Renewing a Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

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

A renewal will be mailed to your last address of record with the MVA, 60 days prior to the expiration of your driver’s license and it will not be forwarded to a new address if you have moved from this address. Remember, Maryland law requires you to report address changes to the MVA within 30 days.
Note: CDL holders must obtain a corrected license, unless they are eligible to renew and renew their license within this 30 day time period.

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 your Maryland driver's license has been expired for one (1) year or more, click here.

If you are a member of the U.S. Armed Forces (and a Maryland license holder) absent from Maryland on active service, or a dependant living with that member, your license remains valid during the service 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. Note: The HAZMAT endorsement (HME) will expire when the actual photo license expires. the HME is not extended due to military service and being stationed outside of the State of Maryland.

The license may be renewed without additional tests, other than vision screening, if the license is still valid or has been expired for LESS than one (1) year.

If you have returned to Maryland and your Maryland driver's license has been expired for one (1) year or more, you must provide the MVA with your expired Maryland Driver's license, and papers (military orders) which indicate your active duty service outside of the State of Maryland or your discharge or separation from active duty document(s). You should also present your current military photo ID card. If you are unable to provide the MVA with your Maryland license, the required acceptable military documentation of active service outside of Maryland or the 30 day return grace period has expired, "ALL" tests (Vision, Knowledge & Skills) would be required to be taken and passed to renew the license. Please refer to Sources of Proof for information on additional documentation that may be required.

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.

Note: Effective January 30, 2012, commercial drivers must provide the MVA with copies of their updated medical documentation (DOT Card & waiver/exemption if required) for the duration of their CDL, whether they are actively operating a commercial motor vehicle or not. The MVA will be contacting CDL holders, subject to the new FMCSA requirements starting January 30, 2012 through January 30, 2014. You DO NOT need to submit your medical certification (Med Cert) information or declare a self-certification category with the MVA until you have been directly contacted by the Administration.

If you are contacted by the MVA to provide them with this documentation and you fail to do so within the time frame indicated, your entire driver’s license privilege both commercial and noncommercial will be cancelled. However, if you visit a MVA branch office to renew or obtain a duplicate, corrected or new CDL, you will be required to present valid Med Cert documentation at that time. The driver must also declare a self-certification category relating to their type of commerce. Click here for information on the self-certification categories. See CDL Medical/Physical Requirements for more information. You may also Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions link for additional information.

License Renewal Refusal due to Maryland Tax Deficiency and Unpaid Unemployment Insurance Contributions

Effective June 1, 2011, Maryland Law (House Bill 72) prohibits the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) from renewing the driver's license, renewing a vehicle registration, or transferring a vehicle registration of an applicant who has not paid all Undisputed Taxes and/or Unemployment Insurance Contributions payable to the Comptroller or the Secretary of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR) or provided for payment in a manner satisfactory to the unit responsible for collections.

If a customer has received a letter of noncompliance from the MVA regarding either a MD tax deficiency or unpaid Unemployment Insurance Contributions, it is because the MVA has been notified that this individual driver (business) has unpaid taxes and/or unemployment insurance contributions which will prevent the renewal of their driver's license or vehicle registration or transferring a vehicle registration until they have satisfied their debts/obligations.

This includes both noncommercial renewals and correction renewals as well as commercial license renewals.

The MVA does NOT accept payment for taxes or unemployment contributions.

To resolve an outstanding Tax Obligation:

The driver may make payment in full by going online at the Comptroller's website www.marylandtaxes.com. Click ""Online Services" to see all of the online options available to pay outstanding individual or business taxes. If the driver cannot pay the debt in full, they may contact the Comptroller via e-mail at mvahold@comp.state.md.us or by phone to discuss payment options. For individual income tax liabilities, call the Comptroller's Office toll free at 855-213-6669 or for business tax liabilities call 410-649-0633.

To resolve an outstanding Unemployment Insurance Obligation:

Businesses with unpaid unemployment insurance obligations should contact the DLLR to satisfy their debts or make acceptable payment arrangements. They may contact the DLLR by phone at 410-767-2699 or via e-mail at licnrelease@dllr.state.md.us to discuss payment options.

Once the tax and/or unemployment insurance liabilities have been resolved, the Comptroller or the DLLR will notify the MVA that the hold on the driver's license or vehicle registration renewal/transfer has been lifted. The MVA will then be authorized to proceed with the renewal of the customer's driver's license or vehicle registration. Please allow up to two (2) business days after the receipt of payment by certified funds or beginning an approved payment plan for a hold on the renewals/transfer to be released. Do not wait until the last day to renew to address your unpaid tax or unemployment insurance contribution debts.

