To operate a commercial motor vehicle in Washington, a person must hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or commercial learner's permit (CLP) issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) with the applicable endorsements for the vehicle that is being driven.  To obtain a CDL from the DOL, an individual must satisfy the following requirements:

1. be a resident of the state;
2. have successfully completed a course of instruction in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle approved by the DOL or have been certified by an employer as having the skills and training necessary to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely;
3. have been issued a CLP, if he or she does not hold a valid CDL of the appropriate classification; and
4. have passed both a knowledge and skills examination for driving a commercial motor vehicle that comply with federal and state requirements.

When applying for a renewal CDL, an applicant must:

• complete an application form, providing updated information and required certifications;
• submit the application to the DOL in person; and
• take and pass the written test for the hazardous materials endorsement, if the applicant wishes to retain the endorsement.

The fee for up to two CDL skills exams is no more than $250.  If the applicant's primary use of a CDL is to drive a school bus, the fee for up to two CDL skill exams is no more than $100.  If the applicant's primary use of a CDL is to drive for a non-profit entity that operates federally-supported head start programs or early childhood education programs that qualify under state law, the fee for up to two CDL skills exams is no more than $225. 

State law does not specify the requirements for obtaining a new CDL after a CDL has been voluntarily surrendered.  The DOL's current practice is to allow individuals who surrender their CDL to obtain a reinstated CDL without additional testing or training, provided they do so within a year of CDL surrender.  For individuals who would like to have their CDL reinstated after a year's time, the DOL requires that the process for obtaining a new CDL be repeated.

When applying for a renewal CDL, an applicant is no longer required to submit the application to the DOL in person and can do so online.

Beginning January 1, 2024, the fee for a CDL skills exam is no more than $175 per exam.  If the applicant's primary use of a CDL is to drive a school bus, the fee for up to two CDL skill exams remains no more than $100.

For CDL applicants who have previously voluntarily surrendered a CDL to have their CDL reinstated, the DOL may waive all or part of new CDL or CLP qualification standards, including applicable testing and education requirements.