Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in California is a relatively simple process compared to applying for a new CDL. If your CDL has been lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement CDL, rather than a renewal.

You must renew your California Commercial Driver's License (CDL) once in five years. A California CDL can be renewed online, by mail or in person at any DMV office in the State.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

1. Go to the local DMV office.
2. Bring you renewal notice or complete a Commercial Driver License Application Form (DL 44C). This form is available at your local DMV office or can be requested on mail by calling (800) 777-0133.
3. If over the last ten years, you have held an additional driver license (in your name or a different name) in another state or jurisdiction, complete a 10 Year History Record Check form (DL 939) or the Driver License Ten Year History Record Check renewal form (DL 10Y).
4. Submit this form (DL 939 or DL 10Y) along with the application form.
5. Submit the medical examination report, if required.
6. Give a thumbprint, take a picture and complete a vision test.
7. You may also need to pass the knowledge test if it is mentioned in your renewal notice.
8. You must also pay the correct CDL renewal fee of $34. Fees may vary depending on the endorsements on your CDL. Check with your local DMV office on the exact fee for your renewal or call (800) 777-0133 for more information. Additional testing is also required if you wish to add an endorsement.
9. You will receive a temporary license for 60 days while the permanent one will come in mail.

TO RENEW VIA THE INTERNET

1. You can renew your license online if you receive a Renewal BY Mail notification (RBM) with a Renewal Identification Number (RIN).
2. You should also not have changed your address or personal description, and the DMV must have your verified Social Security Number on record.
3. To complete the renewal online, have on hand a valid credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express, or Discover), the RBM, and follow the instructions on your screen.
4. Pay the correct CDL renewal fee of $34.

For further information, read the Driver License Internet Renewal FAQs.

TO RENEW BY U.S. MAIL

You can renew your California CDL by mail if your license does not expire more than 60 days from today, you are not 70 years or older when your license expires, you have not already received two consecutive four-year extensions by mail, you do not hold a license from another state or jurisdiction, you are not under any kind of driving probation or suspension, and you did not violate a written promise to appear in court over the last two years.

If you have not received a renewal notice by mail, do the following:

1. Complete a California Driver License Renewal By Mail Eligibility Information form (DL 410 FO).
2. Complete Sections 3A and 3B.
3. If over the last ten years, you have held an additional driver license (in your name or a different name) in another state or jurisdiction, complete a 10 Year History Record Check form (DL 939).
4. Mail the two forms with the renewal fee of $39 to:

   Department of Motor Vehicles
   ATTN: Renewal By Mail Unit
   
   PO Box 942890
   
   Sacramento, CA 94290-0001    

Note: You cannot renew your CDL by mail if it includes a Hazmat Endorsement.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ENDORSEMENT (HAZMAT)

If your CDL includes a Hazardous Material Endorsement, you must undergo a fingerprint and background check by the Transportation Security Administration. If you go online to www.hazprints.com and complete an application prior to visiting the print location, you can pay by credit card. If you state that you will be paying by money order or cash, you will not be able to pay by credit card at the print location.

1. You must pay a non-refundable fee of $94.00 to initiate the process. Call the Integrated Biometrics Technologies (IBT) Help Desk at (877) 429-7746, or visit their website at www.hazprints.com for details.
2. Contact one of the locations listed on the IBT site to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
3. Bring your commercial driver's license and social security card to the IBT office on the scheduled date.
4. An approval letter will be mailed to you from the TSA, indicating that you have successfully completed the background check.
5. Bring the TSA approval letter to your local DMV office to add the HAZMAT endorsement on your renewed CDL.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you hold a CDL, you are required by the California DMV to undergo a medical examination and submit a medical certificate once in two years. Get your doctor to fill out a medical examination report when submitting the certificate.

  Note: Forms with revision dates prior to February 2004 are not accepted.

• If you do not receive your CDL renewal in 60 days, call (800) 777-0133.
• See our Commercial Drivers Education section for more information on CDLs.
• See also Applying for a new CDL and Replacing a Lost CDL.