Renewing Your CDL

An original commercial driver license from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles is valid for about five years, although every two years you must certify that you meet federal medical requirements to drive commercial vehicles. Additionally, holders of H or X endorsements must pass the hazardous materials written test during the two years before renewing their CDL.

The DMV will send you a renewal notice 45 to 60 days before your license expires, but you are allowed to renew it up to one year before the expiration date. There are three ways to renew your commercial license: in person, by mail, or online. Either way, you will need to first pass a vision test.

The renewal fee for a Class A, B, or Class C commercial license is $130 regardless of how you renew, and the license is valid for eight years.

Should you wish to add endorsements to your license at the time you renew, you can take the required knowledge (written) tests at the local DMV office if you renew in person, and pay the applicable fees.

Renewing In Person

The only method you can use to renew your CDL if you want a new photo or if you have changed your address, is in person. If you received a renewal notice in the mail, complete the renewal application form that was included. Otherwise, fill out the driver license application form indicating that you are renewing an existing license (Form MV-44.1 provides instructions).

Bring the form to your local DMV office, where can take the required vision test. You will need to certify that you meet federal medical requirements, and if you hold a hazmat endorsement, you will pay an additional $5 fee and take the hazardous materials knowledge test. Your new photo CDL will arrive in the mail in at least four weeks.

Renewing By Mail

Because the DMV requires proof that you've passed a vision test, renewing by mail necessitates the extra step of having an eye care professional fill out Form MV-619, an eye test report, on your behalf.

Note that those with hazmat endorsements must take the hazardous materials written test, so those drivers should renew their licenses in person at the DMV. Otherwise, complete the renewal application form that was included in the renewal notice you received in the mail or fill out a driver license application form; this is where you will also certify whether you meet federal medical requirements. Send all the forms, certificates, and the $130 renewal fee via U.S. Postal Service to:

• DMV License Production Bureau

• P.O. Box 2688-ESP

• Albany, NY 12220-0668

If sending by FedEx, UPS, or other express service, use this address:

• DMV License Production Bureau

• Room 223

• 6 Empire State Plaza

• Albany, NY 12228

The DMV will use the same photo and signature as on your previous license to issue you a new license, which will arrive by mail in at least four weeks. Visit the DMV's renewal by mail page for more information.

Renewing Online

Assuming you have not changed your address and do not have a hazmat endorsement on your existing license, you may renew your CDL online after having your vision tested by an eye care professional and certifying that you meet federal medical requirements. First visit the DMV's online renewal information page for details about the forms and certificates you'll need, and then proceed with the online renewal process.

The online forms will start by asking you for information from your Form MV-619 (Eye Test Report). Then you'll enter your Client ID number, document number, birth date, and ZIP code. After verifying your DMV record and completing the medical certification, pay the $130 fee by credit card and write down your order confirmation number. You're done; wait for your new license to arrive in the mail in at least four weeks.

For more information about CDLs, check out our related pages Applying For a New CDL, Replacing a Lost CDL, Commercial Driver Education, and Commercial Driver FAQs.