Your driver's license class is printed on the front and back of your card

The easiest way to know what type of driver's license you have is to look at the physical card itself. Every U.S. driver's license displays a class designation — usually a single letter or number — somewhere on the front. Most states print it in the upper right corner, though placement varies. Common classes are A, B, C, D, or M, depending on your state and what vehicles you're licensed to drive.

The back of your license also contains this information, often in a section labeled "Class" or "License Class." If you've lost your physical card, you can contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency — called the Secretary of State in some states — and they will tell you your class over the phone or through an online account if you have one set up.

Your license class determines what you're legally permitted to drive. A Class C license, the most common, covers standard passenger vehicles. A Class A or B typically covers larger vehicles like trucks or buses. A Class M covers motorcycles. Some states use numbers instead of letters, and a few states have additional endorsements or restrictions printed on the card that modify what you can drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license class is printed on the front of your driver's license, usually in the upper right corner, and shows what vehicles you are permitted to drive.
  • Class C is the standard license for passenger cars; Class A and B cover larger vehicles; Class M covers motorcycles.
  • The back of your license also displays your class, and your state's DMV can confirm it if you no longer have the physical card.
  • Endorsements or restrictions printed on your license modify what you can drive within your class — for example, a restriction might limit you to vehicles with automatic transmission.

Where to find the class on your physical license

Look at the front of your driver's license first. The class designation is almost always printed in a box or field labeled "Class," "License Class," or "DL Class." In most states, this appears in the upper right area of the card, but some states place it on the left side or near the bottom. The class itself is typically one letter (A, B, C, D, M) or sometimes a number.

If you cannot find it on the front, turn the card over. Many states print the class again on the back, sometimes alongside a list of what vehicles you can operate. Some states also print endorsements or restrictions on the back — these are additional codes that either expand or limit what you can drive within your class. For example, an "H" endorsement might allow you to drive a vehicle with air brakes, while an "E" restriction might mean you can only drive an automatic transmission vehicle.

How license classes differ by state

Every state uses a classification system, but the letters and what they mean are not uniform across the country. Most states use Class A, B, C, and M, but some use Class D or Class E for standard passenger vehicles. A few states use numbers instead — for instance, Class 1, 2, or 3. The safest approach is to check your own card first, then confirm the meaning with your state's DMV website if you want to know exactly what vehicles your class covers.

For example, in California, a Class C license covers most passenger vehicles and light trucks. In New York, a Class D license covers the same vehicles. In Texas, a Class C is for passenger cars only, while a Class B covers trucks and vans. If you move to a new state, your out-of-state license remains valid for driving, but if you obtain a new license in that state, you may be assigned a different class based on your driving history and the state's own system.

What to do if your license is lost or damaged

If you no longer have your physical license, contact your state's DMV directly. You can usually reach them by phone, through their website, or by visiting a local office in person. When you call, have your name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. The DMV staff can look up your license record and tell you your class over the phone within minutes.

Many states now offer online account portals where you can log in with your driver's license number and date of birth to view your license information, including your class. This is often faster than calling. If you need a replacement card, you will typically need to pay a fee — usually between $10 and $30 — and provide proof of identity and residency. The replacement card will show the same class as your original unless your driving record or age has changed the rules that explore to you.

Understanding endorsements and restrictions on your license

Your license class tells you the basic category of vehicle you can drive, but endorsements and restrictions modify that permission. An endorsement is an additional qualification that allows you to drive certain vehicles or operate under certain conditions. A restriction is a limitation that narrows what you can do within your class.

Common endorsements include "H" for air brake vehicles, "P" for passenger vehicles (like buses), "T" for double or triple trailers, and "X" for both air brakes and hazmat. Common restrictions include "E" for automatic transmission only, "B" for corrective lenses, and "D" for daylight driving only. These codes are printed on your license alongside your class. If you see codes you do not recognize, your state's DMV website will have a key that explains what each one means.

When your license class changes

Your license class can change if you renew your license, if your state updates its classification system, or if you request a different class. For example, if you want to drive a motorcycle and currently have only a Class C license, you will need to pass a motorcycle safety course and a riding test, then request a Class M endorsement or upgrade to a Class M license depending on your state's rules.

Similarly, if you are convicted of certain traffic violations or if your medical status changes — for instance, if you lose vision in one eye — your state may add a restriction to your license when you renew it. You will be notified of any changes before your new card is issued. If you believe a restriction or endorsement on your license is incorrect, contact your state's DMV to request a correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Class C mean on a driver's license?

Class C is the standard license for operating passenger cars, pickup trucks, and most light vehicles. It is the most common class issued to adult drivers. Some states use Class D instead of Class C for the same purpose, so check your state's DMV website to confirm what your specific class covers.

Can I drive a truck with a Class C license?

It depends on the truck's weight and your state's rules. A Class C license typically covers light trucks under a certain weight limit — often 26,000 pounds or less. Larger commercial trucks require a Class A or Class B license and a commercial driver's license (CDL). Your state's DMV can tell you the exact weight threshold for your class.

What if my license says Class M?

Class M means you are licensed to operate motorcycles. Some states issue Class M as a separate license, while others issue it as an endorsement added to another class. If your license shows Class M, you can legally ride a motorcycle, but you cannot drive a car unless your license also shows Class C or another passenger vehicle class.

How do I know if I have a commercial driver's license?

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is a separate document from a standard driver's license and is clearly labeled "Commercial Driver License" on the front. If you have a CDL, you will also have a Class A, B, or C designation on it. A standard Class A or B license without the CDL label does not permit you to drive commercial vehicles for pay.

What does a restriction on my license mean?

A restriction limits how or when you can drive. Common restrictions include "E" for automatic transmission only, "B" for corrective lenses required, or "D" for daylight driving only. Restrictions are printed as letter codes on your license. Driving in violation of a restriction can result in a traffic citation, so follow any restrictions shown on your card.