How to Renew a Commercial Drivers License in Indiana
All drivers who operate commercial vehicles in the state must request an Indiana CDL renewal when their commercial drivers licenses expire. In general, these licenses are valid for a maximum of four years. Motorists who do not renew their credentials after their limited IN CDL expiration grace period runs out will be charged a fine. Overall, CDLs can be renewed either in person or online.
In most cases, commercial drivers are not required to retake written or driving tests in order to request a CDL license renewal. However, drivers who are renewing late or seeking a new endorsement may have to take written and driving tests. Moreover, motorists who have a hazardous materials endorsement must undergo a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security threat assessment each time they renew a commercial drivers license. Continue reading below to find out more about CDL renewal requirements.
When to Renew Your CDL License in Indiana
Commercial drivers are required to request a CDL renewal in Indiana every four years. Overall, motorists may renew up to one year prior to their credentials’ expiration date if they are renewing in person, or two years in advance if renewing online. As a general rule, these licenses expire on a motorist’s birthday.
On the other hand, if the CDL holder’s birthday falls on a weekend or holiday, he or she has until the following business day to renew. Applicants will be charged a late CDL renewal fee if they only file their request after that date. Moreover, all drivers have a CDL expiration grace period of 180 days before they must retake any tests or pay additional fees.
Renewing a commercial drivers license that has been expired for less than 180 days will result in an administrative penalty fee along with a mandatory vision screening. The CDL renewal requirements for drivers who request a renewal within 180 days and three years from a credential’s expiration date include following the procedures detailed above in addition to passing a knowledge and driving exam.
CDL Renewal Testing Requirements in Indiana
There are few testing requirements for motorists seeking an Indiana CDL renewal. In general, test retakes are reserved for drivers who did not renew on time or are seeking to upgrade their CDL endorsements. As mentioned in the previous section, applicants who only renew their licenses after 180 days must retake all of their appropriate skill and knowledge tests.
What do you need to renew your CDL license in Indiana?
Motorists often ask, “What do you need to renew your CDL license in Indiana?” Generally, all commercial drivers must have a current Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification along with a full medical report. These documents may be submitted by fax, mail or in person.
In addition, CDL holders should prepare several pieces of information regardless of whether they are getting a CDL renewal in person or online. For instance, the following information is important to have on hand for renewal:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Indiana mailing address
Motorists are advised to also bring a method of payment to pay for the CDL renewal fees. However, be mindful that the total fee amount will vary depending on whether an applicant is taking any CDL endorsement tests or is late for the renewal.
CDL Renewal Process in Indiana
A CDL renewal in Indiana can be accomplished online or in person by visiting a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office. Prior to applying for a CDL license renewal, motorist must have an updated medical report form and medical examiner’s certificate. These documents can be sent to the BMV by mail or fax, as well as submitted in person at a BMV branch.
How to Renew Your Commercial Drivers License Online in Indiana
In Indiana, eligible drivers are allowed to renew a commercial drivers license online. However, the BMV only allows this under certain circumstances. Renewing motorists may apply for an online CDL license renewal if they:
- Have the same name and address as their expiring CDL
- Are not upgrading their CDL endorsements
- Do not need to take or retake any tests
- Have a license that is not expired for more than 180 days
- Have a license that was acquired at a BMV office during the last renewal or initial application
- Are U.S. citizens and Indiana residents
- Are younger than 75 years of age
- Are within 24 months of their CDL expiration date
Essentially, when drivers request a CDL renewal online, they are requesting an exact copy of their current license. So, any changes they want to make regarding their address, name or endorsement must be made in person at BMV branch. In addition, a CDL license renewal online can be accomplished every other renewal but is limited to 10 times before the driver must visit a branch to renew.
To renew a CDL online, applicants must create an account on the official BMV portal. To do this, they are required to supply their:
- Commercial drivers license number
- ZIP code
- Last four digits of their SSN
How to Renew Your Commercial Drivers License in Person in Indiana
Certain CDL holders are allowed to request an IN CDL renewal online, while others must do so in person at a local BMV office. While online commercial drivers license renewals are limited to motorists who are not making any changes, the in-person renewal procedure allows applicants to make any changes they wish to do.
Individuals renewing a CDL in person are able to pay late fees, take vision and endorsement tests, take new license photos and make changes to their personal information with the BMV. However, unlike online CDL license renewals, motorists can simply renew one year prior to their credential’s expiration date, rather than two years. In general, appointments for CDL endorsements tests are not necessary, but it may be helpful to call a BMV ahead of time to inquire about hours of operation.
Indiana CDL Permit Renewal Requirements
Commercial motorists may apply for an Indiana CDL permit renewal once their credentials reach their expiration date. On the other hand, commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders may wonder, “How long is a CDL permit good for?” As mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, CPLs are valid for 180 days.
Drivers who do not pass the required exams before a CDL permit expiration date must renew their credential for an additional 180 days. As a general rule, this procedure must be done in person at a BMV office. In addition, motorists must retake their CLP exams with every renewal. Furthermore, individuals may only renew their CLPs three times in two years.
Hazardous Material Endorsement CDL Renewal Requirements in Indiana
HAZMAT drivers are required to meet several CDL renewal requirements in Indiana. These include specific requirements on top of the standard prerequisites that apply to all IN commercial motorists. Thus, HAZMAT CDL holders must provide additional documentation along with their identification, address, Social Security Number and CDL medical examiner’s certificate.
For instance, these commercial motorists are required to gain clearance from the TSA with every renewal. This TSA clearance involves passing a security threat assessment, which includes a background check and collecting fingerprints.
CDL Renewal Fees in Indiana
CDL renewal fees in Indiana vary depending on each applicant’s circumstances. However, all CDL holders must pay a $35 base fee for renewed commercial drivers licenses in the state. Conversely, CDL permit renewals cost $17 and adding an endorsement costs $19.
In the event that a motorist is requesting a CDL renewal past the credential’s expiration date, he or she will be required to pay a $6 administrative penalty fee. Furthermore, additional CDL renewal costs associated with local taxes may apply depending on your city and/or county of residence.
Indiana CDL Renewal Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Commercial Driver License from IN.gov