How to Replace a Commercial Drivers License in Washington DC
A CDL replacement is an absolute essential if your commercial driver’s license has been lost, damaged or stolen. Or you may wish to change your legal name or address. Without a valid, unexpired CDL with the right name and address, you cannot operate a commercial vehicle and, if you are like many other commercial vehicle drivers, you rely on your license for work, pay and survival. Time is valuable and lost time comes at a cost. That is one reason why you need to replace a CDL license in Washington D.C. as soon as possible.
Operating a commercial vehicle without the right credentials is a punishable offense. Not only will you be subject to fines and penalties, you may lose your ability to operate a commercial vehicle again in the future. There is no reason not to obtain a replacement as soon as possible. In DC, a DMV CDL replacement is not a difficult process. In fact, the state offers a convenient online option, so you do not even need to go to the DMV in person to obtain a DC CDL replacement. There are many time saving tips to help you be prepared to apply for your duplicate CDL. Read more to learn exactly how to replace a CDL license in Washington D.C.
When do you need to get a duplicate CDL license in Washington D.C.?
There are a few situations that necessitate a CDL replacement. The most common are that the license has been lost, stolen or damaged. A license that is damaged to the point where information cannot be read or seen clearly needs to be replaced.
In the case of a lost license, it is important to obtain a Washington D.C. DMV CDL replacement as soon as possible so you can get behind the wheel without losing valuable time. Stolen licenses, on the other hand, carry other concerns. You may be worried that you will be a victim of identity theft. In D.C., you are not required to submit a police report for a stolen CDL. However, it does not hurt to do so.
You may wish to replace CDL license in Washington D.C. because your name or address needs to be changed. In this case, you will need to present the appropriate paperwork to support these changes. For a legal name change, this would be a document such as an official marriage license.
Documents Required to Replace a CDL in Washington D.C.
If you plan to visit a DMV in person for your Washington DC CDL replacement, you will need to provide proof of Social Security Number, identity and residency. Only original documents will be accepted, no photocopies. You must provide one proof of identity such as a U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport. You will also need to bring your social security card. If your duplicate CDL license needs a name change, bring a marriage, court order or divorce decree.
For a duplicate CDL license in DC, you will also need proof of Washington D.C. residency. Two source documents must be provided. There are many different source documents that are accepted such as a utility bill, mortgage, rental agreement, valid renter’s insurance policy or property tax bill. Keep in mind that if you choose to apply for a duplicate CDL online, you will not need to provide all of the documentation.
How to Replace a Washington D.C. CDL in Person
The Washington DC Department of Motor Vehicles directs commercial vehicle drivers to complete their CDL-related transactions at the Brentwood Center located at:
1205 Brentwood Road, NE Washington D.C. 20018
However, you can get a CDL replacement in DC at any DMV location. If you do choose to visit the Brentwood location for your DMV CDL replacement, keep in mind that they do not accept cash. CDL replacement fees must be paid with check, money order or credit or debit cards. All major credit card companies are accepted at Brentwood.
If you visit the DMV in person for your DC CDL replacement, you need to bring the required documents along with a completed driver’s license application. It is easiest to print and fill out the application at home to save time as opposed to completing one when you arrive at the DMV. Be prepared to pay the CDL replacement fees while you are there.
How to Replace a Washington D.C. CDL Online
You can get a Washington D.C. DMV CDL replacement completely online, without needing to visit the DMV office. This is a great way to save time and a trip. The online portal is simple to use, with clear directions. Enter your social security number and full name.
You also need to know your driver’s license number and expiration date in order to request the replacement. Pay the online CDL replacement fee and expect to receive your duplicate CDL license within 10 business days by mail.
CDL Replacement Fees in Washington D.C.
You will need to pay the Washington D.C. CDL replacement fees in order to receive your license. Most DMV locations accept cash, check, money order and credit/debit cards. This includes Visa, Discover, Mastercard and American Express. However, if you choose to visit the Brentwood location, which handles commercial driver’s licenses exclusively, be advised that they do not accept cash payments, but they do accept the other forms of payment.
Washington D.C. law may also require that you settle all outstanding federal and state debts such as child support payments, outstanding tickets, etc. before you are able to receive your DC CDL replacement. The CDL replacement fee is $20.
Washington DC CDL Replacement Forms
Note: DMV forms change regularly. The forms provided above are current based on the date of writing.
Sources
- Duplicate CDL from dmv.dc.gov
- Driver License Fees from dmv.dc.gov
- DMV Fees from dmv.dc.gov