Transfer your CDL from another state
New self-certification and medical examiner’s certificate requirements
New regulations require all commercial driver license (CDL) holders who operate for interstate commerce to keep their current medical examiner’s certificates on file with us. To confirm who has to keep a medical certificate on file, all CDL holders must self-certify in person between January 30, 2012 and January 30, 2014.
To learn more about these new requirements and how to self-certify, see Medical certificates and self-certification.
Requirements
If you have a commercial driver license (CDL) from a state other than Washington, you must transfer and surrender your prior state’s CDL when you get a Washington commercial license.
- If you don’t transfer your out-of-state CDL when you’re issued a Washington driver license, you’ll be required to requalify on all commercial knowledge and driving tests.
Testing
If you have a valid CDL issued by another state, you don’t need to take the CDL tests except to:
- Maintain the hazardous materials endorsement (HME). You will be required to pay the $10 examination fee and take the hazardous materials knowledge test.
- Upgrade, add additional endorsements, or remove restrictions. You will be required to pay the necessary fees and take the appropriate knowledge and driving tests.
Hazardous materials endorsements
If you’re transferring a CDL, you must be fingerprinted and undergo a federal background records check before being issued an hazardous materials endorsement when coming to Washington State, even if this process was completed in your home state.
