On this page
- What the Akron BMV does, and doesn’t do, for your CDL
- Ohio CDL requirements at a glance
- The path to a new Ohio CDL
- Self-certification: the step people forget
- Renewing your Ohio CDL
- Fees
- Hours & location
- What causes return trips
- Questions people ask at the counter
- Helpful next pages
- Before you come in
- Where this information comes from
Getting or renewing your Ohio CDL in Akron runs through two kinds of offices, and this page keeps them straight. The Akron BMV, Ohio Deputy Registrar Agency 7731, operated by the Northeast Ohio Automobile Dealers Association at 688 Wolf Ledges Parkway, issues and renews your commercial driver license and your commercial learner’s permit, and processes your self-certification. What we don’t do is administer the CDL knowledge or skills tests, those happen at state driver exam stations and CDL skills testing locations, which we’ll route you to. Here’s the full path from “I want a CDL” to a card in your wallet, plus exactly what to bring to us.
A quick orientation: test at the exam/skills locations, then license at the deputy registrar. We’re the issuance and renewal counter.
What the Akron BMV does, and doesn’t do, for your CDL
| CDL task | Where it happens |
|---|---|
| CDL knowledge (written) tests | Driver exam station |
| CDL skills test (pre-trip, basic controls, road) | CDL skills testing location (often third-party) |
| Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) | FMCSA-registered training provider |
| Issue the commercial learner’s permit (CLP) | Akron BMV (deputy registrar) |
| Issue / renew the CDL | Akron BMV or online (limits apply) |
| Process self-certification (BMV 2159) & medical card | Akron BMV |
So the Akron BMV is your stop for the permit, the license, renewals, and self-certification paperwork. The actual testing is handled elsewhere, we’ll point you to it below.
Ohio CDL requirements at a glance
- Age: at least 18 to drive commercially within Ohio (intrastate); at least 21 to drive interstate or carry hazardous materials.
- Base license: you must already hold a valid Ohio driver license.
- Medical: pass a DOT physical by a certified medical examiner on the National Registry, and provide a Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
- Lawful status: proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency.
- Training: new applicants must complete Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) with a provider listed in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry before the skills test for an initial CDL (and for certain upgrades/endorsements).
The path to a new Ohio CDL
- Hold a valid Ohio driver license and pass your DOT physical; get your Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
- Pass the CDL knowledge test(s) at a driver exam station, general knowledge plus any endorsement or air-brake tests for your intended driving.
- Get your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) at the Akron BMV. A CLP is valid for 12 months.
- Hold the CLP at least 14 days and complete ELDT with an FMCSA-registered provider.
- Pass the CDL skills test, pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control, and on-road driving, at a CDL skills testing location. Many provide a test vehicle to rent.
- Come to the Akron BMV to be issued your CDL, complete self-certification, and have your photo taken. Your card arrives by mail.
New to driving in general? Start with our new driver license & temps page, then move into the commercial track.
Self-certification: the step people forget
Every CDL holder must tell the Ohio BMV what category of operation they drive, this is self-certification. Most drivers fall under non-excepted interstate and must keep a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file. If your self-certification lapses or your medical card expires, the BMV can downgrade your commercial privileges.
Bring to the Akron BMV:
- CDL Self-Certification Authorization (form BMV 2159)
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if your category requires one)
- Your current Ohio CDL or CLP
Keep your medical card current and update us before it expires to avoid a downgrade.
Renewing your Ohio CDL
You can renew your CDL in person at any deputy registrar like the Akron BMV, or online if you qualify (certain limitations apply). At renewal you must keep your self-certification and (if applicable) medical certificate current.
What to bring for an in-person renewal:
- Your current Ohio CDL
- CDL Self-Certification Authorization (form BMV 2159), if updating your category
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate, if your category requires one
- Payment for the renewal fee
- Proof of any name or address change, if applicable
Hazardous-materials (HazMat) endorsements have extra federal requirements, including a TSA background check and periodic renewal of that clearance, budget extra time if you carry HazMat.
