Depends on tag agent I guess, renewed my CDL to a real ID CDL at the local tag office. Was told they could renew it as long as I didn't have a K endorsement ( Intrastate only). Dont know why that is but was what I was told. Had to make 2 trips cause I had motorcycle endorsement which I grandfathered in on and it would not let them override it without the test score. Had to leave for a few hours and come back then they had it taken care of. Took 10 minutes the second time. I was under the same assumption till I talked to them always had to go to DOT before.Those with a CDL can 'plan ahead' , but cannot apply online.
A CDL holder MUST appear in person, with an original or certified copy of the birth certificate.
A regular tag agent will not renew a CDL.
One has to go to the DOT station.
Therein lies the problem.