Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles Department of Revenue

Commercial (CDL)

Breaking News

Updated Non-domiciled CDL and CLP Regulations: Court Order Granting Stay

On November 13, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued an order in Lujan v. FMCSA (Case No. 25-1215) that stayed (temporarily paused) the interim final rule titled “Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)”, which took effect on September 29, 2025.

Due to this stay, and until further notice, the State of Rhode Island will continue to issue and renew non-domiciled CDLs under the regulations and guidance in effect prior to the interim final rule.

Please note: The court’s stay is temporary and may be lifted at any time. FMCSA’s interim final rule can be reinstated without notice. Non-domiciled credentials issued during the stay may be subject to downgrade if they do not meet the interim rule’s standards, and no refunds will be provided for transactions completed during this period.

CDL Skills Test Update Effective October 6, 2025

The Rhode Island DMV will launch the Modernized CDL Skills Test on October 6, 2025, which directly affects the Vehicle Inspection and Basic Control Skills sections. Please review the CDL Manual with the updated test information and prepare accordingly.

IMPORTANT:

  • BOTH sections must be taken as part of the same version of the test.
  • If you passed one section before October 6, 2025, but not the other, you must retake both sections under the new format.

 

Commercial Transaction

The Division of Motor Vehicles processes renewals by mail, drop box, or in-person with a reservation. 

** Please Note: CDL licenses can only be renewed 45 days prior to expiration

  • By Mail : Send the completed CDL-1 (Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Application) or Renewal form (forms received by mail) and any supporting documentation to the Division of Motor Vehicles Attn: RI DMV – CDL Office, 600 New London Avenue, Cranston RI 02920
  • Drop Box: Deposit the completed CDL-1(Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Application) or Renewal form (forms received by mail) and any supporting documentation in drop boxes located at all DMV branch locations. Documents must be notarized when required if using the drop box. The drop box is accessible only during normal business hours – Monday thru Friday, 8:30 am  - 3:30 pm
  • Online Renewals can be processed online here.