How to Renew

Renewing your Kentucky CDL every year is a pretty quick and easy process. Once you receive your renewal notice in the mail, simply head to your county's Circuit Court Clerk's office with your DOT Medical Certificate and the renewal fee of $50.

Renewal must be done in person, and you will need to show identification.

Note that the CDL renewal fee used to be $47 dollars; however, an extra $3 has been added due to the new "hot file" check.

Hot File Check

As of May 31, 2005, all CDL holders are required to go through a "hot file" check upon renewal. The purpose of the check is to find any wants and/or warrants for CDL holders. The check will be conducted by the Kentucky State Police, and the fee of $3 will be paid to the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the time the renewal is issued. The check is immediate and won't delay the renewal process.

HAZMAT Endorsement Renewal

If you're seeking to keep your hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement, you'll need to retest at the time of CDL renewal.

As of May 31, 2005, those who wish to renew their HAZMAT endorsement must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check. All CDL holders with the HAZMAT endorsement will get a notice from the DDL 60 days before the expiration.

You may also be asked to take a new medical exam.

Contact the Kentucky DDL at (502) 564-6800 for enrollment and fingerprint areas, or call (888) 655-9655 to make an appointment with the Kentucky State Police.

In the event that the process isn't started in time, the endorsement holder may be able to have the 30-day application requirement waived. If this is the case for you, be prepared to provide one of the following:

• Returned mail entry posted on your driving record

• Copy of your log book showing evidence that you were unable to start the process because you were on the road at the time

• Notarized letter from your employer

Even if the 30-day application requirement is waived, you'll still be required to carry a valid CDL with the HAZMAT endorsement, as well as proof that the 30-day process has been started. You can do this by showing a copy of your receipt or an entry on your driving record.

For general questions, contact the Transportation Security Agency at (866) 289-9673 or visit the Kentucky Security Threat Association.

For information regarding adding other endorsements, changing your current class of license, or dropping restrictions, visit our FAQ section for commercial drivers.

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