Renewal Of Commercial Driver's License (CDL) In Colorado

The importance of maintaining a valid commercial driver's license cannot be overstated if you drive a commercial vehicle for a living. If your Colorado CDL is about to expire, renew it as soon as possible through the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Overview

After obtaining a CDL in Colorado, your license will be valid for four years and will expire on your birthday. Because the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles will not issue you a new CDL on the spot, you must apply for one before your current license expires. After you apply, your new license will be mailed to you within 10-14 business days. On the other hand, a CDL license could take up to 30 days to arrive. Commercial drivers rely on their CDL for a living, so they must understand all the steps and requirements for keeping it active and up to date. Several steps are involved in CDL renewal, ranging from written tests to a federal background check. Due to federal laws, renewing a CDL has become more complicated since 2016. Multiple documents are now required to prove identity and residency for a CDL application. In addition, written tests may be required to maintain your license endorsements, and driving tests may be required if your license has lapsed. A Colorado CDL is only valid for a few years before it must be renewed.

Requirements Of Renewal

To renew a CDL, you must demonstrate that you are still eligible for one. This includes providing documentation to prove your identity, medical fitness, citizenship, or legal presence in Colorado. Plan to gather the necessary documents, as the DMV will not accept copies. You will need the following in addition to your current CO CDL:
  • Your Social Security Number: a Social Security card, a paystub with your full SSN, a Social Security Administration document, a recent W-2, or a recent 1099.
  • Utility or mortgage bills, bank statements, current homeowner's or renter's insurance, mortgage or lease agreement, the transcript from an accredited school, motor vehicle registration, or government mail are all acceptable proof of your Colorado address.
  • Identity documentation: U.S. Passport, birth certificate from the United States, current CDL or Colorado photo ID, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Permanent Resident Card
  • Form MCSA-5876, completed by a medical professional, is your medical certification.
All your documents should be as recent as possible to make your reapplication process as simple as possible. For example, a utility bill from the previous month is preferable to a renter's policy from the previous year as proof of address. The Colorado DMV will not accept more than a year old documents as proof of residency.

Testing Requirements

CDL renewal requirements require drivers to take written tests to keep their endorsements. For example, if you have a hazardous materials endorsement, you must take the knowledge test to keep your endorsement. Other tests, however, may be required to keep your endorsements. The Colorado DMV, for example, may require you to retake a passenger transport test to keep your passenger endorsement. For a CDL license renewal, however, only knowledge tests are required. Unless your CDL has expired, you are not required to retake the driving test. Additional written tests that may be required include the following:
  • Passenger transport test required for a Class A, B, or C CDL with a P endorsement.
  • S endorsement requires a school bus test, which must be added to a license that already has a P endorsement.
  • Tank vehicle test required for Class A, B, or C licenses with an N endorsement.
  • You must pass a double and triple trailer test to keep a T endorsement on a Class A CDL.
  • A hazardous materials test is required for any driver who wants to transport hazardous materials and keep their H endorsement.

The Renewal Process

To complete a DMV CDL renewal, you must have a new driver's license photo taken, pass any written tests, and pass the DMV's eye screening. However, a few steps to renewing a CDL must be completed before visiting a DMV.

Medical Form

Before renewing your CDL license, you must schedule a CDL physical to renew your medical confirmation. Schedule an appointment with a certified medical examiner in your area to complete the Medical Examiner Certificate required for your CDL. This doctor must complete the MCSA-5876 form to be submitted to the DMV. The Colorado DMV accepts DOT medical certification forms in person, by fax, email, or by mail.

CDL Self-Certification

The Colorado DMV requires you to complete a CDL self-certification in addition to renewing your CDL medical card. This form can be downloaded separately or in conjunction with the medical form. Because both forms must be submitted to the same location, you can save a step by using the combined form and only mailing one document. Fill out the form by hand and include your full name, license number, driving class, birthday, and contact information to complete the self-certification. Make sure to fill out the form completely and legibly. If any information is missing or unreadable, the DMV will send you a notice, and your CDL license renewal will be delayed.

Make An Appointment

In-person, renew your CDL driver's license at the DMV. Save time by scheduling an appointment and being prepared with the necessary documents. If you have not submitted your medical and self-certification forms before visiting the DMV, bring them with you, or you will be denied a new license. Finally, bring a payment method for the CDL renewal and testing fees.