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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…
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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.
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.
I have a CDL and my medical card has been updated. Where can I go to get my state record updated. I live in Colorado Springs. Thank you
I do not have a CDL, but I work for a company that I need to drive a service truck the truck is under 21,001 lbs. Do I need a DOT medical card to drive it the truck is a F550 and last time it was on a scale It was at around 16,500 lbs.
@Justin
No matter what class drivers license you have, if you drive for a commercial purpose e.g. service truck, you must have a medical card.
Is it a federal law requiring a breathing test for smokers over the age of 35 before you can renew your physical or is it just recommended to have this test
@Wendy
Recommended if there are signs and symptoms of a breathing disorder or impairment.
Can I get a medical card in Colorado if my CDL is in Texas and how do I update my license with the information?
@Tamara
As long as your physical exam is done by a FMCSA certified examiner, you can have it done by any examiner, in any state.
You must update Texas drivers license department with a copy your new medical card.
How Long Does It Take For Colorado DMV To Update a DOT Long Form Physical That is Requested By A Trucking Company? My DOT card is currently valid until 09/14/2016.
i submitted my medical form in time and a csp officer just told me my cdl was revoked. i will submit it again. How do i get my cdl re instated? Or how do i find out if they do re instate it?
That’s exactly what I’m wondering. I just updated and received my new dot card. Mine expires in 1 day. Will online update instantly on Colorado’s government dmv site, or should I go to a dmv?
@ Daniel
Nearly always you’ll get better results when you present yourself to the dmv. Online is usually iffy.
Where can we go to get a wavier to be able to keep my CDL? I am currently taking meds for seizures. But have not had one in over 6 years.
@ Jeremy
You will need to start the process with FMCSA as soon as possible. They will have all of the criteria for you to comply with before you can get the waiver.
I also have a question regarding the current rule which illegalizes the operation of any vehicle after medical card expiration. You should clearly not be allowed to operate CMVs without an updated medical card, however after not driving a bus for 4 years, my license was confiscated by the state after a minor traffic violation. And now I must pay fines and break the law (by driving without a license) to go to the Doctor’s as well as the DMV. My questions are
1) why does not updating a DOT physical nullify my ability to operate non commercial vehicles?
2)What is the a state or federal regulation or statute that mandates this?
Thank you.
@Patrick
These are questions you need to ask your state drivers license department.
Hello, I have my CDL currently but my medical expired about 5 months ago. I haven’t been driving truck but am looking to. Does anyone know if there is a limit on time for getting my medical back? I mean is it too late to get a new physical to make my license valid seeing that its been invalid almost 6 months?
@Max
If you haven’t had a letter from your state DMV advising you of a downgrade to your license, then it may still be okay.
If that is the case all you need to do is update your state drivers license department with a new medical card and self-certification form.
You’ll need to check with DMV about the status of your CDL.
I have had a CDL for about 40 years, but have not driven commercially in about 30 years, but I have still kept my CDL current because I am a collector of old trucks, some of which are 3 axle and have air brakes. Are there any provisions for keeping my CDL without having to go thru the expense of a physical since I am no longer an over-the-road trucker?
If the answer to my question is “no”, then there needs to be a change in the law to allow for having a CDL, but not driving commercially. A waiver stating you are not employed as a commercial carrier operator would work just fine and require nothing more than a form. Simple.
@Bill
If you are not currently driving a CMV, and you want to maintain your CDL but are not in a position to certify for a medical certificate, or do not want to keep your medical certificate current, check with your State Drivers License Agency. Your SDLA may allow you to self-certify in a category that does not require a medical certificate, if you state allows it.
Some states allow this. You’ll need to check with your local DMV.
The fax number seems to have tons of issues. Can we have another fax number?
Thank you.
I was driving semis before the CMV act of 1986 and have always maintained my CMV license since the current law came into effect. I have NOT been driving CMV’s in recent years but may again in the future. I think there should be some way to keep the license without going through the entire medical exam nuisance and potentially losing your license to drive anything. I am just as legal driving my personal car as the women driving to work putting make-up on in her mirror. Signing an affidavit affirming that you are not currently employed as a CMV driver could suffice. Furthermore a status change electronically on the license could show as inactive to an officer of the law. At such time that you are again driving a CMV, your status could be changed to active. Besides, any employer worth his salt is going to make sure you are legal, so if caught hefty fines should follow both the driver and company. If you’re self employed then it’s on you.
I agree that you should be able to keep the CDL with no medical if you are driving a vehicle that does not require one. It is on the license holder if they are not legal.
My license expires in 2016 but my medical card is expired. So does this mean I don’t have a valid license any longer? Really? And if so, how do I get my privileges back?
@Joe
You’ll need to check with Colorado license department.
@Joe
You’ll need to check with Colorado drivers license department.
I was never notified that my driving privileges were taken away once my medical card had expired. Have no idea why driving a f-150 pick up would require me to have an updated medical card. I understand if I was operating a cmv, but I was driving a class c license vehicle. Now faced with unnecessary fees and fines. STUPID STUPID Rule!!!! Using this logic anyone that is driving on public roadways should be required to have a current c-dot medical card. Wish there was more common sense at the dmv or cdot.
I submitted my medical form and they still cancelled my CDL and I have no driving privileges. But they never notified me and I just found out tonight when I was pulled over. You simply cannot make such mistakes when an individuals livelihood is at risk.
Hello, Why can’t I drive my Subaru after my CDL medical card expires past 30-days? What difference doe’s that make? Why would my personal driving be impacted? If your medical card has expired…you can’t drive a truck. – That’s FAIR. BUT, suddenly you can’t drive your personal car? That’s unfair. Thank you, Tom Briardy