Renewing Your CDL in Washington

When to Renew

Your Washington commercial driver's license (CDL) is good until your fifth birthday from the date of issue. You can renew your CDL with the Department of Licensing up to 90 days before it expires.

New Federal Requirements

Medical Certificate Requirements

All CDL holders who operate for interstate commerce must keep a current medical examiner's certificate on file with the Department of Licensing (DOL). You are not held to this requirement if you operate only within Washington state (intrastate).

Self-Certification Requirements

You must self-certify your type of commercial driving with the DOL in person. This means choosing from one of three driving categories:

• Non-excepted interstate commercial driver
• Excepted interstate commercial driver
• Intrastate driver

All non-excepted interstate commercial drivers must submit a medical examiner's certificate when completing the self-certification form.

Go in Person

You will have to go in person to your local Licensing Services Office to renew your CDL. You will need to provide any updated information, like a new home or business address. You may also be required to get a new medical exam. To upgrade your CDL, you'll also have to pass additional knowledge tests for the endorsements you're applying for.

NOTE: The following office locations DO NOT accept credit or debit cards: Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic, or South Bend.

Out-of-State Renewals

Washington does not renew CDLs by mail. But if you're going to be out of Washington for 12 months or less, you can request an extension of your CDL. All endorsements except hazardous materials will be included in the extension. If you have a hazmat endorsement, you will be granted only a 45-day extension. Send your extension request to:

• Department of Licensing

• Driver Responsibility Technical Reporting

• PO Box 3907

• Olympia, WA 98507-9048

Renewing a Hazardous Materials Endorsement

Hauling hazardous materials requires that you be knowledgeable about the type of substances you're transporting. When you are hauling a hazmat load, you have the added responsibility of being extra careful on the roadways because any accident could turn into a disaster if the material is released from its containers.

The federal government wants to make sure you can be trusted with hazardous materials. Therefore, regulations require you to submit to a background check and fingerprinting every time you renew your hazmat endorsement. Furthermore, you'll need to take the hazmat endorsement written test when you apply for a renewal. This is to make sure commercial drivers are up-to-date on their hazmat knowledge.

Fees

• CDL renewal: $130

• Renewal with motorcycle: $155

• Endorsement processing: $10 each

• Knowledge test: $10

• Hazmat background check: $89.25

Your Opinion Matters To Us!