CDL Information

How to Apply Information

The U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001 requires all commercial driver license holders with a HAZMAT endorsement to undergo a criminal background check to include a fingerprint process.

Notes:

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently adopted regulations in order to assist Veterans in their transition from their military occupation to a civilian career. Effective January 1, 2013, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will have the ability to waive the driver skills test required in order to obtain a Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for recently discharged service members who meet specific criteria.

Individuals must have 2 years of experience driving vehicles as part of their job function immediately preceding their discharge from the military and have a good driving record.
The Commanding Officer will certify the service member’s years of operating the vehicle as well as the type of vehicle operated to determine appropriate license classification.
The applicant must pass the CDL knowledge test and the waiver only applies to CDL License Classes A and B
For additional information please visit FMCSA’s website: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/cdl/Military-CDL-Waiver.aspx.

2. 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.

Click here for the Driving Certification for Maryland Commercial Driver's License Holders (self-certification) form. You may also Click here to view the Frequently Asked Questions page for additional information.

To Get a Maryland CDL Learner's Permit, Please Bring:

Proof of age, identity, and Maryland residence. Please refer to sources of proof for required documentation.

You must pass a vision screening and knowledge test(s).
You must be 18 to obtain a learner's permit for a CDL Intrastate, 21 years of age for Interstate. In addition you must also have a full Maryland driver's license (does not include a motorcycle license).
You may be required to provide documented proof of your social security number.
A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card and a valid intrastate or interstate waiver/exemption if required. The Medical Examination Report for DOT physical card information is downloadable. The CDL Medical Waiver Information Packet for an intrastate or interstate waiver is also available.
Out-of-state learner's permit cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner's permit or license.

To Obtain Another Maryland CDL Learner's Permit, Please Bring:

If you already hold a learner’s permit and want another one, you must reapply as if it was your first learner’s permit and bring your proof of age, identity, Maryland residence and your expiring learner’s permit. Please refer to sources of proof for required documentation.

You must pass a vision screening and knowledge test(s).
You may be required to provide documented proof of your social security number.
A valid U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card and a valid intrastate or interstate waiver/exemption if required. The Medical Examination Report for DOT physical card information is downloadable. The CDL Medical Waiver Information Packet for an intrastate or interstate waive is also available.
Out-of-state learner's permit cannot be exchanged for a Maryland learner's permit or license.

Maryland Commercial Driver's License Renewal, Please Bring:

Your expiring license, valid U. S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical card and a valid intrastate or interstate waiver exemption, if required and the renewal fee.

You must pass a vision screening or submit a vision certification form.
To keep your HAZMAT endorsement you must apply for a new HAZMAT Background Record Check (BRC) and pass the hazardous material (HAZMAT) knowledge test. You must receive a TSA threat assessment of "O" to add/keep Hazmat .
You may be required to provide documented proof of your social security number.
A commercial driver's license fee is also required.

Renewing Your CDL

Renewal Fees

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.

Please note: There is a commercial driver's license fee, and there is an additional fee for the Commercial Driver Licensing Information System surcharge.

Renewal Information

Drivers of heavy trucks, buses and vehicles placarded for hazardous materials must have a special commercial driver's license (CDL) with proper endorsements. Vehicles over 26,000 lbs., buses designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, all school buses, mobile cranes, uncoupled tractors (i.e., bob tails), and most tow trucks are included.

