PennDOT Form DL-180RCD | Out-of-State CDL to Pennsylvania

PennDOT Form DL-180RCD | Out-of-State CDL to Pennsylvania – If you hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) from another state and have established residency in Pennsylvania, you must obtain a Pennsylvania CDL within 30 days. The official form for this process is the PennDOT Form DL-180RCD, titled “Application for Pennsylvania Commercial Driver’s License by Out-of-State CDL Driver.”

This guide explains everything U.S. commercial drivers need to know about the DL-180RCD form, including eligibility, required documents, fees, the Self-Certification Form (DL-11CD), and how to complete the transfer at a PennDOT Driver License Center. All information is based on current official Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) resources.

What Is PennDOT Form DL-180RCD?

Form DL-180RCD is the official application used by out-of-state CDL holders who are new Pennsylvania residents (or returning residents) to transfer their commercial driving privileges. Federal law under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act allows only one valid driver’s license at a time. When you become a Pennsylvania resident, you must surrender your out-of-state CDL and apply for a Pennsylvania-issued CDL.

The form collects personal information, current CDL details, previous licensing history, medical and self-certification data, and declarations required by both state and federal regulations.

Download the official form here:
PennDOT Form DL-180RCD (PDF)

Who Needs to File Form DL-180RCD?

You must complete Form DL-180RCD if:

You are a new resident of Pennsylvania and hold a valid out-of-state CDL.
You are a returning Pennsylvania resident who currently holds an out-of-state CDL.
You wish to transfer your commercial privileges (including most endorsements) to Pennsylvania.

You have only 30 days from the date you establish Pennsylvania residency to complete the transfer. Failure to do so can result in operating illegally under federal and state law.

Required Forms for the CDL Transfer

In addition to the DL-180RCD, you must also complete:

Self-Certification Form (DL-11CD) – Required for all CDL holders. You must select one of the four federal driving categories (Non-excepted Interstate, Non-excepted Intrastate, Excepted Interstate, or Excepted Intrastate).

Official Self-Certification Form:
PennDOT Form DL-11CD (PDF)

If your self-certification requires a Medical Examiner’s Certificate (DOT physical), it must be on file with PennDOT through the National Registry before or at the time of application.

Documents You Must Bring to a Driver License Center

You must appear in person. Bring the following original documents (photocopies are not accepted):

Completed Form DL-180RCD
Completed Form DL-11CD
Valid out-of-state CDL (you will surrender it)
Original Social Security card
Proof of identity (one of the following):
- U.S. birth certificate with raised seal (issued by an authorized government agency, including U.S. territories or Puerto Rico)
- Valid U.S. passport or passport card
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization
Proof of Pennsylvania residency (generally two documents), such as:
- Current utility bills (water, gas, electric, cable)
- Lease or mortgage documents
- Tax records or W-2 forms
- Other acceptable residency documents listed on PennDOT’s official site
Name-change documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) if your name differs from the documents presented
Payment for the applicable fee (check or money order payable to PennDOT; cash is not accepted at most Driver License Centers; debit/credit cards are accepted at many locations)

For full identity and residency requirements, visit:
PennDOT Proof of Identity and Residency

Step-by-Step Process to Transfer Your CDL

Establish Pennsylvania residency and gather all required documents.
Download and complete Form DL-180RCD and Form DL-11CD.
Locate a Driver License Center that offers commercial licensing services:
Find a PennDOT Driver License Center
Appear in person, pass a vision screening, submit the forms and documents, and surrender your out-of-state CDL.
Pay the required fees.
You will receive a temporary Pennsylvania CDL. The permanent card is mailed after processing and facial-recognition verification.

Fees for Out-of-State CDL Transfer (Current PennDOT Rates)

Fees vary based on license term, age, and endorsements. Approximate out-of-state transfer fees include:

Four-year CDL: $127.50
Four-year CDL with Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) endorsement: $149.50
Two-year CDL (age 65+): $71.50
Two-year CDL with Hazmat (age 65+): $93.50

An additional federal fee of $60 applies when requesting or retaining a Hazmat endorsement. Always verify the latest fees on the official page:
PennDOT Payments and Fees

Special Notes on Endorsements

Hazmat Endorsement: Transferable if your current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) threat assessment remains valid beyond the expiration of your new Pennsylvania CDL. Staff will verify this at the Driver License Center. Additional testing or fingerprinting may be required in some cases.
Hazmat Transfer Information
School Bus Endorsement: Transferable if specific Pennsylvania requirements are met. Additional steps may apply.
Most other endorsements generally transfer with the license when all eligibility criteria are satisfied.

Important Federal and State Rules

You may hold only one valid driver’s license at a time.
Pennsylvania will not issue a CDL to an out-of-state address.
Vision screening is required at the Driver License Center.
All statements on the forms must be answered truthfully. False statements can result in denial or future sanctions.
Non-domiciled CDL holders have additional documentation requirements (Employment Authorization Document or foreign passport with I-94, etc.).

Official Resources and Helpful Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take a knowledge or skills test when transferring?
In most cases, no additional knowledge or skills testing is required for a straightforward out-of-state CDL transfer if your license is valid and you meet all other requirements. Vision screening is required.

Can I mail the forms?
No. You must appear in person at a Driver License Center.

What if my out-of-state CDL has expired?
Contact PennDOT or visit a Driver License Center for guidance. Significant expiration may require additional steps similar to a new application.

How long does it take to receive the permanent CDL?
You receive a temporary license immediately. The permanent card is typically mailed within a few weeks after processing and identity verification.

Conclusion

Transferring your out-of-state CDL to Pennsylvania using Form DL-180RCD is a straightforward process when you prepare the required documents and appear in person within the 30-day residency window. Always use the official forms and verify the latest requirements and fees directly on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website to ensure compliance with both state and federal commercial driving regulations.