Maryland Commercial Drivers License
Are you looking to get a commercial drivers license (CDL) in Maryland? A CDL can be the beginning of a great career driving trucks, semis, busses and other large commercial vehicles. In Maryland, getting a commercial drivers license requires tests and documents. To get a CDL, choose one of the options below:
1: Get Started with Online Application Assistance
Application assistance services can simplify the process for many MVA related services for a fee, including: renewing your license, applying for a license, registering a vehicle, replacing your license, changing your address and more. In addition to assistance in preparing official forms, the value added services and products you will receive include a comprehensive Easy Guide™ containing information relevant to your service needs; 30 days of both emergency Roadside Assistance and the Repair Assist consultation service from Road America. Other benefits include an ongoing monthly newsletter and a quarterly magazine covering important updates that affect drivers, important safety tips, trends, legislative updates and ways to save money on vehicle-related services.
2: By mail
Some drivers prefer to handle the renewal process by mail, rather than taking advantage of assistance services, visiting the MVA in person, or via available online services. Service by mail is available with limitations. Read below for additional details or visit your local MVA.
3: Via a MVA office
If your specific needs require an in-person visit, most, if not all, driver license services can be handled at your local MVA office. Varying MVA offices sometimes supply different types of services so you will need to check before your visit to make sure the MVA closest to you provides the service you require. In addition, you can call to see if your MVA allows you to make a personal appointment.
A commercial drivers license typically applies to those interested in obtaining a truck license, a semi license or a bus license to operate vehichles over certain weights and passenger capacities. You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for a new Maryland commercial drivers license. In addition, you must hold a valid drivers license, and have passed a state-approved vision test. When you arrive at the Maryland motor vehicle office make sure to bring:
- Current Maryland driver's license
- Proof of Social Security number
- Provide a Medical Examination Certificate, which can be downloaded from http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/safetyprograms/Medical-Report.pdf. To fill this form out, make sure to bring:
- Social Security number
- Date of Birth
- Driver license number
Depending upon the class (classes A, B, or C) of Maryland CDL license you are applying for you will need to bring payment for applicable fees for your written and skills test. A list of these fees and requirements necessary to obtain your new Maryland CDL drivers license can be found in our Maryland CDL License Easy Guide.
According to the FMCSA there are three CDL Classes:
Class A -- Any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 or more pounds provided the GVWR of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
Class B -- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR.
Class C -- Any single vehicle, or combination of vehicles, that does not meet the definition of Class A or Class B, but is either designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting material that has been designated as hazardous under 49 U.S.C. 5103 and is required to be placarded under subpart F of 49 CFR Part 172 or is transporting any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in 42 CFR Part 73.
You may need to add an endorsement to your new Maryland CDL drivers license. Endorsements include special classes of CMV's such as:
- H - Vehicles transporting hazardous materials
- N - Tank vehicle
- P - Passenger
- S - School Bus
- T - Double/Triple Trailers
- X - Combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials endorsements
If you operate a CMV that transports hazardous material you must first submit to a background check and fingerprinting. You could be disqualified from transporting hazardous materials and would not be able to obtain the endorsement necessary to obtain a new Maryland CDL license if you are found guilty of a serious crime.
All the requirements, along with the forms you will need to acquire your new Maryland CDL driver's license, can be found right here.
Renew Maryland CDL License
Is your CDL license about to expire? Whether you are going to renew your Maryland CDL license online, by mail or in person, you'll want to make sure you know exactly what to bring with you and what is required.
For a checklist of everything you need to renew your Maryland CDL license, click here.
In Maryland you only have the option of renewing your CDL license in person at your local motor vehicle office and will need to bring the necessary documents to your local office for a Maryland CDL license renewal. Browse more information on the Maryland MVA page.
Before you renew your Maryland CDL license, it will be checked against the National Driver Register and the Commercial Drivers License Information System to make sure you are not disqualified and do not hold a CDL license in more than one jurisdiction.
Replace Maryland CDL License
Has your CDL license been lost, severely damaged or stolen? You will need to replace your Maryland CDL license as soon as possible as you are required to have your CDL license with you at all times while operating a CMV.
You can replace your Maryland CDL license by visiting your local MVA office.
If you are unsure about what you will need to replace your Maryland commercial drivers license,
Change of Address on a Maryland CDL license
If you have moved you are required to change your address on your Maryland CDL license right away. here is some information on CDLs that will be helpful.
You will need to visit your local MVA and bring your current CDL license and proof of residency.
For a detailed list of what you will need to bring to change your address on your Maryland CDL license, be sure to browse some important information here.
Maryland CDL License Name Change
If you are recently married, divorced or have changed your legal name for any reason, you will need to update your CDL license to reflect that change.
You will need to visit your local MVA and bring an official court document reflecting this change along with the required fees for your Maryland CDL license name change.
Find out exactly what you need to change your name on your Maryland CDL license before visiting your local MVA office. Here's how.
New Federal Requirements
Beginning January 30, 2012 and no later than January 2014, the federal government has stipulated that all commercial vehicle driver's must self certify his or her vehicle type.
The categories are as follows:
- Non-Excepted Interstate (If this is the option you choose you will need to submit to the Motor Vehicle Administration a federal medical certificate).
- Excepted Interstate
- Non-Excepted Intrastate
- Excepted Intrastate
Find your local motor vehicle office here.
