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Connecticut CDL Requirements
All Connecticut CDL holders are required to be medically qualified to drive a CMV by the means of a valid DOT medical certificate.
If you become “Not-Certified”, you will receive a downgrade letter advising you that the DMV has not received your valid medical certificate. If you do not submit your valid medical certificate by the downgrade date listed in your letter, your license will be downgraded to a Class D license.
You are required to send to DMV an updated medical certificate MCSA-5876 prior to the expiration date.
By Mail:
Department of Motor Vehicles
Driver Services
60 State Street
Wethersfield, CT 06161
By Fax:
860-263-5568
By Email:
dmv.cdl@ct.gov
You can check the status of your license at this link:
https://www.dmvselfservice.ct.gov/LicenseStatusService.aspx
Self Certification Requirements
Federal law requires all Commercial Driver License (CDL) holders and Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) holders to provide ” self-certification” of driving type:
Information about certification types:
See description of driving types for you to choose here.
Self-certify here:
https://www.dmvselfservice.ct.gov/CDLSelfCertiForm.aspx
Once you go to the website above and successfully self-certify, you will receive an e-mail confirmation.
Other Contact Information:
Website: http://www.ct.gov/dmv/
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.
Until that system is completed, which compliance date according FMCSA is June 23, 2025, 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! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
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updated 11/13/18
I have been driving commercially for almost 50 years. Why in the world can’t the doctor that certifies us also clear us with the state of ct.The fax number is no good !! I can’t seem to get my phone to take a picture and download it onto the computer. I mailed in my new medical card over a week before the old one expired. Now I look up my license and it shows I am in violation of my physical date. (ct never put it into the system. WHY is this process so complicated ? Also, I am now almost 70., Do I have to go through this every 3 months? No wonder drivers are in short supply. We now have to computer experts and drive these automatic kids trucks. When I started most trucks had 2 sticks !! now most have none. Jeff G
First off, the common class D license driver does not require a need to have a medical. Yet there have been numerous motor vehicle accidents, cause someone has a medical problem and looses control of a vehicle. But, the ” GOVERMENT ” tells heavy vehicle drivers they must have a medical
every one or two years.
To simplify this crazy CDL and other required medical needs, why can’t these medical requirements just be required to be renewed upon the renewal of ones CDL license?. Is it really needed to have a medical every two years? Yes, I can understand if the person has a known medical that can interfere
with proper operation, when found during a medical examine, or a doctor feels person unfit.
@ J V
The DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination was established mainly for the class A, over the road, long haul drivers. Their life-style sucks, the food is crap, they get very little physical exercise and their sleep patterns are constantly interrupted. For all other cdl holders, your discussion is legit.
WHY DOESN’T THE FAX NUMBER ( 860-263-5568) WORK WHEN I TRY TO SEND IN MY MEDICAL EXAMINERS CERTIFICATE BY FAXING. I RECEIVED A LICENCE DOWNGRADE NOTICE IN THE MAIL AND WANT TO MAKE SURE IT GETS RECEIVED BEFORE MY LICENCE GET DOWNGRADED. I ALSO SENT MY MEDICAL CERTIFICATE VIA EMAIL ON THE STATE OF CT WEBSITE. I JUST WANTED TO TRY BOTH WAYS TO MAKE SURE IT GETS THERE. DOES THE FAX METHOD NOT WORK ANY MORE. MY DOCTOR FAXED THE MEDICAL CERTIFICATE TO THE DMV AS SOON AS HE COMPLETED THE EXAMINATION BUT I STILL GOT THE DOWNGRADE NOTICE.
I’m in the same exact situation and I don’t know who can help me in my time is running out. I’m stuck and it won’t let me input certificate sign date. So I’m not able to complete it. And I’m getting worried
I live in Ct if I decide to down grade my cdl because I’m not using it now. How long do I have to get it back with out taking classes or a test again?
@ Frankie R
CDL’s are state issued and each state is different. Check with your local drivers license department for your best answer.
where do i send my new DOT medical card.
I have sent it 2-time to this e-mail dmv.cdl@ct.gov and both times it bounced back
Reason: Temporary Failure
We have experienced the same situation. I put a copy in the mail today but would like to email a copy so it gets there quicker. Is the system up and running now because it wasn’t this weekend!
When you submit the the med card via the portal do u need it to be accepted by DMV prior to renewal?
I recently applied for a cdl required job, and found out that I lost my cdl because I missed a grace period on getting a dot physical, I never even received a downgrade letter from Ct. Unfortunately, I’ve been told that I have to start over and retake a skills test, I’m trying to rent a truck that has a standard transmission but cannot find one? Do I need to pay a school again to retest at their facility? Ct dmv didn’t send a letter and I feel cheated. I had my cdl for 27 years and passed my B test and A test on my first attempt, what does a physical have to do with skills and knowledge, also automatics and standards transmission endorsements?
@ Robert
Try getting the DOT medical card first and then see if Ct. will accept the new medical card and re-instate your cdl. It does not make sense to have to retake a skills test if you have been driving for 27 years.