The MVA does NOT accept payment for taxes or unemployment contributions.

Note: Vehicle Transactions that may not be processed are:

Registration Renewal
Replacement Tag Renewal
Substitute Tag
Substitute Sticker
Tag Transfer
Tag Transfer with Renewal (this includes plates being repurchased under a new class, i.e. War of 1812, personalized, or any special tags, etc.

To resolve an outstanding Tax Obligation:

To resolve an outstanding Unemployment Insurance Obligation:

The MVA does NOT accept payment for taxes or unemployment contributions.

Note: Vehicle Transactions that may not be processed are:

Registration Renewal
Replacement Tag Renewal
Substitute Tag
Substitute Sticker
Tag Transfer
Tag Transfer with Renewal (this includes plates being repurchased under a new class, i.e. War of 1812, personalized, or any special tags, etc.

Notes:

The MVA will ONLY accept a Marriage Certificate that has been certified and issued by that jurisdictions proper government authority such as their Department of Vital Records/Statistics or their local or state court system. A marriage license signed by a minister or other authorized officiant and issued by a church, etc. is a keepsake document and is NOT an official marriage document. The local or state government authority will issue a marriage license granting the couple permission to get married by an authorized officiant. The minister/officiant who solemnizes the marriage will complete and sign the actual marriage license that was issued by the proper government authority and then return it to the proper government authority who will verify and record the marriage/civil union in their files. The married couple may then obtain a certified copy of the Marriage Certificate from this authority.
Effective January 1, 2013 the State of Maryland will permit Same-Sex marriages to be performed in Maryland and the MVA will recognize these marriages/civil unions. Customers who have entered into a same-sex marriage and present the necessary documentation will be processed the same as customers of opposite genders. The MVA will also continue to recognize a same-sex marriage that was performed in another jurisdiction that has passed and enacted legislation that permits same-sex marriages to be performed in their jurisdiction.

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. Note: Effective January 30, 2012, commercial drivers must provide the MVA with copies of their updated medical documentation (DOT Card & waiver/exemption if required) for the duration of their CDL, whether they are actively operating a commercial motor vehicle or not. The MVA will be contacting CDL holders, subject to the new FMCSA requirements starting January 30, 2012 through January 30, 2014. You DO NOT need to submit your medical certification (Med Cert) information or declare a self-certification category with the MVA until you have been directly contacted by the Administration. If you are contacted by the MVA to provide them with this documentation and you fail to do so within the time frame indicated, your entire driver’s license privilege both commercial and noncommercial will be cancelled. However, if you visit a MVA branch office to renew or obtain a duplicate, corrected or new CDL, you will be required to present valid Med Cert documentation at that time. The driver must also declare a self-certification category relating to their type of commerce. Click here for information on the self-certification categories. See CDL Medical/Physical Requirements for more information. You may also Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions link for additional 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. See note for MVA's Photo Guidelines.
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.

Note: MVA Photo Guidelines: Because of the ever increasing need to use a photo driver’s license, learner’s permit or moped permit as proof of personal identification (i.e.: MVA, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, etc.) in addition to its role as a licensing document, the Maryland MVA is required to follow and enforce certain guidelines concerning approving and using an acceptable digital image/photograph on these license products. The same guidelines would also follow for the issuance of a Maryland Photo Identification Card.

The MVA will not permit an applicant to significantly alter, hide or enhance their face or facial features by the use or excessive use of:

1). Face Paint
2). Cosmetics
3). Cosmetic Contacts
4). Facial Contortions
5). Hats/Scarves/Other Clothing
6). Hands, etc.

If a supervisor deems it necessary, the customer will be required to remove the unacceptable face paint, cosmetics, etc. before a photo is taken.
If a photo image is taken and it is determined to be unacceptable by an MVA supervisor due to any of the above reasons or otherwise, the MVA reserves the right to require that the customer either sits for another image or is refused the issuance of the MVA product.

References:
1. Issuance of license: TR, 16-111.1(d)(2-iv): A color photograph of the applicant that is taken in accordance with a procedure that the Administration requires.
2. Form and contents of an Identification Card: TR, 12-301(g)(2v): A color photograph of the applicant taken by the procedure that the Administration requires.

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 .

Note: The Hazmat endorsement (HME) will expire when the actual photo license expires. The HME is not extended due to military service and being stationed outside of the State of Maryland. The Hazmat background record check (BRC) must be done in person.

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

Proof of U. S. Citizenship:

Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport
Certified copy of a birth certificate with a State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency in the individual's State of birth, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) issued by the U.S. Department of State (Form FS-545 or DS 1350).
Certificate of Naturalization issued by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (Form N-550 or N-570).
Certificate of Citizenship issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (Form N-560 or N-561).

