Renewing Your CDL in Massachusetts

How to Renew a CDL in Massachusetts

Renewing your Massachusetts CDL is a lot easier than obtaining it. It's good for 5 years and expires on your birthday. With a CDL, you are required to renew in person at any Registry of Motor Vehicles office. The renewal fee is $75 for 5 years.

You cannot renew online. You will need to pass an eye exam, and a background check for motor vehicle violations or warrants nationwide, and pay for for your CDL and any endorsements. You may also need to complete a Medical Examination Report (Form 649-F).

School Bus Certificate Renewal

The requirements to renew include the following:

  • Pass state and national background checks and driver record check
  • Receive in-service training
  • Pass a physical exam

You must meet all of these requirements yearly in order to continue to be permitted to drive a school bus.

Settle Your Debts: The RMV Knows

But it isn't just the nationwide check you have to worry about. Remember that the Massachusetts RMV is plugged into a statewide system that tracks any moving violations, parking tickets or arrest warrants issued anywhere in Massachusetts. The RMV also knows if you are delinquent in child support. If you owe on any of the above, you'll need to pay up and be able to show proof of payment before the RMV will process your license renewal.

The RMV doesn't accept payment for any of these violations. You'll need to pay parking tickets in the city or town where they were issued. Court warrants need to be dealt with at that court, while the state Department of Revenue handles child support payments.

New Federal Requirements

You must self-certify your type of vehicle operation with the Massachusetts RMV. 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 RMV with a federal medical certificate.

Forms

649-F
Medical Examination Report for Commercial Driver Fitness Determination
Medical examination form required when applying for your Massachusetts commercial driver's license. Must be completed by a doctor.
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