I have a similar situation in CT. I didn’t get my medical card renewed within the time stated so as of August 4 2020 my CDL A license was downgraded. Can I get my CDL A reinstated if I get have a Dot physical
@ Val
In most cases your cdl will be re-instated once your state drivers license department has a copy of your new medical card. Confirm with you DLD to make sure.
in CT if your CDL is downgraded to D for 2 years or more, unfortunately, you must take your CDL test all over
I am in the process of getting my physical test completed. I use a CPAC machine for sleep apnea. I went to my sleep disorder doctor and requested a note. He had a 90 report taken off the micro chip in the machine with the minimum % needed in compliance wit CT. CDL license, 70% of 5 hours or more use in a 90 day period and explained that was the only thing needed for the physical. The doctor providing the physical is requiering a letter of compliance from my sleep doctor. So know I have 2 doctors saying that each one is right and I’m stuck in the middle trying to get a physical complete so I can get my license and start a new job. Is there a written policy concerning this issue. Thank You
@ Felix F
FMCSA provides guidelines and regulations. If you can provide a report or doctors readout from your unit showing a 70% compliance, then you should have all you need for the CME.,
The CT DMV medical unit models the FMCSA medical waiver program for CDL drivers in CT.
I have had a intrastate medical waiver in CT for the last 20 years. I was just told by the medical unit that CT is now removing restrictions for and on medical waivers for type 1 diabetics and I would no longer be intrastate only.
Basically no more waiver or license restrictions and up to a two year medical card based in the issuing doctors determination?
@ richard J
We would not be to sure about the two year medical card with a type 1 diabetic. CME’s will want to keep a closer re-evaluation time frame to confirm no additional risk to drivers or the public at large.
what gives the state of conn the wright to downgrade a cdl just for not renewing your med card if you retire and you still have 2 or 3 years left on your cdl you might decide after a year or two after too go back to drive part time. you paid for it the cdl should be good until it expires
@ raymond b
Some states have adopted the policy of maintaining a valid medical certificate to continue holding a valid CDL. Check with your local DLD to confirm.
I was taking a prescription on the “unqualified” list but am no longer taking it. Do I still need a note from prescribing physician or can I simply go take my DOT physical?
@ Wally
It all depends on what the previous medication was.
I lost my medical card. Is there any way to have one reissued or do I have to do a whole eval again?
@ William W
If you look on your long form you should have the examiners contact details. Just call and ask what their procedure is for a re-issue.
Can I get a two year medical certification of my blood pressure is well maintained with medication?
@ Charles
Highly unlikely.
I’ve had a Com. CDL for years, this year my medical provider says I can only have a one year medical cert because I take blood pressure medicine even thou my blood pressure is controlled and within limits.
@ Chuck
It has always been a recommendation from FMCSA that any driver that is taking bp meds should be monitored on a yearly basis. Most examiners did not follow the guidelines as closely as they are being ask to follow them today. Your examiner is correct and following the guidelines more closely, one year medical certificate for use of bp medications. And he may ask for a medical release form from your prescribing doctor.
I HAVE A NEW MED CARD , CAN I BRING THIS IN TO DMV TO UP DATE
@Dwight
According to the information on the Connecticut DMV website is seems like you can only fax or email a copy of your medical certificate to DMV.
Hi. I certify all new hires for my company and we recently hired Connecticut drivers …Connecticut has a process that I cant quite figure out. I did write to them directly and the same answer appeared…fax it in, however it seems that they have a three step process.
1, Go to the gov site.
2. Fill out the site info.
3. Wait for a email verification…(and here is where I need clarification) The driver must take the Email verification to the CT DMV?!
I live in ct. My cdl dot medical card expires August17th. Whens the last day i have till to go to doctor for renewal?
@Donna
August 17!
Hello,
I’m just a little confused about self-certifying. I’m changing my Massachusetts CDL to a Connecticut CDL. Do I self-certify before I transfer the license or after? As of now, the website won’t let me type my Massachusetts CDL number in because it starts with a letter, but without the letter, the system says there aren’t enough characters. Any insight would be appreciated. Going to the DMV today!
If a driver was downgraded in February 2016 from Class A to D because they did not self certify and update the medical card. Now that it is 6 months later can they still submit the new medical /updated card and be upgraded? Or does the process start all over again? Re apply for CDL, test, permit etc.?
It’s in the state of Conn.
@Cheryl
This website, DOTPhysicalDOCTORS, focused on federal medical certification.
Your question is related to drivers license. You’ll need to ask this to your drivers license department. Only they can answer your question for you. Each state has their own rules.
Yes you can still do it but it have to a new medical certification long form and card
I would like the Internet at two I was recently in a bad motorcycle accident where is gonna take me a year to two years to recover so therefore I will not pass medical exam you’re going to downgrade me can I get my license back
@ Mike
Once fully recovered, without restrictions, you may be able to have your cdl re-instated. Check with your local drivers license department for steps to be taken now to help you in the future.