If you are applying for or renewing a CDL, you must have a valid medical examiner's certificate, DOT Card DL-171 (or a comparable card) and a CDL waiver/exemption if required for interstate or intrastate operations, and social security card, or other acceptable social security document. (Sources of Proof)
A CDL can be obtained, corrected, or renewed only at full-service offices.
To renew a CDL with a Hazardous materials endorsement, you must pass the HAZMAT test. This test, which is written or automated, is given only in English. Tests are administered Mon. - Fri., 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM and every Sat. 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM.
Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) must have a valid DOT card and a exemption/waiver (if required) in their possession when operating a CMV or obtaining a CDL license product at the MVA. To renew your CDL with a HAZMAT (H) or a Tanker/HAZMAT (X) endorsement(s), you must first apply for a new HAZMAT Background Record Check (BRC) and then pass the HAZMAT knowledge test. To initiate the background record check process, you must schedule an appointment. Click here to schedule an appointment then follow the directions provided to make an appointment at one of the following MVA offices: Glen Burnie, Bel Air, Salisbury, Waldorf or Frederick.
Passenger and School bus operators are not authorized a waiver for Interstate or Intrastate operation.

For more information please call 1-410-424-3635.

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

There is a fee charged by the Maryland DPSCS for the Hazmat background record check (BRC). Effective March 19, 2012, the State and federal fingerprint/background checks and the TSA processing fee of $93.25 was reduced to $90.50. 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.

CDL Skills Testing

The time limit for the Pre-Trip Inspection will be 45 minutes.

The time limit for the Skills Maneuver Test will be 10 minutes per maneuver.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Manual and accompanying Maryland Commercial Driver License (CDL) Manual Amendment Insert (DL-151A) provide instruction and general information that is needed to prepare for the CDL licensing test.

School Bus Endorsement Study Guide (section 10) provides information needed for school bus skills testing.

Note: You must schedule a Skills Test appointment to take a driving test. You may visit the MVA Branch office where you wish to take the test to schedule an appointment or you may contact the Customer Service Center at 1-410-768-7000 and request to be redirected to the office where you want to take your skills test.

Intrastate Non-CDL Drivers Information

Effective October 1, 2003, if you are a Maryland non-commercial driver operating a commercial motor vehicle in intrastate commerce (within the State of Maryland) and the vehicle weighs 10,001 and up to 26,000 pounds, you are now required to have a valid Federal Motor Carrier (DOT) physical card in your possession. If you are licensed prior to October 1, 2003, have a preexisting medical condition, and the onset was prior to 10/01/03, you will be exempt from this requirement for a 20-year period, provided your preexisting condition does not worsen. You are still required to maintain a DOT physical.

This new Maryland law, requires any noncommercial driver, operating a commercial motor vehicle that meets the conditions listed above, to obtain and to maintain a valid Federal Motor Carrier (DOT) Physical Card (DL-171) in order to remain qualified to operate a vehicle intrastate in Maryland.

If you do not have a valid Federal Motor Carrier (DOT) physical card in your possession, you will no longer be qualified to operate the vehicle in the State of Maryland.

Note: Customers must also be sure to change their name with the Social Security Administration (SSA) prior to coming to the MVA. The license, learner’s permit or ID card will not be issued if the new desired name change does not match the SSA records and is not automatically verified by the SSA files. It may take a minimum of 48 hours or longer for the SSA to update their records with your name change.

CDL Name Changes

If the name is different from the name on your birth certificate, then you are required to provide the MVA with an original or certified copy (from the issuing agency) of the document or documents that changed your name i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, court ordered name change, etc. However, a cross-reference record must be created with the name on your birth certificate.

Notes:

The MVA will ONLY accept a Marriage Certificate that has been certified and issued by that jurisdiction’s 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 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 returns it to the proper government authority who will verify and record the marriage 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.

Customers may obtain a Change of Address form (VR-154) at any MVA office, online or the form may be mailed to you. To have the form mailed, please call the MVA Customer Service Center at 1-410-768-7000.

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 your 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 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::

DD214 Military Discharge Certificate, or;
Honorable Discharge Certificate, or;
Letter for the U.S. Military Center in St. Louis, Missouri, or;
Letter from the Maryland Veterans Administration Service Program

The acceptable documents must how 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.

Helpful Links

The Maryland Trucking Handbook

IFTA Information

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
(Available in both English and Spanish)

US Department of Transportation