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How to Renew a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Montana

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Montana 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.

A Montana CDL can be renewed six months before your birthday. You can renew the CDL without testing for a period of 3 months post expiry, but your driving privileges would have expired on the day of your birthday. A renewal notice will be sent to you indicating when your current CDL will expire. A Montana CDL can be renewed by mail or in person at any MVD driver license exam station in the State.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

  1. You can renew your CDL in person, at any MVD driver license exam station.
  2. Bring the following items with you to the MVD driver license exam station when renewing your commercial driver's license:
  3. Your current Montana commercial driver's license. In case the expired license is not there, proper identification must be shown.
  4. Your Montana Commercial Driver's License renewal notice.
  5. A valid Montana Department of Transportation (DOT) long form physical.
  6. You must also bring the correct CDL renewal fee. Fees vary, depending on your age and the endorsements on your CDL. Check with your MVD driver license exam station on the exact fee before arriving for the renewal.

TO RENEW BY U.S. MAIL

You can renew your Montana CDL by mail if you live in a county that does not provide driver license services. A renewal obtained through mail is valid for a period of five years, and it is necessary that your next renewal must be completed at a driver license exam station. To renew your CDL by mail, you should have:
  1. A completed Commercial Driver License Mail Renewal Application [Form#21-1901 (A)].
  2. Clear photocopy of your DOT medical card.
  3. Report of Eye Examination Application [Form #22-1801(B)].
  4. Required CDL renewal fee in the form of money order or a pre-paid county receipt available through a driver license exam station or at a county treasurer's office.
  5. A self-addressed and stamped envelope to receive the receipt which can be used as the interim license till the new renewed CDL is mailed (usually within 4-6 weeks).
  6. Mail the entire package to: 
    Motor Vehicle Division
Montana Department of Justice
303 N. Roberts
P.O. Box 201430
Helena, MT 59620-1430
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 that you wish to retain, you must undergo a fingerprint and background check by the Transportation Security Administration.
  1. You must pay a non-refundable fee of $94.00 to initiate the process. Call the Integrated Biometrics Technologies (IBT) Help Desk at 1-877-429-7746, or visit their website at www.hazprints.com.
  2. Contact one of the locations listed on the IBT site to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. There are two in Montana: Butte and Billings.
  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 any MVD driver license exam station and you will be permitted to test for HAZMAT at the time of renewal.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION