Renewing Your CDL in Alabama

Renewal Time

Time to renew your commercial driver's license with the Alabama Department of Public Safety? As long as you don't transport hazardous materials, renewing your CDL every four years is simple. Just go to your local Driver License Division office to renew. You will not be given a test unless you are upgrading your license to a different class or adding an endorsement. The fee charged depends on the class of license you are renewing. Additional fees may apply to the following list, depending on your county, so you may want to call first:

• $53.50 to renew a Class A license

• $43.50 to renew a Class B license

• $23.50 to renew a Class C license

• $23.50 to renew a commercial learner license

• $23.50 to renew a school-bus-only license

If you are upgrading your class, you will need to take a skills test and pay a $20 testing fee.

Hazardous Materials

If you are transporting hazardous materials, you must take the following steps and pay the appropriate fees to renew your CDL:

• Apply for a Hazmat endorsement.

• Take the Hazmat test.

• Undergo a fingerprint and background check.

• Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical.

The fee for the background and fingerprint check is $89.25. You can begin the application process for these checks online with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Allow at least 30 days (preferably 60) for these background checks.

New Federal Requirement

You must self-certify your type of vehicle operation with the Alabama DPS by January 2014. This means you must self-certify one of the following driving categories:

• Non-Excepted Interstate
• Excepted Interstate
• Non-Excepted Intrastate
• Excepted Intrastate

If you choose Non-Excepted Interstate, you must, in addition to a completed self-certified application, provide the DPS with a federal medical certificate.

Submit your self-certification certificate online, or by completing an application and either faxing it to (334) 353-1980, or mailing it to:

• Alabama Department of Public Safety

• Driver License Division

• CDL Unit

• P.O. Box 1471

• Montgomery, AL 36102-1471

Questions? Visit Alabama's FAQ page for detailed information.

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