What documents do truck drivers need to carry?

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to operate any commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce, and drivers must have the original license on their person — not a photocopy — while driving (49 CFR 383.23). The license must reflect the correct class and any required endorsements for the vehicle and cargo being hauled. If a driver is stopped without a valid CDL in their possession, the vehicle will typically be placed out of service and the driver cannot continue the trip.

Medical Examiner's Certificate

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require CDL drivers to be physically qualified and to carry their Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) while operating a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce (49 CFR 391.41). The certificate must be current — the standard validity period is up to 24 months, though the examining physician may issue a shorter period based on the driver's health. An expired medical certificate disqualifies a driver from operating a CMV; in most states it also automatically downgrades the CDL to a non-commercial license.

Vehicle registration

The current vehicle registration for each power unit must be carried in the vehicle. Expired registration is a citable violation at roadside and can result in fines. If you operate a leased vehicle, the registration must reflect the correct operator.

Proof of insurance

FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Part 387) require for-hire carriers to maintain minimum levels of liability insurance and to carry proof of that coverage in each vehicle. Acceptable proof includes an insurance card, a cab card issued by the insurer, or a copy of the current policy endorsement. If coverage cannot be verified at the roadside, the carrier may be placed out of service.

Annual Vehicle Inspection Report

Every commercial motor vehicle must pass an annual inspection, and a copy of the most recent inspection report must remain in the vehicle until the next annual inspection is completed (49 CFR 396.17). The report confirms the vehicle passed the inspection and documents the inspector's findings. Officers may request it at a roadside stop; a missing or expired annual inspection is a recordable violation.

Records of Duty Status (ELD data or paper logs)

Hours-of-service regulations (49 CFR 395.8 and 395.15) require drivers to maintain records of duty status for the current day and the previous seven consecutive days, and to have those records available for inspection at roadside. Drivers using ELDs must be able to display or print their records on demand. Drivers exempt from the ELD mandate must carry paper logs. Falsified or missing records are a serious HOS violation and can result in an out-of-service order and civil penalties.

Driver's Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR)

Drivers are required to inspect their vehicle and complete a DVIR after each trip (49 CFR 396.11). The most recent signed DVIR must be carried in the vehicle. If a driver noted a defect on the previous DVIR, documentation showing the defect was repaired — or a carrier certification that no repair was necessary — must also be present.

Operating authority documentation (for-hire carriers)

Carriers operating under FMCSA authority must carry evidence of their operating authority in each vehicle (49 CFR 392.9a). This is typically the cab card issued when operating authority is granted. Private carriers hauling their own freight are not subject to this specific requirement, but must comply with all other applicable regulations.

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Last reviewed: August 6, 2026