Renew a commercial driver’s license

Learn how to renew your commercial driver’s license (CDL)

Renew a commercial driver’s license

Learn how to renew your commercial driver’s license (CDL)

CDL renewal overview

When it’s time for you to renew your commercial driver’s license, the DMV sends a renewal form to the address we have on file for you. This form includes instructions on how to renew your CDL.  You must also register to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse). 

Note: If your address ever changes, you are required by law to let the DMV know within 48 hours.

You don’t receive a permanent driver license or ID card while at a DMV office. It arrives in the mail. You may retain your expiring license or ID if there are no changes other than your address. Visit Central Issuance to learn more.  

After your in-person visit to renew your CDL at a DMV office, you can track the delivery of your new card.

CDL licenses cannot be renewed at a DMV express office.

 

**New Requirement – Commercial Drivers / Learner Permit Holders

Beginning October 21, 2024, all Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and applicants for a CDL or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) must register to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (Clearinghouse). 

The Clearinghouse is a secure online database that tracks violations of the U.S. Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing program for CDL and CLP holders.  DMV will be checking your status prior to any CDL or CLP transaction. 

 

All states will be required to remove the commercial driving privileges of drivers in a “prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse, by downgrading the CDL or cancelling the CLP.  

 

Drivers in a “prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse must complete the return-to-duty (RTD) process and have a not-prohibited status in the Clearinghouse to upgrade a CDL or become eligible for a CDL or CLP.  For more information about the RTD process, please click on the link below:

How to register
To learn more, check your status or register in the Clearinghouse, please visit:  https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/

Notice for hazmat endorsement renewals
  • Hazmat endorsement renewals can only be processed at the DMV Bridgeport, Danbury, Enfield, Hamden, Norwalk, Old Saybrook, Waterbury, Wethersfield, and Willimantic offices.
  • In accordance with the USA PATRIOT ACT, all CDL-holders who apply for or renew a Hazardous Materials endorsement are required to undergo a security threat assessment. Learn more.

What to bring to your DMV appointment

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  • Documents required
  • CDL renewal fees

Documents required

You need to bring the following to your DMV appointment:

  • Your current CDL. If you don’t have your current license, you need two forms of acceptable identification from the list of acceptable forms of identification.
  • Current, legible, unexpired medical certificate completed by a certified medical examiner on file with the DMV prior to renewal.
  • A printed confirmation of self-certification with DMV.
  • Renewal application form that you received in the mail (if available).
  • If you don’t already have a verified REAL ID, you are required to provide additional identity documents when you renew. Learn more about REAL ID.

Note: If your license is suspended here or in any other state, your license is not renewed until your license privilege is restored.

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CDL renewal fees

Fees to renew your commercial driver’s license are as follows:

  • Four-year renewal: $70
  • Four-year renewal + public passenger endorsement: $118
  • Late fee for expired CDL: $25

Please see acceptable forms of payment.

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