Renew your CDL

Learn how to renew or replace your Commercial Driver License (CDL).

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You must renew at a driver license office if you:

  • Need to surrender your CDL.
  • Are upgrading to a higher class, adding and/or removing endorsements or restrictions.
  • Are renewing with hazardous material endorsement (HME).
  • Have a non-domicile CDL.
  • Need to provide lawful permanent residency or U.S. citizenship documents.
  • Need help with a transaction that can only be done in person. 
  • Have an expired medical examiner’s certificate. 

Make an appointment at a driver license office.

Renew your Hazardous Material Endorsement

Before you renew your HME, you must:

  • Complete an HME background check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The HME clearance must be on your driver record. You should start the background check 90 days before you renew your license. TSA will notify us when they complete your background check. 
  • Pass a knowledge test.

You need to have training on your record before taking the test. If you had an HME in the past, but it wasn’t on your CDL, you might need to provide proof of the prior HME to waive the training requirements. Your CDL expires when your HME clearance expires. 

Don't wait to renew!

You could get ticketed by law enforcement if you have an expired license. 

You can renew up to:

  • 1 year before your license expires (usually on your birthday)
  • 60 days after your license expired, without extra fees. There's an extra $10 fee if you renew after 60 days.

If your license expired more than 8 years ago, you can't renew. You’ll need to start over. See steps to getting your first license, proof of identity, and CDL-approved documents.

What if I'm out of the state?

You might be able to renew or replace your CDL online if you’re eligible. You can't extend your CDL if you're out of state. 

You can surrender your CDL and renew, replace, or extend your regular driver license by mail. Mail all required documents and payment together to the address listed on the pages below. If you’re in Washington, you can’t surrender your CDL by mail to complete an online transaction. You must visit a driver license office. 

You have up to 2 years after surrender to reinstate your CDL without providing proof of training or taking required tests. This doesn't apply to the hazmat knowledge test. A knowledge test is required anytime you add, transfer, or renew your license.

When you return to Washington, make an appointment at a driver licensing office to reinstate your CDL.

Need more help?

Here's how to contact us:

call Phone: 360-902-3900
(TTY: Call 711)
mail Email: CDLcompliance@dol.wa.gov
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