Lawful Permanent Resident

Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card, issued by USCIS or INS.
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. Note: Effective January 30, 2012, commercial drivers must provide the MVA with copies of their updated medical documentation (DOT Card & waiver/exemption if required) for the duration of their CDL, whether they are actively operating a commercial motor vehicle or not. The MVA will be contacting CDL holders, subject to the new FMCSA requirements starting January 30, 2012 through January 30, 2014. You DO NOT need to submit your medical certification (Med Cert) information or declare a self-certification category with the MVA until you have been directly contacted by the Administration. If you are contacted by the MVA to provide them with this documentation and you fail to do so within the time frame indicated, your entire driver’s license privilege both commercial and noncommercial will be cancelled. However, if you visit a MVA branch office to renew or obtain a duplicate, corrected or new CDL, you will be required to present valid Med Cert documentation at that time. The driver must also declare a self-certification category relating to their type of commerce. Click here for information on the self-certification categories. See CDL Medical/Physical Requirements for more information. You may also Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions link for additional 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. See note for MVA's Photo Guidelines
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.

Note: MVA Photo Guidelines: Because of the ever increasing need to use a photo driver’s license, learner’s permit or moped permit as proof of personal identification (i.e.: MVA, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, etc.) in addition to its role as a licensing document, the Maryland MVA is required to follow and enforce certain guidelines concerning approving and using an acceptable digital image/photograph on these license products. The same guidelines would also follow for the issuance of a Maryland Photo Identification Card.

The MVA will not permit an applicant to significantly alter, hide or enhance their face or facial features by the use or excessive use of:

1). Face Paint
2). Cosmetics
3). Cosmetic Contacts
4). Facial Contortions
5). Hats/Scarves/Other Clothing
6). Hands, etc.

If a supervisor deems it necessary, the customer will be required to remove the unacceptable face paint, cosmetics, etc. before a photo is taken.
If a photo image is taken and it is determined to be unacceptable by an MVA supervisor due to any of the above reasons or otherwise, the MVA reserves the right to require that the customer either sits for another image or is refused the issuance of the MVA product.

References:
1. Issuance of license: TR, 16-111.1(d)(2-iv): A color photograph of the applicant that is taken in accordance with a procedure that the Administration requires.
2. Form and contents of an Identification Card: TR, 12-301(g)(2v): A color photograph of the applicant taken by the procedure that the Administration requires.
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 -

Effective March 19, 2012, the State and federal fingerprint/background checks and the TSA processing fee of $93.25 was reduced to $90.50. 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).

Maryland Commercial Driver's License Endorsements: If you would like additional information on adding an endorsement onto your CDL license, please click here.

Fees:

There is a fee for renewing a CDL. There is a separate licensing fee in addition to the Hazmat BRC fee..
There is a fee charged by the Maryland DPSCS for the background check. Effective March 19, 2012, the State and federal fingerprint/background checks and the TSA processing fee of $93.25 was reduced to $90.50. 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:

MVA Customer Service Center:	1-410-768-7000
TTY/Hearing Impaired:	1-301-729-4563

Note: VETERAN STATUS CODE:

Effective January 1, 2013: If you are able to present certain United States Military Veteran documentation (original or certified copy issued by the appropriate department/agency) certifying your veteran status you may apply to add a "W" restriction code indicating that you are a United States Veteran onto your Maryland Driver's license or identification (ID) card. You can add this "W" restriction code when you are processed for a license or ID card Renewal, Correction or New product.

Notes:

In choosing to add this code to the driver’s license or ID card, you consent to being contacted by the appropriate Executive Branch agencies regarding your eligibility for State or Federal Veteran’s benefits.
“Veteran” means an individual who served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, other than for training, and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.
If you do not have one of the below acceptable proof of veteran status documents indicating a discharge or release under conditions other than dishonorable, you will need to contact the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) Service Office to obtain documentation verifying your status as a veteran. You may call 1-800-446-4926 or visit the MDVA website at http://www.mdva.state.md.us/about/serviceProgram.html for information and assistance.

The acceptable proof of veteran status documents are:

DD-214 Military Discharge Certificate, or;
Honorable Discharge Certificate, or;
Letter from U.S. Military Center in St. Louis, Missouri, or;
Letter from the Maryland Veterans Administration Service Program

The acceptable documents must show the Veteran status as:

Honorable, or;
General, or;
General Under Honorable Conditions, or;
Discharged or Released under conditions other than Dishonorable

Note: There is a fee if the applicant chooses to add or remove this designation/restriction code onto their license or ID card as a correction.