• Gruppenführer Theodor Eicke, 1 November 1939 – 7 July 1941
• Oberführer Matthias Kleinheisterkamp, 7 July 1941 – 18 July 1941
• Brigadeführer Georg Keppler, 18 July 1941 – 19 September 1941
• Obergruppenführer Theodor Eicke, 19 September 1941 – 26 February 1943
• Obergruppenführer Hermann Priess, 26 February 1943 – 27 April 1943
• Gruppenführer Heinz Lammerding, 27 April 1943 – 1 May 1943
• Gruppenführer Hermann Priess, 1 May 1943 – 20 June 1944
• Standartenführer Karl Ullrich (Temporary), 20 June 1944 - 13 July 1944[1]
• Brigadeführer Hellmuth Becker, 13 July 1944 – 8 May 1945

SS-Oberführer Max Simon was the "official" commander (on paper) of the 3. SS-Panzer Division from 26 February 1943 - 22 October 1943, but in reality it was SS-Oberführer Hermann Priess who commanded the division in the field during those dates.

Also, SS-Standartenführer Otto Baum covered for SS-Gruppenführer Hermann Priess for one week during March 1944 as commander of the "Totenkopf" Division due to Priess being on leave.[2]