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Colorado CDL Requirements
All Colorado CDL holders are required to be medically qualified to drive a CMV by the means of a valid DOT medical certificate or medical waiver.
The regulations require that your motor vehicle status be “Medically Certified” to drive a CMV. This status will be controlled by the expiration date of your DOT Medical Certificate that you submit to the DMV. If your DOT Medical Certificate is expired, then you will have a Medically Certified status of “Not Certified” and you cannot legally drive a CMV.
On the first day of your DOT Medical Certificate expiring, you are no longer qualified to operate a CDL type CMV.
On the 10th day of the DMV not receiving an updated DOT Medical Certificate, the DMV will change your medical certification status to “Not Certified” and the DMV will also mail out a letter to you explaining that you cannot operate a CDL type CMV and what you need to do to comply.
On the 30th day of the DMV not receiving an updated DOT Medical Certificate, the DMV will cancel your entire license and at this point you have no driving privileges.
Interstate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Intrastate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
How To Submit Your Medical Certificate to Colorado DMV
By Mail:
Colorado Department of Revenue
Attn: CDL Unit
PO Box 173350
Denver CO 80217-3350
By e-mail:
Scan and e-mail to dor_cdlunit@state.co.us
By Fax:
303-205-5709 Attn: CDL Unit
Online:
Online service allows you to view or submit your DOT medical certificate information.
In Person:
At all State DMV offices and some County DMV offices.
Other Contact Information:
Website: http://www.colorado.gov/
DOT Customer Service Line: 303-205-5600
Email CDL Unit: DOR_cdlunit@state.co.us
Special Information Updates Pertaining To ALL STATES
MEDICAL EXAMINERS MUST CONTINUE TO ISSUE MEDICAL CERTIFICATES TO ALL DRIVERS
The FMCSA has requested that all medical examiners continue providing drivers with a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate – Form MCSA-5876, so that Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders can provide a copy to the State licensing agency, and the non-CDL drivers can provide the documentation to their employers and Federal and State enforcement officials.
The Agency is currently completing efforts to put into place an electronic system to enable medical examiners to transmit the medical certificate information from the National Registry system to the State licensing agencies. However, until that system is completed, medical examiners must continue to issue paper copies of the medical certificates to drivers who pass the medical exam.
ALL DRIVERS MUST CONTINUE TO CARRY A PAPER COPY OF THEIR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Commercial Drivers – You still need to carry a paper copy of your medical card, until FMCSA announces that this is no longer necessary.
Your Feedback Is Welcome
Dealing with Federal DOT Regulations across the board is tough enough!
But when it comes to State Regulations — There are 50 different sets of rules. Someone could move the goal posts at any time…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
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updated 11/13/18
Is there a grace period on the medical card after it expires?
@ Brian
DOT/FMCSA have extended a short grace period for the covid situation. Check with your local dld for their expiration dates.
Is there a specific vehicle weight that requires a medical health card, but not a commercial driver’s license?
@ Chris K
Each state is different, so best bet is to check with your state for the fine details. Most states require a medical card for any vehicle that is used for commerce, but confirm with your state authorities.
My CDL medical card will expire while I am travelling out-of-state. Can I get a medical examination and med card from a different state? Would it be valid in Colorado? Thanks!
I have a Colorado CDL
@ Nicolie
Yes, it will count and make sure the state receives a copy of your medical card.
I just renewed my DOT medical card and physically took it into the DMV, which they made copy and entered into computer. Am I still required additionally to self certify online and submit my paperwork .
I have a CDL, but I do not drive, why do I need a medical certificate if I just want to hold on to my CDL? Yes I might use it at a later date and understand I’ll need the med cert then,but not at the moment.
M boss429
That’s the law that you must have a valid/current medical card on file with you CDL or your license will be downgraded. Talk with someone in the CDL department at you local drivers license department and see what they can do for you.
My Medical card has been expired for almost 2yrs. I’m not using it at my current job. Is my CDL still good?? If I renew my Medical Card??
@ John F
Your cdl is state issued, so check with your state drivers license department.
Crazy how it’s different from one state to the other but yet it’s a nationwide license!!
@ John F
CDL’s are state issued and DOT medical cards are federally overseen by the DOT/FMCSA.
I am in the same situation! It is maddening when states like PA offer an option of currently driving as a CDL driver or not! Colorado needs to wake up! It can be a hardship to get a CDOT physical so often if you cannot drive at present. I worked hard for that license and I want to keep it!
Can someone with svt still hold a class b cdl if they have been cleared by their cardiologist?
@Kirsty
You are going to fall under your state’s variances, so you really want to check with your local drivers license department to determine the best answer.
I was wondering how a co-worker can pass a CDL Phisical and hold a current medical card work full time, and still receive social security disability income. I know the company is cutting him a check under the table but I feel if someone is passed the Phisical and cleared to work they shouldn’t be able to receive SSDI
My husband drives with a CDL. He is having surgery before right before his DOT physical is due. He is not allowed to bend over for six weeks following surgery. He doesn’t want to lose his CDL or job.
What are his options?
@Trish
He should contact his local drivers license department and explain the situation to them. Each state has their own process to facilitate such a situation.