Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in North Carolina is a relatively simple process compared to applying for a new CDL.

PROCEDURES FOR RENEWING YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE

1. A renewal notice will be sent to you indicating when your current CDL will expire. If your CDL has been lost or stolen, you will need to apply for a replacement CDL, rather than a renewal.
2. You must renew your CDL in person, at your local DMV office.
3. You will be required to take a vision and sign test. You may be asked to repeat a road test if your examiner wishes to test your road safety skills.
4. Bring the following items with you to the local DMV office, when renewing your commercial driver's license:
5. Your current North Carolina commercial driver's license.
6. If you forget to bring your current license, you need to bring two forms of identification.
7. You must also bring the correct CDL renewal fee. Fees vary, depending on your age and the endorsements on your CDL. Check with your local DMV office on the exact fee before arriving for the renewal.

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 $89.25 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.
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, and you will be permitted to test for HAZMAT at the time of renewal. You have 90 days to complete your background check. If you do not complete it within the grace period, you will be issued a CDL without the HAZMAT endorsement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If you want to upgrade your CDL, you will need to take several additional tests. Refer to the North Carolina CDL driver's manual for the test requirements and rules.
• The number of years your CDL is valid, will depend on your age at the time of renewal.
• See our Commercial Drivers Education section for more information on CDLs.
• See also Applying for a new CDL and Replacing a Lost CDL.