In Utah, a CDL renewal must be performed regularly in order to retain your right to operate commercial vehicles. Therefore, it is important to learn more about this renewal process as requirements and procedures differ from standard driver’s license renewals. Furthermore, if you have a hazardous material endorsement, you will need to complete additional steps before you can complete a renewal for your Utah CDL.

The Utah CDL expiration grade period will protect you from having to retest in order to obtain a new CDL. However, it is important to submit your renewal request within a timely manner in order to avoid an expiration altogether as you will be ineligible to operate a commercial vehicle on an expired license, regardless of the grace period. By reviewing what do you need to renew your CDL license, you will be better prepared for your visit to the DMV and avoid having to make a second trip to provide the appropriate documentation and fees.

When to Renew Your CDL License in Utah

A CDL renewal must be completed in Utah once every five years. Before your CDL license expires, you will receive a notice by mail from the DMV that will remind you that your license will soon expire. It is important that you complete your renewal in a timely manner in order to ensure that your renewal is completed prior to the expiration of your license.

If your commercial driver’s license expires, you will be ineligible to operate a vehicle, commercial or otherwise, until you obtain a valid license.

If you would like to renew prior to receiving your renewal notice, you may renew your CDL up to six months prior to the date of expiration displayed on your license. However, if you intend to be out of the state for longer than six months prior to your CDL’s expiration date, the DMV may be able to permit you to renew sooner.

In Utah, the CDL expiration grace period is six months. While you cannot operate a commercial vehicle on an expired license, if you renew your CDL within six months after its expiration date, you will not be required to retake additional tests. If you do not renew within that six month period or sooner, you will be required to retake all CDL written knowledge and driving skill exams in order to complete a renewal.

CDL Renewal Testing Requirements in Utah

By reviewing CDL renewal requirements in Utah, you will be better prepared for your visit to the UT DMV as well as have ample time to study for any tests that you will need to pass as part of your renewal. In general, you will not be required to take any driving or knowledge exams upon a renewal. However, if you have a hazmat or school bus endorsement, you must successfully pass the written exam once again. These exams must be passed every five years in order to retain the endorsement.

Additionally, your CDL renewal may also include a 25-question regular driver’s license written knowledge test if you have had more than four citations in the past five years, if you have received a suspension or revocation within the last five years or if you CDL has been expired for more than six months.

If your CDL has been expired for more than six months, you will also be required to retake all of your driving and written knowledge exams for your CDL license, including any additional exams for endorsements.

When you renew a commercial drivers license, you will also be required to successfully pass a vision exam. If you cannot pass the vision exam, you will not be eligible to renew your CDL license.

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

When you renew a commercial drivers license in Utah, there is a number of documents that you will need to bring with you in order to complete your application for renewal. Without these important documents, you will need to revisit the DMV to complete your renewal application. Therefore, when visiting the DMV, be sure to bring the following with you:

  • Proof of identity and verification of citizenship or lawful status. This combo requirement can be satisfied with a number of documents, including your current CDL license, an unexpired U.S. passport or passport card, a valid permanent resident card, a certificate of naturalization, a certificate of citizenship or a U.S. birth certificate.
  • Social Security verification. You will need to present your Social Security card when renewing your commercial license. If a Social Security card is not available, you must present a document that contains both your full name and full Social Security number.
  • Proof of Utah residency and mailing address. You can provide proof of address with a number of documents, including a bank statement that was issued within the last 60 days, a current mortgage or rental contract, your vehicle’s title or a utility bill that is dated within the last 60 days.
  • DOT card and CDL Medical Self-Certification form.
  • Fees associated with the renewal of your CDL.

When completing your CDL renewal, it is also worth knowing that you can save time by completing your commercial drivers license renewal application ahead of time and bringing it with you to the DMV. However, the DMV will have the application available if you would prefer to complete your application during your visit.

CDL Renewal Process in Utah

In Utah, you can only renew a commercial drivers license in person at a participating DMV. Not every DMV has the ability to process a commercial driver’s license renewal application, so it is important to review whether or not your local DMV has that capability prior to your visit.

During your visit, you will be required to have your photo taken and all applicable fees will be due at the time of submitting your renewal application.

Utah CDL Permit Renewal Requirements

The question, “How long is a CDL permit good for?” is a valid one as once your permit expires, you will be unable to renew the permit and will instead need to start over in obtaining a new one. A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) will remain valid for a period of six months following the date that the permit is issued. In Utah, there is a minimum 14 day period for which you must hold your CLP before you can apply for a CDL.

Hazardous Material Endorsement CDL Renewal Requirements in Utah

When performing a CDL renewal in Utah, it is important to be aware of additional requirements regarding hazardous material endorsements. If you have a hazardous material endorsement on your license, you will be required to undergo a Federal background check. The Utah DMV strongly recommends that you submit to the background check prior to submitting a renewal application so that your new CDL is not disqualified due to expiration of your previous background check.

To renew a commercial drivers license hazardous material endorsement, you will need to complete an application with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can complete this application either online or by contacting the TSA at 855-347-8371.

After completing this application, you must appear at an approved fingerprint location with your completed TSA hazmat application. When you have your fingerprints taken, the fee for the renewal of the hazardous material endorsement will be collected. The hazmat endorsement will be between $80.00 and $110.00.

The background check could take between 30 and 90 days to complete, so it is important to begin the process as soon as possible if your renewal date is nearing. If your application with the TSA is approved, the TSA will notify the Utah Driver License Division with the results of your assessment.

CDL Renewal Fees in Utah

The standard Utah CDL renewal cost is $52.00. However, if you have any CDL endorsements that you would like to renew, it is an additional $9.00 per endorsement. Furthermore, if you have a motorcycle endorsement listed on your CDL, it will be another $11.00 to renew the motorcycle endorsement.

Aside from the motorcycle endorsement, it is worth knowing that your employer may cover the charges associated with renewing your CDL if you use your CDL to perform job duties.

Last updated on Friday, March 6 2020.