Renew, transfer, or restore your CDL
Choose the right process for an existing CDL, keep endorsements current, and check the documents before visiting your licensing agency.
Source review: September 30, 2026. Confirm your individual transaction with the licensing agency.
Renew in the same state
Check your expiration date and your state’s renewal window. Confirm identity and residency documents, medical self-certification, fees, vision or knowledge testing, and whether an office visit is required. An ordinary renewal does not itself trigger federal ELDT. Hazardous-material endorsements have separate testing and TSA security requirements. Do not assume an expired CDL has the same renewal options as a valid one.
Transfer to another state
Federal rules generally require a CDL transfer within 30 days after establishing a new domicile. Hold only one driver’s license; surrender the previous credential as directed. A valid same-class transfer generally does not require repeating every skills test, but endorsements, restrictions, medical status, and state documentation still matter. Hazmat requires separate attention. Contact the receiving state before moving or letting the old credential expire.
Restore a medical downgrade
First confirm why commercial privileges were removed. Arrange any required examination with a National Registry examiner, complete the state’s self-certification process, and confirm the medical result reached the state. Ask whether elapsed time triggers retesting or a new permit. A new medical certificate alone does not prove commercial privileges are restored. Check your license record before driving a vehicle requiring a CDL.
Resolve a Clearinghouse prohibition
A drug or alcohol prohibition is a separate issue from a missing medical certificate. Complete the required return-to-duty process and confirm both Clearinghouse eligibility and state restoration. Renewing a card or moving states cannot bypass a prohibition. See our Clearinghouse guide for the sequence.
Prepare for the agency
Bring your current credential and the state-requested identity, residency, lawful-status, and medical documentation. Ask specifically about endorsements, restrictions, remaining license term, and any commercial privileges lost during expiration. Get the total for your actual transaction: renewal, transfer, and reinstatement fees are different.
Find your state’s next steps
Build a checklist · Recent rule changes · Renewal, transfer, and restoration