What the CA9948 Form Does

The CA9948 is California's official endorsement process form. You use it to request a new endorsement on your commercial driver's license, renew an endorsement that has expired, or add an endorsement to a license you already hold. The form tells the Department of Motor Vehicles which endorsement you want, confirms you meet the requirements for that endorsement, and documents your medical clearance if one is required.

You cannot add an endorsement online in California. The CA9948 must be submitted in person at a DMV office, along with proof documents and your current CDL. The form itself is short — one page — but the documents you bring with it determine whether your request moves forward or gets delayed.

Key Takeaways

  • The CA9948 form is filled out by you and submitted at a DMV office; it is not mailed or submitted online.
  • You must bring your current CDL, proof of identity, and any medical certificates required for the endorsement you are requesting.
  • Some endorsements (like Hazmat) require a separate background check and fingerprinting, which adds time and cost beyond the form submission.
  • The form must be completed in full with your signature; incomplete forms are rejected at the counter and you will need to return with a corrected copy.
  • Processing time varies by endorsement type and DMV office workload, but most endorsements are added within two to four weeks after submission.

Which Endorsements Require the CA9948

The CA9948 is used for all CDL endorsements in California. The most common are Passenger (P), Tank Vehicle (N), Hazardous Materials (H), and Doubles/Triples (T). Some drivers add multiple endorsements at once by listing each one on the same form.

If you already hold an endorsement and it has expired, you still use the CA9948 to renew it. You do not need to retake the endorsement test if you are renewing within a certain window — check with your local DMV office about renewal grace periods, as these vary.

Hazmat endorsements have additional requirements beyond the form: you must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check and submit fingerprints. This process runs parallel to your CA9948 submission and can take several weeks on its own.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring your current California CDL and a valid form of identification. The DMV accepts a passport, military ID, or state ID card. If your address has changed since your CDL was issued, bring a document showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.

For endorsements that require a medical certificate — Passenger and Hazmat both do — bring the original Medical Examiner's Certificate (Form MCSA-5875) issued by a certified medical examiner. This certificate is valid for 24 months from the date of the exam. If your certificate has expired, you must get a new one before the DMV will process your endorsement request.

For Tank Vehicle and Doubles/Triples endorsements, no medical certificate is required, but you must have passed the written test for that endorsement at the DMV. Bring proof of your test passage if you took it more than a few weeks ago — the DMV may not have the record in their system yet.

How to Fill Out the CA9948 Form

Print the CA9948 form from the California DMV website or pick up a copy at any DMV office. Use black or blue ink and print clearly. The form asks for your driver's license number, your full legal name, date of birth, and current address. These must match your CDL exactly.

In the endorsement section, check the box for each endorsement you are requesting. If you are renewing an endorsement, check the "Renewal" box next to that endorsement. If you are adding a new one, check the "New" box. Do not leave this section blank — the DMV cannot process the form if it is unclear which endorsement you want.

Sign and date the form in the spaces provided. An unsigned form will be rejected. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign. Do not write outside the designated boxes or cross out errors — if you make a mistake, start with a fresh copy of the form.

What Happens After You Submit the CA9948

After you hand in your form and documents at the DMV, a clerk will review them for completeness. If anything is missing — an expired medical certificate, a missing signature, or an unclear endorsement selection — they will tell you when ready and you can correct it on the spot or return with the correct documents.

If everything is in order, you will pay the endorsement fee. The cost varies by endorsement type and whether you are adding a new one or renewing. Ask the clerk for the current fee before you submit; fees change periodically and vary slightly by DMV office location.

Your new CDL with the endorsement will be mailed to the address on file. Processing time is typically two to four weeks, though Hazmat endorsements take longer because of the TSA background check. You will receive a temporary paper receipt at the counter that shows your endorsement is pending — keep this until your new card arrives.

Common Mistakes That Delay Processing

The most frequent error is submitting an expired medical certificate. The DMV will not process Passenger or Hazmat endorsements without a current one, and you will have to schedule a new medical exam and return to the DMV. Check the expiration date on your Medical Examiner's Certificate before you go.

Another common mistake is checking multiple boxes when you only want one endorsement, or leaving the endorsement section blank. Be specific about which endorsement you want and whether it is new or a renewal. If you want multiple endorsements, list each one clearly.

Bringing an expired or invalid form of ID also causes delays. Your ID must be current and match the name and address on your CDL. If you have recently moved, update your address at the DMV before you submit the CA9948, or bring a current address verification document.

Incomplete or illegible handwriting can slow processing. Print clearly in black or blue ink. If the DMV cannot read your driver's license number or endorsement choice, they will have to contact you to clarify, which adds days to the timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit the CA9948 by mail or online?

No. California requires the CA9948 to be submitted in person at a DMV office. You must bring your CDL and supporting documents with you. Some DMV offices allow you to make an appointment online, which can reduce wait time at the counter.

What if my medical certificate expires before my new CDL arrives?

Your endorsement is still valid as long as the certificate was current when you submitted the CA9948. The DMV processes the endorsement based on the certificate date at the time of process, not when your card is printed. However, if you plan to drive with that endorsement after your certificate expires, you will need a new one before you can legally operate the vehicle.

Do I need to retake the endorsement test if I am renewing?

Not always. If you are renewing within a grace period (which varies by endorsement and DMV office), you may not need to retake the test. Ask the DMV clerk when you submit the CA9948 whether a test is required for your specific endorsement and situation.

How much does the CA9948 endorsement cost?

Endorsement fees vary by type and whether you are adding a new endorsement or renewing an existing one. Fees also change periodically. Call your local DMV office or check the California DMV website for current pricing before you submit your form.

What if the DMV rejects my CA9948 at the counter?

The clerk will tell you which documents or information are missing or incorrect. You can often fix straightforward errors like a missing signature or illegible handwriting on the spot. For missing documents like a medical certificate, you will need to return with the correct paperwork. Keep the rejected form — you can use it as a reference when you resubmit.