There are two different CDL renewal procedures used by the MVA depending upon whether your CDL includes a HAZMAT endorsement or not:

• Renewing a CDL
• Renewing a CDL with a Hazardous Materials (H) or a Tanker/Hazardous Materials (X) Endorsement

If you are 21 years old or older, you can renew your commercial driver’s license (CDL) at any time within 6 months before the CDL expiration date to within one (1) year after the expiration date; if the CDL is expired for one (1) year or more, you may need to take additional tests and provide proof of age/identity, lawful presence, verifiable social security number or proof of ineligibility, and Maryland residency.  If you are under 21 years old, you cannot renew your CDL until your 21^st birthday, or later.

The renewed CDL usually expires after 5 years, with the expiration date set to be your birthday, but it could be for less than 5 years if you are issued a "Limited Term Temporary Compliant" license.  If you have a Maryland license and are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces absent from Maryland on active service, or a dependent living with that member, your CDL remains valid during the member’s absence and for a period of 30 days after the member’s return to Maryland or discharge/separation from the Armed Forces, whichever occurs first, (unless you were issued a Limited Term Temporary Compliant license.).  Note:  If you have the HAZMAT (H)  or Tanker/Hazmat (X) endorsement(s), you must apply in person if you wish to keep the "H" or "X" endorsement(s).

If you are not in the military, but are outside of Maryland and not able to return before the license expires, you may be able to renew your CDL while absent from Maryland.  However, you must apply in person for renewal of a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT - H) endorsement or the Tanker/HAZMAT (X) endorsement.

Please remember that it is against Maryland law for you to drive with an expired license.  Further, you must possess a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card), and a waiver or exemption if required, whenever you are operating a commercial motor vehicle.

How do I renew my CDL that does not have a HAZMAT endorsement?

Gather the documents and other items that you will need to take to the MVA:

• CDL renewal notice (form #DL-084);
• Current (expiring) CDL - if you have lost it, you may have to prove your identity (Sources of Proof).  Contact the Customer Service Center (CSC) for more information;
• Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card) or photographic copy of the DOT Card – If you qualify for a waiver or exemption, you must present the waiver/exemption in addition to the DOT card.  See CDL Medical/Physical Requirements for more information.
• Glasses or contact lenses, if needed, or a completed and signed Vision Screening Form (see Vision Screening and Requirements for more information);
• Payment for the renewed CDL.

Visit any Full Service MVA office.  When you arrive, the Customer Agent will:

• Retrieve your current CDL;
• Take your photograph;
• Review the documents you brought with you;
• Give you a vision screening or scan your Vision Screening Form (form #DL-043A);
• Ask you various questions to verify that you are eligible for renewal;
• Collect the fee owed; and
• Issue your new CDL.

How do I renew my CDL that includes a HAZMAT or a Tanker/HAZMAT endorsement?

To renew your CDL with a HAZMAT (H) or a Tanker/HAZMAT (X) endorsement you first must apply for a new background record check and then pass the HAZMAT knowledge test. To initiate the background check process, you must schedule an appointment by clicking here and follow the directions provided to schedule an appointment at one of the following MVA offices:  Bel Air, Glen Burnie (Building B), Frederick, Salisbury or Waldorf.

On the day of your scheduled background check, be sure to bring the following:

• Proof of U. S. Citizenship. (U.S. Passport, Certificate of birth that bears an official seal and was issued by a State, county, municipal authority; or outlying possession of the United States, Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (Forms FS-545 or DS-1350), Certificate of Naturalization Form (N-550 or N-570, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561).
• Proof of Lawful Permanent Residency. Permanent Resident Card, Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551), Temporary I-551 stamp in foreign passport, Temporary I-551 stamp on Form I-94, Arrival/Department Record, with photograph of the bearer, or Re-entry Permit (Form I-327).
• CDL renewal notice (form #DL-084);
• Current (expiring) CDL - if you do not have your license in your possession, you will need to prove your identity.  See Sources of Proof or contact the Customer Service Center (CSC) for more information;
• Valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT card) or photographic copy of the DOT Card. If you qualify for a waiver or exemption, you must present the waiver/exemption in addition to the DOT card.  See CDL Medical/Physical Requirements for more information.
• Glasses or contact lenses, if needed, or a completed and signed Vision Screening Form (see Vision Screening and Requirements for more information);
• Payment for the background check (no cash).
• Payment for the renewed CDL.
   
  The MVA Customer Agent (CA) in the office will:

• Retrieve your CDL;
• Take your photograph;
• Review and scan the documents you brought with you;
• Give you a vision screening or scan your Vision Screening Form (form #DL-043A);
• Help you complete an electronic Hazardous Materials Endorsement Application.
   

You will then be directed to a representative of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) stationed in the MVA office who will help you initiate the background record check.  The DPSCS representative will take your fingerprints and collect the background record check fee. 

Fingerprint/Background Federal & State Check & TSA Processing Fee - $93.25
All fingerprint/background record check fees are paid at the time your fingerprints are captured. The DPSCS only accepts the following forms of payment: Check, Money Order, Master Card, Visa and Discover credit cards. Checks and Money Orders must be made payable to the CJIS Central Repository.  Cash is not accepted.  Note:  The Salisbury office DOES NOT currently accept Discover credit cards.

When you finish with the DPSCS representative, you will be directed to a law room to take the HAZMAT knowledge test.  If you pass the knowledge test, you’ll be directed to another Customer Agent who will collect the fee owed for the renewed CDL and issue the CDL with the proper endorsement(s).

Fees:

• There is a fee for renewing a CDL.
• There is a fee charged by the Maryland DPSCS for the background check. Fingerprint/Background Federal & State Check and TSA Processing Fee - $93.25.  All fingerprint/background record check fees are paid at the time your fingerprints are captured. The DPSCS only accepts the following forms of payment: Check, Money Order, Master Card, Visa and Discover credit cards. Checks and Money Orders must be made payable to the CJIS Central Repository.  Cash is not accepted.  Note:  The Salisbury office DOES NOT currently accept Discover credit cards.
   
   
  MVA
  Driver Services Division
  6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
  Glen Burnie, MD  21062
  

For telephone questions: