Getting a CDL renewal in Minnesota requires preparation, because you may be required to complete certain steps beforehand. For instance, you may need to renew documents prior to the renewal of your license. You must also know what kind of driving you plan to do, and what type of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) you plan to operate.

The renewal process for CDLs has more steps than the renewal process for lower-grade licenses, as CMV drivers are held to a higher standard. If a driver transports hazardous materials, CDL license renewal requirements are even stricter. Make sure you understand which renewal procedures apply to you before you visit a driver’s license office.

When to Renew Your CDL License in Minnesota

Though there may be no CDL expiration grace period in MN, the expiration date on your license will be easy to remember, because it is your birthday. It benefits you to renew your license before the expiration date, as you may operate your CMV without interruption. If you are 21 years of age or older, a CDL may be renewed at any time.

It is also important that you renew your CDL before it expires, because you may face hefty fines for not doing so. If you commit a serious offense, such as driving without a renewed CDL, you risk CDL disqualification and penalty fees.

CDL Renewal Testing Requirements in Minnesota

The tests for MN CDL renewal requirements include a physical examination, a vision screening, endorsement examinations and more. A physical exam is required if your medical certification is not recent. In general, it is used to show the state that you are physically capable of driving a CMV. The exam is only valid if a licensed medical examiner administers it.

To renew commercial drivers license credentials, you may also need a vision screening. The screening determines whether your eyesight meets CDL standards, and whether you can differentiate between important colors. You may use corrective eye ware for the screening.

If the person administering your screening believes that you have a visual impairment, he or she may require you to complete an additional vision report. This report must be completed by a licensed vision examiner.

For an additional CDL renewal cost, you may need to take certain endorsement examinations. For example, if you drive a CMV with an automatic transmission, you may not drive a CMV with a standard transmission, until you take another road test. Note that each test costs a small fee.

What do you need to renew your CDL license in Minnesota?

You may need a CDL medical card renewal and a completed self-certification form to renew your license. You may obtain a medical card renewal, also known as a medical certificate renewal, from a licensed examiner – if you meet the physical requirements of the job.

The self-certification form, which has medical questions and CMV operation questions, is usually submitted along with the medical certificate. If you do not meet the requirements in the DOT physical exam, you may apply for a medical waiver.

When you renew CDL credentials in MN, you must also provide proof of identification, such as your Social Security card, and proof of citizenship or permanent residency. If you recently changed your name, but do not have updated documentation, you must submit proof of the legal name change. Valid proofs of citizenship include:

• A U.S. passport or passport card.
• A certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate.
• A U.S. Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
• A Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Permanent Resident card.
• Employment authorization document.

CDL Renewal Process in Minnesota

Before you can receive an MN CDL license renewal, you may need to update your medical certificate. Search the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registry to find an approved medical examiner. If you are still capable of operating a CMV, he or she must fill out part of the medical examination form, and complete the medical certificate.

Medical certificates may last for up to 24 months, though an examiner may give you an earlier date if he or she wants to monitor a certain health condition. Remember that the CDL renewal price may increase if the examiner charges a fee.

You may fill out a CDL self-certification form upon successful completion of the physical examination. On this document, indicate what type of driving you plan to perform. There are four driving categories from which to choose, which include:

• Non-exempt interstate (NI).
• Exempt interstate (EI).
• Non-exempt intrastate (NA).
• Exempt intrastate (EA).

If you are in either the non-exempt interstate or non-exempt intrastate categories, you must submit a medical certificate along with the self-certification.

Once these forms are complete, renew your CDL in person, at a local Driver’s License Office or Driver or Vehicle Services Exam Station. Remember to bring proof of identification and proof of residency with you. At this time, you may take an endorsement exam, if needed. Endorsement exams cover tank vehicles, passenger transport vehicles, school buses and more.

Minnesota CDL Permit Renewal Requirements

How long is a CDL permit good for in MN? The rule was recently changed so that commercial learners permits (CLPs) are valid for 180 days. You may be issued a CLP at no charge. However, at this time, there is no option for a CDL permit renewal in Minnesota.

If you experience a CDL permit expiration before you pass the skills test, you must apply for a new learners permit. If you fail the CLP knowledge test or skills test more than twice, you must pay a fee to retake either one.

Hazardous Material Endorsement CDL Renewal Requirements in Minnesota

In order to receive a hazmat renewal, you must submit to a background check and a hazmat endorsement (HME) exam. The background check, or threat assessment, is conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and involves fingerprinting. You may visit a local fingerprinting office approved by TSA to complete the threat assessment.

The other requirement for a hazmat endorsement renewal, the HME exam, may be administered by the state. It tests your knowledge of safety precautions and operating skills. If you need to take an HME exam, give yourself more time to complete it by visiting a DVS office early in the day.

CDL Renewal Fees in Minnesota

The cost of renewing a CDL quickly adds up, depending on the additional examinations you take. Contact your employer to see if it covers the cost of some or all of these fees. The CDL renewal cost figures are as follow:

• Class A: $44.25
• Class A, younger than 21 years of age: $24.25
• Class B, all ages: $36.25
• Class C, all ages: $29.25
• Examination fee: $2.50 each
• School bus physical processing fee: $4
• Commercial learners permit knowledge test, if you failed twice before: $10.50
• Commercial learners permit skills test, if you failed twice before: $20
• CDL disqualification fee, when applicable: $20
• Hazmat threat assessment: $67 to $86.50

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