Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) in Virginia 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. Make sure you notify the DMV of any address change.
2. You must renew your CDL in person, at your local DMV customer service center. You can renew your CDL 180 days before it is due to expire. The new CDL will be valid for eight years.
3. You must pass the eye exam every time you renew your license at a service center.
4. You must provide a valid Department of Transportation Medical Certificate.
5. You must also bring the correct CDL renewal fee. Fees vary, depending on the numbers of years of the renewal and endorsements on your CDL. Check with your local DMV customer service center on the exact fee before arriving for the renewal. Fees can be paid by cash, checks, electronic checks, money order, check cards or debit cards.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL ENDORSEMENT (HAZMAT)

If your CDL includes a Hazardous Material Endorsement that you wish to retain, you must undergo a background check by the Transportation Security Administration. Renew as soon as you receive the renewal notice in order to allow sufficient time for the background check process.

1. You must pay a non-refundable fee of $83.00 for the background and fingerprint process
2. You must go to one of DMV customer service centers that are authorized to collect fingerprints and can process your application.
3. You must bring a document showing proof of citizenship or legal residence.
4. Your fingerprints and application will be sent to the TSA to start the background check.
5. An approval letter will be mailed to you from the TSA, indicating that you have successfully completed the background check.
6. Bring the TSA approval letter to your local DMV office, where you will need to take a new photograph and can add the Hazmat endorsement to your CDL, if you pass your HAZMAT test. You must renew your HAZMAT endorsement every five years.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• If your CDL expires, you will be able to renew your CDL, but will have to apply for an original HAZMAT endorsement, instead of a renewal.
• If your CDL has expired for more than a year, you will have to retake all the tests, including the vision, skills and knowledge tests. You also need to provide proof of Proof of legal presence. Refer to the Virginia 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.