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Renewing Your CDL in Arkansas
- Where to Renew
- Vision Test
- Medical Exam
- New Federal Requirements
Page OverviewRenewing your Commercial Drivers License (CDL) every four years is a lot easier than the original application. You may even be able to renew at one of the many revenue offices.
Where to Renew
Renewals are handled by the Office of Driver Services (ODS), and the fee is $42. If you need to take tests for hazardous materials, you'll pay an additional fee of $35 and must undergo a background and fingerprint check before your license will be renewed. This carries additional fees of around $90.
You can renew at any revenue office, including many Wal-Mart retail stores. If you need to take tests, you'll have to follow the same procedure you did applying for a new CDL. This might mean a visit to the Arkansas State Police or ODS in Little Rock.
If you are out of state for military duty or school, then you can renew by mail. Call the ODS at (501)682-7059 to learn what documents they require from you. Then it's a matter of sending in your paperwork and receiving your new license within just a few days.
Vision Test
Arkansas has a minimum vision requirement of 20/50 corrected vision for drivers of passenger cars and a stricter 20/40 requirement for commercial drivers. If you wear glasses or contacts then you will have a restriction on your license showing you have to wear these corrective lenses every time you drive.
Medical Exam
You may have to take a new medical examination before you renew. Ask your Office of Driver Services for details.
New Federal Requirements
You must self-certify your type of vehicle operation with the Arkansas DMV 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 provide the DMV with a federal medical certificate.
Submit a completed self-certification application by:
- Delivering to any Arkansas Revenue Office
- Faxing to: (501) 682-2100
- Mailing to:
- Safety Responsibility
- Ragland Building, Room 1120
- P.O. Box 1272
- Little Rock, AR 72201
Questions? Call (501) 682-7100 and ask for a medical certification customer service representative.
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