How to Renew a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in North Dakota

1.

Some states allow residents to renew a commercial drivers license (CDL) online. However, commercial drivers must be aware of any specific eligibility requirements for online CDL renewal. Even if your state does not offer online CDL renewal, you can still access valuable information online to help you renew your commercial drivers license. Our downloadable guide includes details on the forms you need to complete, the documents you need to present and the fees you need to pay in addition to any tests that your state's DMV may require you to take. You will also discover important details on updating your CDL and what to do if you have lost your CDL.

2. By Mail

A limited number of states offer mail-in CDL renewal options. If your state has this option, it will usually require you to meet certain eligibility criteria before you can go forward with submitting your renewal application via mail. You should be aware of your state's options and procedures before you attempt to renew your commercial drivers license via mail. You can download our comprehensive guide to get state-specific information about renewing your CDL in your state. Do not make the mistake of trying to renew by mail only to find out that your state's DMV will not let you do that. Download our guide today.

3. In Person

Because a CDL requires the holder to successfully complete driving, knowledge and medical exams, many states require CDL holders to renew their licenses in person. In-person renewals might be especially necessary if you need to renew certain CDL endorsements, such as those for transporting hazardous wastes or for transporting elderly or underage passengers. Requirements for CDL renewals are often much more complex than those for non-commercial drivers licenses, so it is important for you to know exactly what you need to prepare before you make a trip to the DMV. Our downloadable guide includes all the information you need to know about forms, tests, documents and fees involved with renewing your CDL and any specific endorsements.

The North Dakota CDL renewal process is unique among other types of renewals, such as standard driver licenses. Drivers who hold a commercial driver’s license, or CDL, are permitted to operate various types of large machinery. Some motorists have additional endorsements attached to their CDL that allow them to drive vehicles carrying hazardous waste and other materials. The CDL renewal requirements vary depending on the type of license a driver holds.

Motorists are required to renew commercial driver’s license documents often, so they continue to operate according to industry standards and practice safe driving habits. To renew a North Dakota CDL, drivers must take vision tests, knowledge exams and medical evaluations. Depending on the type and number of endorsements, the driver may be required to complete additional tests.

The process of renewing a CDL also differs from the commercial learner’s permit renewal process, which is the first credential necessary before obtaining the CDL. Similarly, renewal fees, documents and expiration dates vary between states. To learn more about the North Dakota renewal process, including testing requirements, forms and fees, continue reading the topics discussed below.

When to Renew Your CDL License in North Dakota

North Dakota has a CDL expiration grace period of one year. All CDLs are valid for a period of four years from the date of issue and expire at midnight on the driver’s birthday. Motorists must renew their CDL to maintain driving privileges.

Those who renew within a period of one year are not required to retake any road skills tests. However, motorists who renew a CDL that has been expired for longer than one year need to retake the knowledge and driving tests.

The North Dakota Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) notifies all drivers when their CDL is about to expire. This notice alerts them to the exact expiration date. Drivers may choose to renew up to 10 months prior to the date of expiration. Renewing early does not erase the remaining valid months on the driver’s original CDL.

CDL Renewal Testing Requirements in North Dakota

If you are asking, “What do you need to renew your CDL license?”, the answer is simple. Unlike the long and demanding CDL application process, the renewal process is quite simple. All drivers will be tested during a vision examination. Those who wear glasses must bring them to the appointment.

Motorists may choose to complete a vision exam with a state-approved optometrist, in which case they must submit an official statement.

Most drivers renewing their CDL are not required to retake the road skills test. However, those who are renewing a license that has been expired for more than 1 year must complete this retest.

What do you need to renew your CDL in North Dakota?

The CDL renewal requirements in North Dakota differ from the requirements in other states. Therefore, it is important that drivers verify the requirements in their state of residence. Motorists must submit one document proving citizenship, lawful permanent residence or legal presence in the U.S. The following is a list of the accepted documents approved by the ND DMV:

  • U.S. birth certificate (certified)
  • Unexpired U.S. passport or passport card
  • Report of Birth Abroad (issued by the U.S. Department of State)
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certificate of Citizenship
  • Unexpired Permanent Resident Card
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (Temporary Status)
  • Unexpired Foreign Passport with I-94 (Temporary Status)
  • I-94 Card stamped Refugee or Asylee (Temporary Status)

Additionally, drivers must submit one document that proves they reside in the state of North Dakota. These include:

  • Property tax form
  • Mortgage, lease or rental document
  • Homeowners/renter’s insurance policy
  • Utility bill
  • Non-cellular phone bill

Drivers must bring a form of payment for the renewal fee. Keep in mind that CDL endorsements cost extra and are added to the overall renewal cost.

CDL Renewal Process in North Dakota

To renew commercial driver’s license documents in North Dakota, motorists must schedule an in-person appointment with a full-service driver’s license site location. CDL license holders may not renew online; this option is limited to standard driver’s licenses only.

Although the CDL expiration grace period lasts for one year, driving privileges expire at midnight on the driver’s birthday. It is always best to start the renewal process well in advance. North Dakota allows motorists to renew as early as 10 months prior to the date of expiration.

Since renewing by mail or online is not possible, drivers may experience long wait times for an appointment. They may use the online scheduler to choose a time slot and book an appointment. Once the system processes appointment requests, motorists receive a confirmation number. They must bring this to their appointment. Please note that same-day appointments are not accepted.

North Dakota CDL Permit Renewal Requirements

The North Dakota CDL permit renewal process is unique. All drivers must receive a commercial learner’s permit before obtaining a CDL. They must hold this permit for at least 14 days before applying for the CDL license or taking the road test.

How long is a CDL permit good for?

In North Dakota, the permit is valid for 6 months. They are restricted to certain driving activities and must stick to public roads. Furthermore, motorists may only drive while accompanied by a CDL holder who can drive the same class of vehicle.

Can I renew my CDL permit after it expires?

North Dakota drivers cannot renew a CDL permit. Once the CDL permit expiration date passes, drivers must convert it to a CDL or reapply for the permit. All motorists must hold the permit for at least 14 days before taking a CDL road skills test.

Hazardous Material Endorsement CDL Renewal Requirements in North Dakota

The CDL license renewal process in North Dakota differs slightly for drivers who have endorsements attached to their credentials. One such endorsement is the hazardous material (hazmat) endorsement, which allows motorists to operate vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

Each time motorists renew their CDLs with the hazmat endorsement, they will be required to take a knowledge test and complete a background check. Background checks can take a while to process, so motorists must begin this process at least one month before the endorsement expires.

CDL Renewal Fees in North Dakota

The CDL renewal price in North Dakota varies by license type and endorsement. Currently, the costs associated with renewing a CDL are as follows:

  • Commercial Driver License
    • $15
  • Knowledge Test
    • $5 per attempt
  • Endorsements
    • $3 each
  • Road Test
    • $5

North Dakota CDL Renewal Forms

Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 6 2019.

Sources

  1. Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Information from DOT.ND.GOV
  2. Renewing Your CDL from DOT.ND.GOV
  3. CDL Endorsements from DOT.ND.GOV

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