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

Updated on Thu, 4/28/2011

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

PROCEDURES FOR RENEWING YOUR COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE

  1. You can renew your CDL with the Washington Department of Licensing. 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 driver licensing office. You must bring all updated information with you, like a change in address, employer, etc. along with your current Washington Commercial driver's license.
  3. You must also bring the correct CDL renewal fee. Fees vary, depending on the endorsements on your CDL. Check with your local driver licensing 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. An approval letter will be mailed to you from the TSA, indicating that you have successfully completed the background check.
  4. Bring the TSA approval letter to your local driver licensing office, and you will be permitted to test for HAZMAT at the time of renewal. You must also update all your CDL information and pay any additional testing fees.
  5. You also need to take the HAZMAT Endorsement written test when renewing your CDL.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Since renewing a CDL with HAZMAT endorsements is a complex process, make sure you start the process at least 30 days before your license expires. Background checks that are conducted more than 90 days before your license expires are not valid.
  • If you want to upgrade your CDL you need to complete all additional tests that are required. Refer to the Washington 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.