CDL Renewal in Arizona: Online, Medical Certificate, and Fees

CDL renewal in Arizona runs on an eight-year cycle, and you can start as early as six months before your expiration date. Most drivers can now renew online through AZ MVD Now, but a current medical certificate, a clear Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse status, and the right identity documents all have to be in place before the renewal will go through. HazMat endorsement holders and drivers due for a new photo still need to visit an MVD office in person.

When to Renew

An Arizona CDL is valid for up to eight years from the date of issue.¹ You can renew any time within the six months before expiration, and doing so protects you from any gap in your commercial driving privileges.²

There is no grace period once the license expires. If you let it lapse for 12 months or more, you lose the ability to renew and have to take the written and skills tests again, essentially restarting the CDL process.³ That alone is a strong argument for renewing early in your six-month window.

Online Renewal Through AZ MVD Now

Arizona allows many CDL holders to renew at AZMVDNow.gov without visiting an office. To qualify, your address on file must be current, you need a valid primary identity document already on file with MVD, and your license cannot have any suspensions or holds. Drivers who carry a HazMat endorsement are not eligible for online renewal.⁴

You also need an in-person visit if your photo is due to be updated. Arizona requires a new photo every 12 years, and MVD sends a notice when that deadline approaches.⁵ If you are not sure whether you qualify for online renewal, log into AZ MVD Now and check your credential status before making other plans.

Keep Your Medical Certificate Current

Every CDL holder operating in non-excepted commerce must hold a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate, usually called a medical card. Federal regulations at 49 CFR 391.41 require you to be medically certified as physically qualified before operating a commercial motor vehicle.⁶ The certificate lasts up to 24 months, though a medical examiner can set a shorter period based on your health.⁷

Your medical certificate runs on its own clock, independent of your CDL expiration. If it lapses, your commercial privileges are suspended. You then have two choices: submit a new valid certificate and pay a reinstatement fee through AZ MVD Now, or downgrade your license to a standard Class D.³

In most cases the medical card reaches MVD on its own. Your certified medical examiner submits it electronically, and MVD receives it within about 24 hours. You can confirm it posted by checking the “My Credential” section on AZ MVD Now. One exception: if your CDL carries a K restriction limiting you to intrastate-only driving, you still need to bring the paper certificate and long form to MVD yourself.⁷

Check Your Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Status

Since November 18, 2024, Arizona and all other states must query the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse before renewing any CDL. If you have a “prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse, the state cannot process your renewal.⁸ A prohibited status means there is an unresolved drug or alcohol program violation on record, and it stays in place until you finish the return-to-duty process with a Substance Abuse Professional.⁹

Drivers in prohibited status will also lose their existing commercial privileges, not just face a renewal denial. The state is required to downgrade the CDL until the return-to-duty process is complete.¹⁰ This catches some drivers by surprise because the violation may have been years ago with a former employer. You can check your status for free by creating a Clearinghouse account at clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov before starting your renewal.

Documents You Need

Whether you renew in person or need to update your file before renewing online, have the following ready. Arizona’s CDL documentation requirements draw from both ARS 28-3153(D) and FMCSA regulation 49 CFR 383.71.¹¹

Your current Arizona CDL, or a state-issued motor vehicle record obtained within the last 30 days.
Proof of legal presence in the United States, such as a certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, or permanent resident card.
One document showing your Arizona residential address, such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or mail from a government agency.
Two documents showing your Social Security number. Accepted items include your Social Security card, a U.S. military ID, a VA card, a medical insurance card, or a U.S. passport. You will also enter your SSN on the application form.
Your Medical Examiner’s Certificate, which should already be on file electronically. If you hold a K restriction for intrastate-only driving, bring the paper certificate and long form.

Gather everything before your visit. A missing document means a wasted trip, and MVD offices do not accept photocopies for most categories.

Fees

Arizona’s CDL renewal fees depend on the license class and whether a written test is involved.¹²

Renewal without a written exam:

Class A or B: $15 (includes any endorsement other than HazMat)
Class C: $10 (includes any endorsement other than HazMat)

Renewal with a written exam, including the HazMat knowledge test:

Class A or B: $25
Class C: $12.50

These are state fees only. Authorized third-party providers handle the same transactions but may charge a convenience fee on top of the state amount.¹³ Your DOT physical is a separate out-of-pocket cost, typically $75 to $225 depending on the provider.

Renewing a HazMat Endorsement

A CDL with a Hazardous Materials Endorsement adds two requirements beyond the standard renewal: a HazMat knowledge test and a TSA security threat assessment.

The HazMat knowledge test has to be taken at an MVD office or authorized third-party location. It cannot be completed online, which is why HazMat holders are excluded from online CDL renewal.⁴

The TSA threat assessment is valid for five years. Because that cycle is shorter than the eight-year CDL, the two expiration dates rarely line up. TSA recommends starting the renewal process at least 60 days before your threat assessment expires, since processing can exceed 45 days during periods of high demand. The TSA fee is $85.25 for new and renewing applicants, or $41 if you already hold a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential.¹⁴ That fee goes to TSA, not MVD. MVD cannot issue the renewed HazMat endorsement until it receives electronic confirmation of TSA approval, so do not wait until the last minute.

If Something Has Already Expired

The recovery path depends on what lapsed and for how long.

If your medical certificate expired, your commercial privileges are suspended immediately. You can get them back by obtaining a new certificate from a medical examiner and paying a reinstatement fee through AZ MVD Now. No driving tests are required for a medical certificate lapse alone.³ If you would rather not renew the medical card, you can downgrade to a standard Class D license at an MVD office.

If the CDL itself expired, you can still renew without retesting as long as you do it within 12 months. Once a CDL has been expired for a full year or more, you must pass the written and skills tests again and go through the initial application process from scratch.³

1
Arizona Legislature. Arizona State Senate Fact Sheet for HB 2173
2
Arizona Department of Transportation. Renew Your License
3
Arizona Department of Transportation. FAQ – Commercial Driver License CDL
4
Arizona Department of Transportation. Renew Arizona CDLs Online at AZMVDNow.gov
5
Arizona Department of Transportation. When Will I Need to Update My Photo
6
eCFR. 49 CFR 391.41 – Physical Qualifications for Drivers
7
Arizona Department of Transportation. Getting Your Commercial Driver License
8
eCFR. 49 CFR 383.73 – State Procedures
9
Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
10
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. FMCSA Shares Updates on the Second Clearinghouse Rule
11
Arizona Department of Transportation. Arizona CDL Documentation Requirements
12
Arizona Legislature. Arizona Revised Statutes 28-3002 – Fees Driver Licenses Disposition Exemption
13
Arizona Department of Transportation. Authorized Third Party Providers
14
Transportation Security Administration. HAZMAT Endorsement