How to Renew a Commercial Drivers License in Mississippi
Obtaining a CDL renewal in Mississippi is a simple task if you meet all of the state requirements. However, unlike a Class D driver’s license, the CDL requires you to submit much more documentation in order to maintain the class. It is important to remember, however, that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are held to a higher standard, because they operate dangerous vehicles.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforce the laws for commercial drivers licenses. Therefore, to renew commercial drivers license credentials, applicants must meet state and federal requirements. With proper preparation and a general understanding of the process, CMV drivers may have an easier time renewing their CDLs.
When to Renew Your CDL License in Mississippi
While the state may not observe a CDL expiration grace period, there is a relatively low late fee for expired CDLs. In general, a CDL is valid for four years or eight years, and you may renew your license up to six months before its expiration date.
Are you wondering how to renew an expired CDL license in the state of Mississippi? If so, know that the process for an expired license is the same process for unexpired licenses, assuming you pay the late fee. However, you may have to reapply for a CDL if you wait too long to update your current one.
If you choose to drive with an expired CDL, note that you risk disqualification, and may have to pay a fine.
CDL Renewal Testing Requirements in Mississippi
CDL renewal requirements in MS involve a vision screening, endorsement exams and further testing for hazardous materials (H) endorsements. If you are simply renewing an endorsement other than “H,” you do not need to retake an endorsement exam. Note that the overall CDL renewal cost may increase if you are required to sit for testing.
The vision screening for a commercial driver’s license renewal is mandated by federal law, and usually takes place on the day of the renewal. An employee at the driver’s license office administers the exam, and determines whether you meet minimum vision requirements.
These requirements include the ability to see a certain distance – with or without corrective lenses – and the ability to differentiate between certain colors. If you do not pass the vision screening and still want a CDL, you must undergo further testing with a licensed vision examiner. The cost of further testing may not be reimbursed.
If you wish to add a new endorsement to your license when the time comes to renew CDL credentials, you may take the appropriate test on the day of the renewal. These exams cover a variety of endorsements, including school bus, passenger and tanker.
What do you need to renew your CDL license in Mississippi?
In order to renew a commercial drivers license, you must have a current CDL medical card, a completed self-certification form and other identification documentation. You may need a CDL medical card renewal if yours is about to expire. Luckily, you can submit updated information online.
Security compliance support staff reviews the documents you submit. It may take approximately five days for the documents to show up in your driving record. For questions about the online submission process, call 601-987-1252, 601-987-1397 or 601-987-1269. If you do not want to submit your medical documentation online, submit it in person, at a nearby driver’s license office.
The CDL self-certification form works in conjunction with the medical card. On the form, you must indicate which type of commercial transportation applies to you and your job. The four self-certification categories include:
- Interstate non-excepted (NI).
- Interstate excepted (EI).
- Intrastate non-excepted (NA).
- Intrastate excepted (EA).
If you fall into the interstate non-excepted or intrastate non-excepted categories, you must present a hard copy of your medical certificate on the day of your renewal.
To renew a CDL, you may also be required to bring certain official documents. These include the following:
- Proof of citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof of identification, such as your Social Security card
Finally, remember to bring an acceptable form of payment. Check with your local driver’s license office to see which forms of payment are accepted.
CDL Renewal Process in Mississippi
The first step of renewing a CDL is to update your medical documentation before it expires. To do so, schedule an appointment with a medical examiner listed in the FMCSA registry.
If the medical examiner finds you physically capable of operating a CMV, he or she will issue you a medical examiner’s certificate, and complete the second half of the medical examination form. In general, the medical certificate is valid for 24 months.
If you have a health condition and the examiner wants to monitor it more frequently, you may receive an earlier expiration date. If you do not pass the physical exam, you may apply for a medical waiver. However, you may only apply for a waiver if you operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
If you are renewing a hazmat endorsement, you must begin the background check requirements before you renew your CDL. If you do not, you may not be qualified to renew your license until the background check clears.
A CDL license renewal must be completed in person, at a drivers license office. On the day of your renewal, you may take applicable endorsement exams and submit your self-certification form. Office hours vary, depending on the location. Be sure to call an office in advance to make sure that your preferred payment method is accepted.
Mississippi CDL Permit Renewal Requirements
How long is a CDL permit good for in MS? In general, commercial learners permits (CLPs) are valid for six months. You may renew the permit up to three times within a three-year period. However, you may be more successful in obtaining your CDL if you try to pass the skills test before too much time has passed.
If you are wondering, “Can I renew my CDL permit after it expires?” note that you may not receive a CDL permit renewal, and you must reapply for the permit, instead. The reapplication process requires you to repay the CLP fee, and retake the knowledge exam. Even though you previously held a CLP, you must wait 14 days from the issuance date before you can take a CDL skills test.
Hazardous Material Endorsement CDL Renewal Requirements in Mississippi
To obtain a hazmat endorsement renewal in MS, you must undergo a threat assessment. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) handles threat assessments, and recommends beginning the application process at least 60 days before your license expires. Usually, you are charged a fee for fingerprinting. You may be eligible for a discounted fee, depending on your circumstances.
As of this year, when you renew CDL credentials, the state of Mississippi allows such applicants to enroll online, through TSA. TSA recommends that applicants pre-enroll online to save time in person. You must have your CDL number, SSN and other information available to complete pre-enrollment. To complete the process, schedule an appointment a fingerprinting office that is verified by the TSA. You will receive the results of your background check within 30 days.
The hazmat renewal process also involves a specific type of exam. This exam must be taken for every hazmat renewal with a CDL, and covers the same material each time. Topics include emergency and safety procedures, and even where to place a hazmat decal on your vehicle. Give yourself enough time to take the exam by visiting a driver’s license office early in the day.
CDL Renewal Fees in Mississippi
Your comprehensive CDL renewal cost depends on whether you add endorsements, submit your medical card online or renew after the license expiration date. Contact your employer to see if it covers any renewal fees. The current CDL renewal price list includes the following fees:
- CDL five-year license, if you upgrade to it: $55
- Commercial Class D license: $29
- CDL learners permit, if your first one expires: $16
- Late renewal fee: $1
- Submitting medical card online: $2.50 processing fee
- Endorsement: $5 each
- Hazmat Endorsement Threat Assessment: $67 to $86.50
Mississippi CDL Renewal Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Commercial Driver's License Manual from DPS.State.MS.us
- License Verification from MSEgov.com
- Driver Service Fees from DPS.MS.gov