Fees
The figures below reflect the Ohio BMV fee schedule (driver license fees last updated 9/30/2025) and the Ohio BMV CDL testing page. Confirm current fees on bmv.ohio.gov before you go, since third-party testing locations set their own skills-test fees.
| Item | Where you pay | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial learner’s permit (CLP) | Akron BMV | $31.50 |
| First CDL, age 21+ | Akron BMV | $46.50 (4-year) / $92.00 (8-year) |
| CDL renewal | Akron BMV | $49.25 (4-year) / $97.40 (8-year) |
| Duplicate CDL | Akron BMV | $31.50 |
| CDL skills test receipt at a state-owned testing facility | Deputy registrar before testing | $10.00 pre-trip + $10.00 basic + $30.00 road |
| CDL self-certification update in person | Deputy registrar | $5.00 |
Fees and figures change. Verify current amounts on bmv.ohio.gov before your visit.
Third-party skills-test fees are set by each location and vary. ELDT tuition is set by your training provider. HazMat also has a separate federal TSA threat-assessment process.
Hours & location
Akron BMV, Ohio Deputy Registrar Agency 7731 688 Wolf Ledges Parkway, Akron, OH 44311
- Phone: (330) 434-3134
- Hours: Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM-1 PM
For directions, parking, and a map, see hours, location & directions.
What causes return trips
- Expecting to test at the Akron BMV. We issue the permit and license; knowledge and skills tests are elsewhere.
- Skipping ELDT. New CDL applicants must complete training with an FMCSA-registered provider before the skills test, pick a provider on the Training Provider Registry.
- Letting your medical card expire. A lapsed Medical Examiner’s Certificate or self-certification can downgrade your CDL.
- Assuming 18 is enough for any job. You must be 21 for interstate driving and HazMat.
- Forgetting form BMV 2159 at renewal or when changing your category of operation.
Questions people ask at the counter
Does the Akron BMV give the CDL test? No. CDL knowledge tests are at driver exam stations and the skills test is at a CDL skills testing location (often third-party). The Akron BMV issues and renews the CDL and CLP and processes self-certification.
How old do I have to be for an Ohio CDL? At least 18 to drive commercially within Ohio, and 21 to drive across state lines or transport hazardous materials.
What is ELDT and do I need it? Entry-Level Driver Training is federally required for new CDL applicants (and certain upgrades/endorsements). It includes theory and behind-the-wheel training and must be done through a provider in the FMCSA Training Provider Registry.
How long is the commercial learner’s permit valid? A CLP is valid for 12 months, and you must hold it at least 14 days before taking the skills test.
Can I renew my Ohio CDL online? Sometimes. Online CDL renewal is available with limitations. If you need to update self-certification, change your photo, or your record has a hold, renew in person at the Akron BMV.
What is self-certification? It’s declaring your category of commercial operation (most drivers are non-excepted interstate) and keeping a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file. Use form BMV 2159. Let us update it before your medical card expires.
What does an Ohio CDL cost? The Ohio BMV schedule lists a first CDL at $46.50 for 4 years or $92.00 for 8 years, a CDL renewal at $49.25 for 4 years or $97.40 for 8 years, and a CLP at $31.50. State-owned CDL skills testing uses a test receipt of $10.00 pre-trip + $10.00 basic + $30.00 road; third-party test-site fees vary.
Helpful next pages
Before you come in
For a CDL permit or renewal, bring your test documentation, form BMV 2159, your medical certificate, and payment. Get in Line Online if you want to hold your spot, or walk in during business hours.
Where this information comes from
- Ohio BMV, Commercial Driver License (CDL Classes): https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/dl-cdl-classes.aspx
- Ohio BMV, Driving Tests: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/dl-driving-tests.aspx
- Ohio BMV, Documents & Fees: https://www.bmv.ohio.gov/doc-fees.aspx
- FMCSA, Entry-Level Driver Training & Training Provider Registry: https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/