Renew Or Upgrade Your CDL

Renew my CDL

As of October 1, 2020, a vision test is required to renew any driver’s license or beginner’s permit. The vision screening is offered for free at all SCDMV branches. However, a screening can be waived if a licensed eye care professional submits to the SCDMV a Certificate of Vision Examination dated within the past 12 months.You may have to provide proof that you are medically qualified to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) when renewing your CDL if the type of commerce you intend to operate requires a medical certification. If your license has had more than five points against it within two years of renewal, you must take the general knowledge test. There is a $2 fee for each knowledge test you take. You must meet additional renewal requirements too. 

To renew your CDL, all of the following are required:

If you have a hazmat endorsement (H), you must pass the hazmat knowledge test and complete a background check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The fee for a 5-year Hazmat license is $15.00 plus the $15.00 application fee, and $2 for the knowledge test.

When renewing your CDL, you may choose if you'd like to renew it for a REAL ID CDL or a standard, non-compliant CDL. To purchase a REAL ID CDL, all required identity documents must be on file with the SCDMV. View the United States Citizens' Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-93) or International Customers' Checklist (SCDMV Form MV-94) a complete list of the accepted documents.

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Upgrade my CDL

If upgrading your commercial driver's license (CDL) requires you to take a road test, you will be issued a commercial learner's permit (CLP). You must hold the CLP for 14 days before you are eligible to take the skills test for your upgraded CDL.

A valid CDL holder who has the proper class and endorsement(s) to drive the vehicle you're interested in upgrading to must be with you while you're driving the vehicle. The CDL holder must, at all times, be in the front seat of the vehicle next to you. In the case of a passenger vehicle, the CDL holder must sit directly behind you or in the first row because you must be under the CDL holder’s observation and direct supervision.

You must meet all of these additional requirements to upgrade your CDL:

If you're applying for a hazmat endorsement (H), you must pass the hazmat knowledge test and complete a background check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Only US Citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States are eligible to apply for a CDL with a hazmat endorsement. The fee for a 5-year Hazmat license is $15.00 plus the $15.00 application fee, and $2 for the knowledge test.