Renewing Your CDL in Colorado

In the state of Colorado, a commercial driver license (CDL) must be renewed every four years. The process is not available online, via mail or over the phone, so you must make a trip to a driver license office to renew in person.

The requirements are a breath of fresh air when compared to the actual acquiring of a CDL, but there is still plenty to bring along to ensure everything goes smoothly. Of course, if you are a CDL veteran this just might be old hat for you.

Make sure to bring your expiring CDL license and a current DOT medical certificate. You will also need to bring a check or money order to cover the renewal fee of $35.

Hazardous Material Endorsement Renewal

Renewing a new hazmat endorsement, which according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) must be renewed at least every five years, is a bit more complicated. It's the same procedure as getting your first background check.

Requirements

• Passing of a Transportation Security Administration background check. Call 1-866-289-9673 or e-mail them at patriotact@dhs.gov. The service costs $89.25 and is payable by credit card, money order, or e-check.

• Retake and score at least 80% on the written hazmat test. This is done at the licensing office.

For fingerprinting, you will need to go to a certified hazmat fingerprinting facility.

New Federal Requirements

You must self-certify your type of vehicle operation with the Colorado 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.

Find more CDL information on Applying for a New CDL, Replacing a Lost CDL, Commercial Driver Education, and Commercial Driver FAQs.

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