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

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in New York 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 New York CDL can be renewed online, by mail or in person at any DMV office in the State. The New York Department of Motor Vehicles notifies owners of the expiration date of their CDL by mail, approximately two months in advance. You can renew your license any time in the year leading up to its expiration or up to two years after the expiration, without taking the road test or the knowledge test.

TO RENEW IN PERSON

You must bring:

  • Your current New York commercial driver's license.
  • Your completed New York Commercial Driver's License renewal notice or a completed renewal application form (MV-44).
  • Renewal fee, payable by cash, check or credit card. 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.
  • Form MV-619 completed by an eye-care professional, or you will be required to take a vision test.

TO RENEW VIA THE INTERNET

You may renew your CDL online till a year before expiration or within two years after expiration. You cannot renew online if you have to renew an endorsement, if your driving privileges are suspended/revoked or if you do not meet the eligibility criteria. If you are renewing your CDL online, you will need to answer questions about the results of your medical examination and vision test and give the license number of your medical examiner, the expiration date of your certificate as well as the information about where your medical examiner received their license.

To renew online, you will need:

  • Client ID Number and Document Number as stated on your current license.
  • Date of birth, Social Security number and zip code.
  • Form MV-619 completed by an eye care professional (Vision test).
  • A valid e-mail address where you will receive confirmation of renewal.
  • A Credit card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard or Discover) to make the payment.
Note: You cannot change your address online.

It can take up to four weeks for you to receive your renewed CDL by mail.

TO RENEW BY U.S. MAIL

When you renew by mail, you should prepare and/or complete:

  • Two forms:
    1. The renewal reminder form mailed by DMV or the MV-44, renewal application in the absence of the renewal reminder.
    2. MV-619 or proof of a vision test from another state.
  • Clear photocopies of proof of identification.
  • A money order or check for the renewal fee.

Mail all the documents to:

DMV License Production Bureau

P.O. Box 2688-ESP



Albany, NY 12220-0668

The renewed CDL will arrive by mail within four weeks. If you wish to receive it faster, include a pre-paid, pre-addressed express mail package with your application.

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 pass a written test at your local DMV office, within two years of your CDL expiration date for the test to be valid. There is a $5 fee for the written test.
  2. Once you have passed the test, you can apply for a background check by filling out Form HAZ-44. There is a $138.25 fee for the background check.
  3. Bring your current CDL, fee and Form HAZ-44 to your local DMV office.
  4. You will receive a receipt (FS-6T) that you will have to produce when you go to get your fingerprints taken. You cannot show a photocopy of this receipt.
  5. You can get your fingerprints taken when you apply for your endorsement if your DMV office is authorized to collect fingerprints. If not, you will have to go to a State Police location that can collect fingerprints.
  6. A letter will be mailed to you from the TSA, only if you have been disqualified.
  7. If your background check is approved, the DMV will mail you a renewed CDL with HAZMAT endorsement.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION