How to Renew Your CDL

Before your Virginia commercial driver's license (CDL) expires, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will mail a renewal application to the address it has on file for you. In order to receive this notice in a timely manner, be sure to notify the DMV of any change of address right away. Licenses are valid for eight years.

To renew a CDL, you must come into a DMV Customer Service Center in person. You can do this up to two years before your license expires. However, if you let your CDL expire for more than one year, you will have to retake your knowledge and road skills tests.

Even when you're on time, each time you renew you will always have to pass the vision screening exam. You may be asked to get a new medical exam. As well, your DOT medical certificate must be up-to-date (issued within the past two years).

Hazmat

And if you hold a hazardous materials endorsement, you must undergo a background check from the Transportation Security Administration before your endorsement will be renewed. This costs another $89.25.

Adding Endorsements

When you renew your CDL, you can take the tests for any endorsements you wish to add to your license (or any restriction you wish to remove). Another benefit of renewing your CDL is that you can register to vote or change your registration address. You can also change the address on your license, update your name if it has changed, and change your organ donor status.

Fees for Renewal

The renewal cost is based on an $8 yearly fee for the license and $1 per year for each endorsement. The fee will be charged up front for the length of time that your CDL is valid (usually five years, so it'll be $40 plus endorsements). The DMV accepts cash, checks, e-checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, as well as check (debit) cards.

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