 or driver’s manual)	West Virginia (W. Va. Code § 17E-1)
Mississippi (Miss. Code § 63-1-203)
Missouri (MO Rev Stat § 302.775)