In order to become eligible to request a CDL renewal in Kansas, motorists must follow the proper procedures related to renewing a commercial drivers license. In general, drivers between 21 and 65 years of age can carry a valid CDL license for six years before renewing. On the other hand, motorists outside of those age ranges have a maximum of four years before they must renew a commercial drivers license. In any case, all CDL holders are subject to a vision screening during each renewal procedure.

Certain commercial drivers, such as those upgrading their licenses or adding an endorsement, must also take knowledge tests upon requesting a CDL license renewal in KS. In addition, HAZMAT motorists will be subject to additional CDL renewal requirements. Overall, while applicants are mandated to renew in person, certain circumstances may enable them to file their requests via mail. Continue reading to learn more about how to successfully complete this renewal process in Kansas.

When to Renew Your CDL License in Kansas

Commercial drivers encouraged to get a CDL renewal in Kansas before their current license expires. As a general rule, CDL holders who are younger than 21 years of age or older than 65 years of age can carry a valid commercial drivers license for four years before they must apply for a new one.

On the other hand, motorists between the ages of 21 and 65 years of age can apply for a CDL license renewal every six years. In any case, the expiration date of these credentials is printed on the physical cards. Furthermore, drivers who reach 21 years of age must renew a commercial drivers license within 45 days of their birthday.

A KS CDL expiration grace period is available for residents who are serving in the military and find themselves temporarily out of state. In this case, drivers may apply for a six-month extension prior to their credentials’ expiration date.

CDL Renewal Testing Requirements in Kansas

There are several Kansas CDL renewal testing requirements for commercial drivers. For instance, the state DMV enforces a vision test with every renewal, regardless of a vehicle’s class. On the other hand, renewing drivers are allowed to submit a vision screening completion form if it was completed by a licensed physician within three months of a CDL license renewal.

Furthermore, motorists are required to obtain a vision exam each time they make any changes to their CDL. This includes name, address and endorsement changes. In addition, all commercial drivers seeking to add an endorsement or upgrade their licenses must take knowledge exams as part of the CDL renewal requirements.

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

A common question that residents ask is, “What do you need to renew your CDL license in Kansas?” Overall, applicants must provide several documents when filing their request. First, the KS DMV requires all CDL holders to complete a “Truckers Against Trafficking” (TAT) training before renewing a CDL license. This free training includes an educational video followed by several questions. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete and must only be done once.

Moreover, in order to get a CDL license renewal, commercial drivers must submit several documents to prove their identity and state residency. While there are various documents that applicants may be required to bring, the following paperwork is generally requested:

  • Certified birth certificate
  • Current W-2
  • Kansas renewal letter
  • Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)

Certain CDL renewal applicants will be asked to provide additional information. For instance, non-citizen motorists should provide a valid permanent resident card, employment authorization card or unexpired foreign passport. Furthermore, proof of name change must be submitted in the form of a court order, government issued marriage certificate or divorce decree in order to renew a commercial drivers license.

CDL Renewal Process in Kansas

As a general rule, drivers are only permitted to request a KS CDL renewal in person at a full-service local DMV office. It is important to note that all applicants must have completed the “Truckers Against Trafficking” course prior to renewing this credential. In addition, motorists are advised to schedule an appointment at a DMV service center beforehand if they are taking CDL endorsements tests.

In order to begin a CDL license renewal in Kansas, all commercial drivers are required to check in at a kiosk upon their arrival to the DMV. Additionally, they have the option of checking in online through a phone, tablet or computer.

At the CDL license renewal appointment, applicants must provide the required paperwork mentioned in the previous section, as well as take a new license photo, pass the vision exam and pay for all necessary fees.

How to Renew Your Commercial Drivers License by Mail in Kansas

Under certain circumstances, Kansas drivers may be allowed to apply for a CDL renewal by mail. This procedure is extended to residents who are temporarily out of state and military service members who are stationed elsewhere. Both of these categories of motorists are allowed to renew their commercial drivers license by mail.

When requesting a CDL license renewal through the mail, military service members send a copy of their current order or Leave and Earnings Statement (LES). Out-of-country residents must submit a copy of their current drivers license, and may request a six-month extension on their credentials instead.

Overall, mail-in CDL renewal fees can only be paid by money order, check or major credit card. Thus, cash is not accepted.

Kansas CDL Permit Renewal Requirements

In order to request a CDL permit renewal in Kansas, which is otherwise known as a commercial learners permit (CLP), drivers must allow them to expire first. Overall, these permits are valid for a maximum of 180 days, although in Kansas they expire in 90.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), drivers are permitted to get a renewal after CDL permit expiration as long as they retake the general and appropriate endorsement knowledge tests. However, CLPs cannot be valid for longer than one year.

Hazardous Material Endorsement CDL Renewal Requirements in Kansas

Kansas CDL renewal requirements for drivers with hazardous material endorsements are different than those for other commercial drivers. HAZMAT drivers are subject to background checks and fingerprinting per each CDL renewal. That is because these CDL holders are subject to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) security threat assessment.

In addition, motorists seeking a hazardous materials endorsement upon renewal must prove their:

  • Lawful presence in the United States
  • Kansas residency

After being approved by Transportation Security Administration, drivers must pass the vison and knowledge exams to proceed with their CDL license renewal process. The HAZMAT endorsement will not be issued until the TSA grants this approval. However, drivers can still renew their CDLs while waiting for approval.

CDL Renewal Fees in Kansas

There are a various CDL renewal fees that applicants must pay for. In general, the CDL renewal cost is $18, along with a $8 photo fee, making the total CDL renewal price $26. Furthermore, while CDL skills tests cost $15, written exams have a $3 fee.

Last updated on Friday, March 6 2020.