Transfer your CDL from another state

If you have a commercial driver license (CDL) from a state other than Washington, you must transfer and surrender your prior state’s CDL when you get a Washington commercial license. If you don’t transfer your out-of-state CDL when you are issued a Washington driver license, you will be required to requalify on all commercial knowledge and driving tests.

Testing requirements

If you have a valid CDL issued by another state, you don’t need to take the CDL tests except to:

• maintain the hazardous materials endorsement (HME). You will be required to pay the $10 examination fee and take the hazardous materials knowledge test.
• upgrade, add additional endorsements, or remove restrictions. You will be required to pay the necessary fees and take the appropriate knowledge and driving tests.

Hazardous materials endorsement requirements

If you are transferring a CDL, you must be fingerprinted and undergo a federal background records check before being issued an hazardous materials endorsement when coming to Washington State, even if this process was completed in your home state.