The CDL renewal process in Montana is different than a typical driver’s license renewal. For instance, there is a CDL expiration grace period. The grace period provides drivers with time to renew their documentation before having to reapply for a CDL license. Also, the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) allows you to renew your documentation by mail or in person. However, the state requires you to meet specific guidelines in order to complete the process by mail, such as living in a county that does not provide driver license services.

“What do you need to renew your CDL license?” is something drivers renewing their documentation for the first time wonder. The DOJ has certain renewal requirements in place, such as providing proof of your identity. The sections below provide drivers with everything they need to know in order to complete the renewal process in Montana.

When to Renew Your CDL License in Montana

The expiration date of your commercial license depends on the age you obtained your first CDL or a renewal. Below is a list of how long your CDL license will be valid for, depending on your age group:

• 18 years of age– 3 years
• 19 years of age – 2 years
• 20 years of age – 1 year
• 21 – 70 years of age – 5 years
• 71 years of age – 4 years
• 72 years of age – 3 years
• 73 years of age – 2 years
• 74 years of age – 1 year
• 75 years of age or older – 4 years

The DOJ allows you to complete a CDL renewal up to 6 months before its expiration date. Once your CDL expires, it is no longer valid. However, if you discover that your license expired a month ago, you still have time to renew your documentation. The Department of Justice has a CDL expiration grace period of 3 months.

CDL Renewal Testing Requirements in Montana

If you attempt to renew you documentation after the CDL expiration grace period, you will need to go through the application process again. The DOJ will require you to retake all the exams you took in order to obtain an original commercial license. This is the only way you will be able to obtain a valid CDL.

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

“What do you need to renew your CDL license is a question you may have because it is your first time renewing your documentation. Montana has CDL renewal requirements in place you need to follow when renewing you documentation. For instance, you must provide proof of your identity.

The state requires you to bring two different forms of identification to prove your full legal name and age. You will be able to provide evidence of your identity by providing two primary documents, or one primary and one secondary document:

• Primary Documents:
  • Driver license or identification card
  • Birth certificate issued by the U.S. or Canada
  • U.S. Passport
• Secondary Documents:
  • U.S. Social Security or Canadian Social Insurance Card
  • A marriage certificate
  • A U.S. or Canadian driver license or identification card that has been expired for no more than five years

Additionally, you must provide proof of your authorized presence to renew your commercial drivers license. You can do this by providing a valid U.S. passport card or booklet, or a U.S. birth certificate. Furthermore, if you changed your name, you must provide documentation to prove your name change.

CDL Renewal Process in Montana

The state allows you to complete a CDL license renewal in person or by mail. However, not everyone has the ability to go through the renewal process by mail.

How to Renew Your Commercial Drivers License by Mail in Montana

To be eligible to renew your Montana CDL by mail, you need to meet one of the following requirements:

• Be a Montana resident who is temporarily outside the state and will not return prior to the expiration date of your CDL.
• Live in a county that does not provide driver license services:
  • Carter
  • Garfield
  • Golden Valley
  • Jefferson
  • Judith Basin
  • Madison
  • Petroleum
  • Prairie
  • Treasure
  • Wibaux

Additionally, you must be a U.S. Citizen to renew your documentation by mail. The state does not allow foreign nationals to complete the renewal process by mail. Furthermore, to renew a commercial drivers license by mail in Montana, you need to mail the following items:

• A completed Mail-in Renewal Commercial License form.
• A photocopy of your valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC).
  • If your certificate is expired, you need to renew it.
• A check or money order for the amount you need to pay for a renewal.

Once you have all the required items, you will mail your documents to:

Motor Vehicle Division

ATTN: Mail-In
302 N. Roberts
P.O. Box 201430
Helena, MT 59620-1430

How to Renew Your Commercial Drivers License in Person in Montana

If you are not able to renew your CDL by mail, you must visit your local driver license services facility. You need to ensure you have all the proper documentation the DOJ requires to renew your license.

Also, you must be prepared to pay all applicable fees. You can pay for CDL renewal costs with cash, check or credit card. Once you complete the renewal process, you will be given a temporary license. You will receive your new license by mail within 2 to 4 weeks.

Montana CDL Permit Renewal Requirements

“How long is a CDL permit good for?” is something you may be wondering because you just received a Commercial License Permit (CLP). Your CLP is valid for 180 days from the day it is issued. You can complete a CDL permit renewal one time on or before the CLP expiration date for an additional 180 days for no charge.

Hazardous Material Endorsement CDL Renewal Requirements in Montana

If you own a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement, there are additional requirements you must satisfy to complete a CDL license renewal. You need to complete a finger-print based security threat assessment before beginning the renewal process.

The security assessment is not completed at your local driver exam station. Instead, it is done with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Moreover, you will need to pass a hazardous materials written exam. You will complete the exam at a local driver license exam station.

Due to the guidelines you must satisfy to renew your CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement, you are not able to renew your documentation using the mailing process. You need to go through the renewal process in person in order to keep your endorsement.

CDL Renewal Fees in Montana

The CDL renewal price depends on a variety factors, such as age, the type of CDL you are renewing.

Fees for a Montana Interstate CDL Renewal

• 21 to 70 years of age – $52.02
• 71 years of age – $41.72
• 72 years of age – $31.42
• 73 years of age – $21.12
• 74 years of age – $10.82
• 75 years of age – $41.72

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