Renew Or Upgrade Your CDL
Renew my CDL
Beginning October 1, 2020, a vision screening will be required to renew any driver’s license or beginner’s permit. The vision screening will be offered at all SCDMV branches. However, a screening can be waived if a licensed eye care professional electronically submits to the SCDMV a certificate of vision examination dated within the past 12 months.Each time you renew your South Carolina Commercial Driver's License (CDL), you must provide proof that you are medically qualified for the license. 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 test you take. You must meet additional renewal requirements too.
To renew your CDL, all of the following are required:
- Complete the Application for a Commercial Driver's License or Learner's Permit (SCDMV Form 447-CDL)
- Provide automobile liability insurance information from a company licensed to do business in SC
- Certify you read, understand, and meet requirements under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
- Complete the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Holders Medical Certification (SCDMV Form DL-405A)
Required only if you have submitted this already or if the type of truck you intend to drive has changed. - Present your FMCSA medical qualification certificate
- Pass a vision test. Starting October 1, 2020, customers must pass an eye exam to renew a CDL. They must have 20/40 or better vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses and field of vision must be at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye. A completed 412-NC/CDL paper form can be taken by an DMV branch until Januaru 4, 2021. After that date, the vision examination results must be sent by an eye care professional through the electronic eye portal.
- Pay the $25 license fee
- Pay the $15 application fee
If you have a hazmat endorsement (H), you must pass the hazmat knowledge test and complete a check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
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.
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.
You must be under the CDL holder’s observation and direct supervision.
You must meet all of these additional requirements to upgrade your CDL:
- Complete the Application for a Commercial Driver's License or Learner's Permit (SCDMV Form 447-CDL)
- Provide automobile liability insurance information from a company licensed to do business in SC
- Certify you read, understand, and meet requirements under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
- Complete the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Holders Medical Certification (SCDMV Form DL-405A)
Required only if you have submitted this already or if the type of truck you intend to drive has changed. - Present your FMCSA medical qualification certificate
- Pass a vision test, any knowledge test(s), and road test, including the pre-trip inspection, basic skills, and on-road driving
It is $2 for each knowledge test. - Pay the $25 license fee
- Pay the $15 application fee
If you're applying for a hazmat endorsement (H), you must pass the hazmat knowledge test and complete a check with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).