DL 964 Form – The DL 964 form, officially known as the Commanding Officer’s Certification of Driving Experience, is a key California DMV document that helps military personnel and veterans fast-track their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) application. It verifies hands-on driving experience with military vehicles that meet or exceed standard CDL requirements.
Paired with the DL 963 form, the DL 964 allows qualified active-duty service members and recently discharged veterans to waive the CDL skills (driving) test—saving time and reducing stress during the licensing process.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the DL 964 form, including its purpose, who needs it, how to fill it out, and where to download the official PDF.
What Is the DL 964 Form?
The DL 964 is a one-page certification form issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Its full title is Commanding Officer’s Certification of Driving Experience.
Commanding officers (or authorized military personnel) complete and sign it to confirm that the applicant:
- Was assigned to a job requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on public roads
- Has held a valid military driver’s license within the last year
- Operated vehicles matching California CDL Class A, B, or C requirements (plus endorsements)
The form includes a detailed list of common U.S. military vehicles (such as HMMWV, MTVR, FMTV, HEMTT, and various tractor-trailers) with their corresponding CDL classes, air-brake status, and transmission type.
Purpose of the DL 964 Form for California CDL Applicants
California participates in the federal Military Skills Test Waiver program. This allows eligible service members with at least two years of qualifying CMV experience to skip the behind-the-wheel skills test.
The DL 964 serves as official proof of that experience. Without it (and the companion DL 963), applicants must complete the full three-part CDL skills test even if they drove equivalent military vehicles for years.
Key benefit: Faster path to a California CDL for truck drivers transitioning from military service to civilian careers.
Who Needs the DL 964 Commanding Officer’s Certification?
You need the DL 964 if you are:
- Active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member (including Reserves and National Guard)
- Recently honorably discharged veteran (within the last year)
AND you:
- Seek a California Class A, B, or C CDL
- Want to waive the CDL skills test based on military driving experience
You must also provide:
- Military ID (active duty) or DD Form 214 (veterans)
- Completed DL 963 (CDL Certification for Military Waiver)
The form does not apply to “S” or “P” endorsements (school bus or passenger).
How to Fill Out the DL 964 Form – Step-by-Step Instructions?
The DL 964 is simple and designed for quick completion by a commanding officer.
Section 1 – Applicant Information
- Full name (last, first, middle)
- State/driver license number (required)
- Birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY)
- Resident and mailing address
Section 2 – Commanding Officer’s Certification
The commanding officer must:
- Enter the applicant’s military qualification dates (From / To)
- Check boxes for vehicle classes operated (A, B, or C)
- Check applicable endorsements: T (Doubles/Triples), N (Tankers), H (Hazardous Materials), X (HazMat + Tank)
- Confirm whether vehicles had air brakes and/or manual transmission
- Circle the specific military vehicle model(s) the applicant drove (using the provided list on the form)
- Certify that the information is correct and the applicant was assigned to CMV operation on public roads
- Provide name, rank, command address, phone number, signature, and date
Important note: False statements on the form can lead to criminal prosecution under California Vehicle Code and Penal Code.
Download the Official DL 964 PDF
Direct official download (provided by the user and hosted by California DMV):
Download DL 964 Form PDF
This is the exact form referenced in the current California Commercial Driver Handbook.
You can also find the latest version directly on the DMV website under Forms or in the Commercial Driver Handbook section.
How to Submit the DL 964 Form to the California DMV?
- Complete DL 963 and DL 964 with your commanding officer
- Gather supporting documents (military ID or DD-214)
- Visit a DMV field office or submit with your CDL application
- The DMV will review both forms as part of your CDL application package
No additional fees apply specifically for these military waiver forms.
Benefits for Military Veterans and Active-Duty Personnel
- Skills test waiver – Skip the most challenging part of CDL testing
- Faster licensing – Get your California CDL quicker and start civilian driving jobs sooner
- Recognition of military service – Official credit for real-world experience operating heavy vehicles
- Cost savings – Avoid extra driving school or practice time needed for the skills test
This program is part of the nationwide “Troops to Trucks” initiative that helps service members transition into high-demand commercial trucking careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About DL 964
Is the DL 964 form still current?
Yes. The California DMV continues to accept and reference DL 964 for military CDL waivers as of 2026.
Can I download and print the PDF myself?
Absolutely. Use the official link above and print it clearly for your commanding officer to complete.
Does the commanding officer need to be a specific rank?
Any officer authorized to certify driving records and with knowledge of the applicant’s experience can sign.
What if my military vehicle isn’t listed?
The form includes space to document experience. The commanding officer’s certification is the key factor.
Get Your DL 964 Form Today and Start Your CDL Journey
The DL 964 Commanding Officer’s Certification of Driving Experience is a straightforward but powerful tool that honors military service while streamlining the path to a California commercial driver’s license.
Download the official PDF, have your commanding officer complete it, and combine it with DL 963 to apply for your CDL skills test waiver today.
Official source: California DMV Commercial Driver Handbook and Forms portal.
Need help with the full CDL process? Visit dmv.ca.gov or contact your local DMV office for the most up-to-date military waiver requirements. Safe driving!