There are several aspects involved in successfully completing a CDL renewal in Hawaii. First, commercial drivers must renew on time in order to avoid fees and other penalties. To renew a commercial driver’s license, individuals must complete certain tests at each renewal. These tests include vision exams and endorsement testing for drivers who transport hazardous materials. Hazmat drivers must also submit proof of citizenship in addition to fingerprints and a background check each time they apply for a CDL license renewal.

Commercial drivers renewing their license must submit several documents in addition to their renewal application. Some of these include proof of identity, Hawaii residency and a CDL medical examiner’s certificate. A CDL license renewal must be completed in person at a service center office. While forms can be found online, renewal fees must be paid in person and the application must be turned by hand. Neither forms nor verification documents can be submitted online at this time.

When to Renew Your CDL License in Hawaii

Commercial drivers can carry their license for a certain period before they need to get a CDL renewal. CDLs can last between 1 and 8 years. Drivers 72 years of age and older are limited to 1 or 2-year CDL license renewal periods.

Those who are between the ages of 20 to 24 years old are limited to a maximum of 4 years and drivers between 25 and 71 years of age can carry their CDL for 8 years. However, all drivers who possess a hazardous materials endorsement must renew every 5 years, regardless of age.

CDL holders are permitted to renew a commercial driver’s license 6 months prior to the expiration date. The CDL expiration grace period in Hawaii is 90 days after expiration. After this time, if a renewal is not initiated, drivers will incur a $5 fee for every 30 days that the license is inactive.

Individuals have 1 year from the deactivation date to complete the CDL license renewal before having to apply for a new commercial license.  However, members in the armed forces who were out of the state when their CDL expired may renew their license, without penalty, within 90 days of expiration if they submit proof of service.

CDL Renewal Testing Requirements in Hawaii

For each CDL renewal, drivers must complete certain testing requirements. Drivers who hold a Hawaii CDL without a hazardous materials endorsement (HME) must submit the following items:

  • An unexpired Hawaii Department of Transportation physical card.
  • Recent eye exam with a minimum of 20/40 in both eyes corrected.

Those who do hold an HME must qualify under the above CDL renewal requirements in addition to several others. HAZMAT drivers are mandated to pass a written knowledge test for each renewal.

Also, these individuals must be cleared by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) by way of a security threat assessment. Furthermore, drivers who wish to upgrade their license are subject to a CDL endorsement test for that certification.

What do you need to renew your CDL license in Hawaii?

Many commercial motorists wonder, “What do you need to renew you CDL license in Hawaii?” Applicants will need to bring with them several documents and forms to their nearest motor vehicle safety office. Individuals will have to submit proof for the following information:

  • Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Hawaii residency.
  • Citizenship (for those with HME).

Drivers must also have numerous essential forms completed. These include:

Drivers should also bring with them a method of payment to afford the CDL renewal cost. Cash, checks, debit/credit card are all acceptable.

CDL Renewal Process in Hawaii

To obtain a CDL renewal in Hawaii, drivers must complete the process in person. Currently, online, by mail or fax renewals are methods that are not permitted in Hawaii. However, drivers can mail in or fax their self-certification and CDL medical examiner’s certification forms. Application, verification documents and payments will only be accepted in person at a Motor Vehicle Safety office.

There are several of these Motor Vehicle Safety offices throughout Hawaii where drivers can complete their CDL license renewals. To ensure effective processing, renewal applicants should call their nearest office ahead of time and schedule an appointment. Some offices also permit walk-ins. It is essential to arrive with all the necessary documentation and forms to prevent multiple trips.

Hawaii CDL Permit Renewal Requirements

Prospective commercial drivers can acquire a CDL permit renewal in Hawaii if they cannot upgrade to a full CDL within a certain period.

Motorists frequently ask, “how long is a CDL permit good for?” The answer is 180 days. They can be renewed once after 180 days without retaking a knowledge a test. However, after the second CDL permit expiration, drivers may have to pay fees for additional testing.

Hazardous Material Endorsement CDL Renewal Requirements in Hawaii

There are additional CDL renewal requirements in Hawaii that commercial drivers with hazardous material endorsements must meet. As mentioned above, Hazmat drivers are subject to additional testing when they apply for a CDL renewal. These motorists are asked to retake their hazardous materials knowledge test on top of passing a vision exam.

Moreover, these individuals are required to submit proof of their U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. They are mandated by the TSA to pass a background check and submit finger prints each time they want to renew a commercial driver’s license.

CDL Renewal Fees in Hawaii

There are a variety of CDL renewal fees in Hawaii.  The CDL license price is $40. Drivers who are between the ages of 21 and 24 can pay $20 for a 4-year CDL license. Other the other hand, drivers who are 72 years of age and older must pay only $10 for a 2-year CDL. Endorsement tests will cost individuals $5 each. Moreover, a CDL permit renewal will cost $30.

Last updated on Thursday, March 5 2020.