Commercial drivers are required to order a CDL replacement in Rhode Island if they lose or damage their current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). To replace a CDL license, drivers must request a duplicate directly from the State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which oversees vehicle services and records. It is important for commercial drivers to order a replacement immediately upon losing or significantly damaging their existing license because it is illegal to drive without the proper certification documents in Rhode Island.

Getting a replacement for a destroyed or lost CDL drivers license in Rhode Island requires drivers to submit the necessary application material to the RI DMV in-person. In addition, all applications must be accompanied by the appropriate application fee to be processed successfully. Once requested, drivers should receive their replacement CDL within a couple weeks. Keep reading to learn more about how to get a replacement commercial driver’s license in Rhode Island.

When do you need to get a duplicate CDL license in Rhode Island?

Drivers must pay the necessary Rhode Island CDL replacement fees and submit a complete application packet for a duplicate license if they lose, significantly damage or destroy the license they currently possess. An RI DMV CDL replacement is also necessary if the driver’s current license has been stolen.

In this case, the driver may be asked to present a copy of the police report of the theft to support his or her claim. If a driver’s license is damaged to the extent that any portion of it is illegible, the license holder should apply for a replacement to avoid facing the penalties for having inadequate documentation.

Failing to request a duplicate CDL license when needed can result in serious penalties for the driver. As of 2016, commercial drivers found driving without having their valid CDL in their possession for the first or even second time will face civil fines instead of criminal charges like in the past.

Fine amounts vary based on the driver’s situation. Commercial vehicle operators who are found to be driving a heavy vehicle without the proper documentation on multiple occasions will still face criminal charges.

Documents Required to Replace a CDL in Rhode Island

How to replace a CDL license in Rhode Island begins with preparing the necessary application material for the DMV. To apply for a duplicate CDL, RI drivers must submit the CDL replacement fees in addition to two important documents in original format. All requested documents must be submitted in their original format because the RI DMV does not accept photocopies. Commercial drivers will need to prepare the following documents to request a duplicate CDL in Rhode Island:

• A signed and completed License, Identification Card or Permit Application (LI-1) form for CDL replacement AND
• One valid identification document from the following:
  • A valid and unexpired U.S. passport
  • A certified copy of a birth certificate filed with the State Office of Vital Statistics or an equivalent agency
  • A Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the U.S. Department of State (Form FS-240, DS1350 or FS-545)
  • A valid and unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) from the DHS or INS
  • An unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the DHS (Form I-766 or Form I-688B)
  • An unexpired foreign passport with a valid and unexpired U.S. visa included, along with an approved I-94 form demonstrating the applicant’s most recent entrance into the U.S.
  • A Certificate of Naturalization from the DHS (Form N-550 or Form N-570)
  • A Certificate of Citizenship from the DHS (Form N-560 or Form N561)
  • A U.S. Active Service, Retiree or Reservist Military ID Card
  • A Native American Tribal ID Card
  • A valid U.S., U.S. Territory or Canadian Driver’s License (not expired for more than one year) including a photograph, signature and date of birth
  • An employment authorization document (EAD) from the DHS indicating a grant of deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program (Form I-766)

How to Replace a Rhode Island CDL in Person

Commercial drivers can only replace a CDL license in Rhode Island by visiting a DMV office in-person with the required application material. Drivers should begin the process of replacing a destroyed, stolen or lost CDL drivers license as quickly as possible upon realization of the problem to avoid having to drive without the proper identification. Rhode Island drivers can take the following steps to request a DMV CDL replacement:

1. Print or pick up a copy of the License, Identification Card or Permit Application (LI-1) form from your nearest RI DMV location. Complete and sign the form.
2. Prepare one of the abovementioned identification documents to accompany your application. Most people bring their non-commercial state driver’s license, passport or birth certificate but any document on the list is acceptable as proof.
3. Bring the completed application and your proof if identity to your nearby RI DMV branch or, if a member of AAA, to a AAA branch office for submission.
4. In most cases, take a new license photo.
5. Submit your complete application packet and wait to receive your replacement commercial license in the mail.

It is important to note that an RI duplicate CDL license cannot be requested through any other means than visiting a DMV office in-person. Drivers who are currently out-of-state cannot submit a request by mail due to federal restrictions and will have to wait until they return to Rhode Island to request a replacement license.

CDL Replacement Fees in Rhode Island

No application for an RI CDL replacement is complete if not accompanied by the appropriate application fees. In Rhode Island, drivers can expect to pay CDL replacement fees based on whether they held a full license or a permit. Drivers must submit these application fees with the rest of the application for the request to be processed. Rhode Island commercial driver’s license replacement fees include:

• Cost for a full Duplicate Commercial License: $26.50
• Cost for a Duplicate Commercial Permit: $21.50

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