Commercial driver licenses, commercial learner permits extended through November 2021

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a new round of pandemic-related waivers that allow some commercial drivers to operate with expired licenses and medical certificates.

Waivers apply to commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner permits (CLPs) with expiration dates on or after March 1, 2020, as well as medical certificates expiring on or after June 1, 2021. Unless renewed already, these documents are now extended through Nov. 30, 2021.

The extension affects all CDL types and endorsements except CDLs with a hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement.

The waivers could end earlier if the COVID-19 national emergency is declared ended or FMCSA decides they are no longer needed.

Late fees will not be assessed during the extension period, and you will not receive a new license with a new expiration date.

Act now to renew your license or permit. There is nothing to be gained by waiting.

If you do not have a valid medical certificate on file with DOL, please submit one as soon as possible. You have several options that do not require visiting a driver licensing office:

• Email: CDLMED@dol.wa.gov (only for submitting CDL medical forms; questions won’t be answered)

• Online: dol.wa.gov

• Fax: 360-570-4915

• Mail: CDL Medical Unit, Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030

Questions can be emailed to CDLProgram@dol.wa.gov.