DMV.com - your advisor for Rhode Island DMV issues (not from Rhode Island? Select another state)

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

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Rhode Island 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 if you have no endorsement and only at the main office in Pawtucket if your CDL has an endorsement.
  3. Bring the following items with you to the local DMV office, when renewing your commercial driver's license:
  4. Your current Rhode Island commercial driver's license.
  5. Residential address proof if you want to change or correct your address when you renew you license.
  6. Your Rhode Island Commercial Driver's License renewal notice.
  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.
  8. The DMV will issue an interim license for 60 days and will mail the permanent renewed CDL to you.

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.
  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 the main office in Pawtucket, and you will be permitted to test for HAZMAT at the time of renewal.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • If you did not receive a commercial driver's license renewal notice, just bring your current license to your local DMV office.
  • You no longer need to bring your Social Security Card to renew your CDL. Your renewed license will be valid for five years, unless you are over 70, in which case it will only be valid for two years.
  • If your CDL has been expired for more than three years, you cannot renew it. You will need to take several tests in order to get a new license. Refer to the Rhode Island CDL driver's manual for the test requirements and rules.
  • See our Commercial Drivers Education section for more information on CDLs.
  • See also Applying for a new CDL and Replacing a Lost CDL.