If you have a HazMat Endorsement, read this! License renewal.

tscottme · Nov 29, 2025

insipidtoast said: ↑

Also TN resident here, and with a Hazmat endorsement.

I think there is some inherent confusion going on here with TN's use of the word "cancelled". For example, I let my med certification expire and received a letter saying that my CDL was "cancelled". When I called they said they would give me a 5 year grace period from the "cancel" date to get a new med-cert and self-certify again. So I did that and reinstated my CDL. The problem is TN really uses that word incorrectly, when in reality what they mean is reversibly suspended.

So, are you still able to drive a commercial vehicle? Or do you have to go to trucking school all over again, and do another knowledge + skills test if you want to have a CDL again?

Personally I'm in a bit of a concerning spot myself. My CDL's expiration date comes in July 2026, med cert expires a few months prior in May, and the Hazmat endorsement has already been expired for a couple years, even though my CDL still shows the endorsement on it. I think the last time I tested HM was in 2019. So I'm way past the 5 year mark for a HM endorsement. Maybe my CDL isn't even valid. I've received no correspondence to that effect, though.
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In TN once you complete the HazMat process your CDL is reinstated with all of your endorsements. As I understand TN, if your CDL is reinstated before it was canceled or invalid for 4 years & 364 days then you just satisfy what canceled your CDL and you are back in business.

tscottme · Nov 29, 2025

Moosetek13 said: ↑

Can't you just go inline to get the status of your license? I can here in MN.
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Yes, TN allows you to check the status of your CDL/DL online.

tscottme · Nov 29, 2025

insipidtoast said: ↑

To clarify, I do not currently drive. But regardless, have received no notifications about this topic.

I was thinking I'd be able to go to a license office before the end of 8 years to renew my CDL based, on section (e) of this code: https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-55/chapter-50/part-3/section-55-50-322/

Which states, "Persons applying for reinstatement of a cancelled, suspended or revoked driver license shall not be required to take an eye test or knowledge and skills tests unless their license has been expired in excess of one (1) renewal cycle as provided in § 55-50-338(a)(3)."

A renewal cycle in TN is 8 years.
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Please consider the difference between you convincing you of something about the DMV and you convincing the DMV of something. Email or call the DMV and ask your question. Even that may only get you the opinion of the DMV employee you are communicating with.

insipidtoast · Dec 4, 2025

tscottme said: ↑

Please consider the difference between you convincing you of something about the DMV and you convincing the DMV of something. Email or call the DMV and ask your question. Even that may only get you the opinion of the DMV employee you are communicating with.
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Yeah I got it in writing from the DMV employee. In my case I only have 5 years to reinstate the CDL, because I had a hazmat endorsement. For what it's worth, the DOT physical has no bearing on the reinstatement timeline.

It might be worth it whenever I do that, to self-certify as Excepted Interstate, but I've heard TN can be sticklers about that too, even though the language of the affidavit specifically says, "expect to drive" with no further modifiers such as "within the next year" or "as long as I have a job offer on hand from an excepted class". Doesn't hurt to try. But I guess it doesn't really matter either. You still have to reinstate the CDL within one renewal cycle following its expiration, but I guess if it's an "Excepted" license you save some $ not having to do the health certification every time.

tscottme · Dec 4, 2025

I tried to switch my CDL to Excepted Intrastate & that still requires a DOT physical according to the state DMV. Reading the form & state regs it seems like checking the Excepted Intrastate status SHOULD keep your CDL valid without a new DOT card. It didn't when I tried to submit the form in person at the DMV to the CDL clerk. Her supervisor backed her up. If you can do it, not just plan for it to work, let me know how.

kemosabi49 · Dec 5, 2025

tscottme said: ↑

I tried to switch my CDL to Excepted Intrastate & that still requires a DOT physical according to the state DMV. Reading the form & state regs it seems like checking the Excepted Intrastate status SHOULD keep your CDL valid without a new DOT card. It didn't when I tried to submit the form in person at the DMV to the CDL clerk. Her supervisor backed her up. If you can do it, not just plan for it to work, let me know how.
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I never had an issue with this here in Arkansas. I went 7 years as "excepted Interstate" and then got a new physical and went back to the regular status. Retired again last spring and this time was able to do the self certify online.

snowwy · Dec 7, 2025

There might be some exemption but for the most part. A medical is required no matter what you certify. Except for maybe K.

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