Renewing Your CDL in Washington DC

Driving a commercial vehicle comes with a long list of responsibilities, but near the top is keeping a valid commercial driver license. But fear not: you can renew your CDL through the Washington D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before it expires.

D.C. CDL Renewal Eligibility

You can renew your Washington D.C. commercial driver license:

  • As EARLY as 6 months before it expires.
  • As LATE as 60 days after the expiration date.
    • After this time period, you’ll have to retake the road skills and knowledge exams—and pass—to renew your CDL.

As an interstate commercial driver, you’re required to keep a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Form MCSA-5876) on file with the DMV. Medical cards typically expire every 2 years. For more information, jump over to our guide on CDL medical requirements.

If you have a HAZMAT endorsement, you’re required to pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) every 5 years to retain your endorsement. You can check out our page on HAZMAT endorsements for more information about the process.

Once you renew your CDL, it’s valid for 8 years.

How to Renew Your D.C. CDL

Commercial driver licenses must be renewed at the Deanwood Commercial Driver License Center.

Visit this driver license center and provide your:

At the center, you may be required to pass a:

  • Vision exam.
  • Knowledge test for adding or renewing an endorsement.
    • Please contact the office at (202) 737-4404 to find out whether your endorsement requires you to take a written knowledge test to renew your CDL.

*These forms must be completed by a certified medical examiner.

Washington D.C. CDL Renewal Fees

The CDL office accepts payments made by credit and debit cards. The office DOES NOT accept cash.

Here’s a list of fees associated with renewing your CDL in the District of Columbia:

  • CDL: $117.
  • Endorsement: $20.
  • Written knowledge test: $10.
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