What you need to do to renew a CDL before it expires
Renewing a CDL is not the same as renewing a regular driver's license. You must visit your state's DMV in person, pass a written knowledge test, and pass a skills test that includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control test, and a road test. The exact requirements depend on your state and the class of CDL you hold, but every state requires both tests. You cannot renew by mail or online.
The timing matters. Most states let you begin the renewal process 90 days before your CDL expires, and some allow you to start as early as 120 days out. If your CDL has been expired for more than a certain period—usually one to two years, depending on your state—you may have to take the full test again rather than a renewal test. Starting early gives you time to study and schedule a test appointment, which can take weeks in busy areas.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass both a written knowledge test and a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test) in person at your state DMV.
- Begin the renewal process 90 to 120 days before your CDL expires to avoid scheduling delays and may support you have time to study.
- Bring your current CDL, proof of citizenship or legal residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your state address.
- If your CDL has been expired for more than one to two years, you will likely have to take the full test rather than a renewal test.
- The cost and test format vary by state, so check your state DMV website for the exact fee, test dates, and appointment availability.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Bring your current CDL and proof of your identity. Most states accept a passport, a birth certificate, or a state ID card. You will also need proof of your Social Security number—typically a Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return—and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.
If you have changed your name, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. If you are renewing a CDL with hazmat endorsement, you will need to pass a TSA background check as well, which requires additional documentation. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list before you go, because missing documents will mean a wasted trip.
The written knowledge test
The written test covers the rules of the road, safe driving practices, and vehicle control specific to the class of vehicle you drive. The number of questions and passing score vary by state, but most states give you 60 to 100 questions and require a score of 80 percent or higher. You can usually take the test in English or Spanish, and some states offer other languages.
Study materials are free on your state DMV website and include the CDL manual and practice tests. Many states let you take the practice test as many times as you want before your appointment. If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days, depending on your state's policy.
The skills test: pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test
The skills test has three parts, and you must pass all three on the same day to pass the overall test. The pre-trip inspection requires you to walk around the vehicle and point out safety features and potential problems while explaining what you are checking and why. The examiner is looking for your knowledge of the vehicle, not a perfect inspection.
The basic control test happens in a closed course and measures your ability to back up, turn, and maneuver the vehicle without hitting cones or boundaries. The road test is a 20- to 30-minute drive on public roads where the examiner watches your steering, braking, lane changes, and response to traffic and road conditions. You must use proper signals, maintain safe speed, and follow all traffic laws. If you fail any part, you can usually retake the entire skills test within a few days to a few weeks, depending on your state's schedule.
Scheduling your renewal appointment
Most states let you schedule your CDL renewal appointment online through the DMV website, by phone, or in person. Some states use a third-party testing service, so the appointment system may be separate from the DMV's main website. Search "[your state] CDL renewal appointment" to find the correct link.
Appointment availability varies widely. In rural areas, you may be able to get a test within a week or two. In urban areas, the wait can be six weeks or longer, especially during peak renewal seasons. This is why starting 90 days before your expiration date is important—it gives you a buffer if the first available appointment is weeks away. If you cannot make an appointment before your CDL expires, you may be able to drive with an expired CDL for a short grace period while your renewal is pending, but this varies by state and employer. Ask your employer and your state DMV about the grace period rules.
Cost and what happens after you pass
The renewal fee ranges from about $50 to $150 depending on your state and the length of your renewal period. Most states issue CDLs valid for four or five years. Some states charge extra for hazmat endorsement renewal or medical certification. Check your state DMV website for the exact fee before your appointment.
Once you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary CDL on the spot, valid for 30 to 45 days while your permanent CDL is printed and mailed. The permanent CDL usually arrives within two to four weeks. If you need to drive before the permanent CDL arrives, the temporary CDL is valid for work. Keep it with you along with your old CDL until the new one arrives.
Medical certification and other endorsements
If your CDL has a medical certification requirement—which applies to most commercial drivers—your medical certificate must be current and on file with your state DMV. You may need to renew your medical certificate at the same time as your CDL, or separately. A certified medical examiner must complete the form, and the cost is usually $100 to $200. Your state DMV will tell you whether your medical certificate needs renewal when you schedule your CDL renewal.
If you hold hazmat, passenger, or tank endorsements, those renew along with your CDL, but you may need to pass additional tests or background checks. Hazmat endorsement renewal requires a TSA background check, which can take several weeks. Start the hazmat renewal process even earlier than your CDL renewal if possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my CDL if it has already expired?
Yes, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than one to two years ago (the exact period varies by state), you can usually renew by taking the written and skills tests. If it has been expired longer, you may have to take the full test as if you were getting a CDL for the first time. Contact your state DMV to find out the exact rule.
What if I fail the skills test?
You can retake the skills test, usually within a few days to a few weeks depending on your state's appointment availability. You do not have to retake the written test if you passed it. However, if your CDL expires before you pass the skills test, you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle, so schedule your retake quickly.
Do I have to take the test in person, or can I do it online?
The skills test must be done in person at a DMV or testing facility. Some states allow you to take the written test online, but most require it in person as well. Check your state DMV website to see whether the written test can be taken remotely.
What if I move to a different state before my CDL expires?
You must renew your CDL in your new state of residence. You cannot renew an out-of-state CDL. Most states require you to get a new CDL within 30 days of establishing residency, so contact your new state's DMV as soon as you move.
Can my employer renew my CDL for me?
No. You must renew your CDL yourself at your state DMV. Your employer may pay for the renewal fee or give you time off to take the test, but only you can take the tests and complete the renewal process.