How to Renew Your Commercial Driver's License

What you need to do to renew a CDL before it expires

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) renewal follows the same basic path as a regular driver's license renewal in your state, but with additional medical certification and testing requirements that regular licenses do not have. You must renew before your current CDL expires — you cannot drive commercially on an expired license, even for one day. Most states let you renew 30 to 90 days before the expiration date printed on your card.

The process involves three main steps: passing a medical examination, submitting your renewal paperwork to your state's DMV, and passing the CDL knowledge test (and sometimes a skills test, depending on your state and whether anything on your record has changed). The timeline typically takes two to four weeks from start to finish, though it can be longer if the DMV is backlogged or if you fail a test and need to retake it.

Key Takeaways

You must have a current Medical Certificate (Form MCSA-5875) signed by a certified medical examiner before you can renew your CDL.
Most states require you to pass the CDL knowledge test again at renewal, and some require a skills test as well.
Renewal fees vary by state but typically range from $50 to $200 for a multi-year CDL.
You can renew in person at your local DMV office, and some states now offer online renewal for certain situations.
If your CDL has already expired, you may need to retake all tests and pay a late fee instead of straightforward renewing.

Getting your Medical Certificate before you explore

The Medical Certificate is the document that proves you are physically fit to operate a commercial vehicle. It is issued by a medical examiner certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), not by your regular doctor. You must have this certificate in hand before you walk into the DMV to renew your CDL — the DMV will not process your renewal without it.

The exam covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other basic health markers. It takes about 30 minutes and costs between $75 and $150 depending on the examiner. You can find FMCSA-certified examiners through your state's DMV website or by searching the FMCSA National Registry at fmcsa.dot.gov. The certificate is valid for two years, so if yours is expiring soon, schedule the exam before you go to the DMV.

If you have a medical condition that might affect your ability to drive — such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or heart disease — the examiner may require additional documentation or testing. Be honest about your health history during the exam. If you are denied a certificate, you can request a second opinion from another certified examiner or appeal through your state's medical review process.

Passing the CDL knowledge test at renewal

Most states require you to pass the CDL knowledge test again when you renew, even if you passed it years ago when you first got your license. The test covers the same material as the initial test: vehicle inspection, safe driving practices, hazmat regulations (if you have a hazmat endorsement), and air brake systems (if your vehicle has them). The test is typically 50 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.

You take the test at your local DMV office on the day you submit your renewal paperwork. Bring your current CDL, your Medical Certificate, and any other documents your state requires. Study materials are free on your state's DMV website — most states publish the exact questions that appear on the test. If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day or within a few days, though you may have to pay a retest fee.

Some states waive the knowledge test if you have held a valid CDL for a certain number of years without violations or accidents. Check your state's DMV website to see if you may have access to for this waiver.

Skills test requirements and when you need to retake it

A skills test — the driving test that proves you can safely operate a commercial vehicle — is usually required only when you first get your CDL. At renewal, most states do not require you to retake the skills test unless something on your record has changed. However, some states do require a skills test at every renewal, so check your state's rules.

You will need to retake the skills test if you have been convicted of certain traffic violations, if your CDL was suspended or revoked and you are now reinstating it, or if you are adding a new endorsement (such as hazmat or tanker). The skills test includes a pre-trip vehicle inspection, a basic control test, and a road test. It takes about 45 minutes and costs between $100 and $300 depending on your state and the testing service.

If you need a skills test, schedule it well in advance — testing slots fill up quickly, especially near renewal important date. You must pass the knowledge test before you can take the skills test.

Submitting your renewal paperwork to the DMV

Bring the following documents to your local DMV office: your current CDL, your Medical Certificate (the original or a certified copy), proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your state's CDL renewal form. Some states also require proof of your Social Security number.

The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal fee. In most states, you can renew for two, three, four, or five years at a time — longer renewals cost more upfront but save you trips to the DMV. After you pay the fee and pass the knowledge test, the DMV will issue your new CDL on the spot or mail it to you within one to two weeks, depending on your state.

A few states now allow online renewal for CDL holders who have no violations or medical restrictions and are straightforward renewing an existing license. Check your state's DMV website to see if you are may be able to access. Online renewal is faster but still requires you to submit your Medical Certificate and pay the renewal fee.

Renewal fees and how long your new CDL lasts

CDL renewal fees vary widely by state. Most states charge between $50 and $200 for a multi-year renewal. Some states charge an additional fee if you are renewing a hazmat endorsement or other special endorsement. A few states charge a separate medical certification fee on top of the license renewal fee.

Your new CDL will be valid for the number of years you chose at renewal — typically two to five years. However, your Medical Certificate expires after two years. If you renew your CDL for four years, your Medical Certificate will expire after two years, and you will need to get a new one before the midpoint of your CDL's validity. Some states send you a reminder when your medical certificate is about to expire; others do not, so mark the date on your calendar.

What happens if your CDL has already expired

If your CDL has expired, you cannot legally drive a commercial vehicle. You cannot straightforward renew it as if nothing happened — you will have to go through a reinstatement process that is more involved than a standard renewal. Most states require you to retake both the knowledge test and the skills test, pay a late fee (usually $25 to $100 on top of the renewal fee), and submit a new Medical Certificate.

Some states also require you to get a new CDL number and reapply for any endorsements you had. The reinstatement process can take four to six weeks or longer. To avoid this, renew your CDL at least 30 days before it expires. If you are unsure of your expiration date, check your current CDL or log into your state's DMV portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my CDL online?

A few states offer online renewal for CDL holders with no violations or medical restrictions, but most require you to renew in person at the DMV. Check your state's DMV website to see if online renewal is available to you. Even if it is, you will still need to submit your Medical Certificate and pay the renewal fee.

What if I fail the knowledge test?

You can usually retake the test the same day or within a few days at your local DMV. You may have to pay a retest fee. Study the test materials on your state's DMV website before you retake it — most states publish the exact questions that appear on the test.

Do I need a new Medical Certificate every time I renew my CDL?

Yes, you must have a current Medical Certificate to renew your CDL. The certificate is valid for two years, so if you are renewing your CDL for longer than two years, you will need to get a new Medical Certificate before the first one expires.

What if I have a medical condition that might affect my ability to drive?

Tell the medical examiner about any condition during your exam. The examiner may require additional testing or documentation. If you are denied a Medical Certificate, you can request a second opinion from another certified examiner or appeal through your state's medical review process.

How much does it cost to renew a CDL?

Renewal fees vary by state but typically range from $50 to $200 for a multi-year CDL. Some states charge additional fees for hazmat endorsements or medical certification. Check your state's DMV website for the exact fee in your state.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.