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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.
Go to the Questions and Comments box below and post your feedback.
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NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
updated 11/13/18
Hi,is it possible to submit a medical certificaty at the DMV office making an app or CT accepts medical cards online only ?
Ct is the worse ever to self certify it’s like they want you to give up.. if you don’t do your job you’re most likely to be terminated however these people should be replaced with competent people.someone knows that the system is Shit but chooses to do nothing about it. Our tax paying dollars going to half ass workers is not acceptable and someone should be held accountable typically Dem. State.. on top of stealing money from truck drivers for use of highways that is already taxed fuel tax road use tax and now Highway use tax someone should be arrested and charged with extortion and profiling. Wake up people.
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
You have to email it now. I went through that shit last year 😡
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.
I have not worked as a commercial driver for many years. Until now I have simply renewed my CDL. (I let Hazmat drop when a background check became necessary; I lost Air Brakes when I moved from Massachusetts to Connecticut.)
I understood that if I wanted to drive commercially I would need a medical certification and (at least if I were resuming driving a school bus) appropriate classroom hours and Department of Public Safety certification, but not another CDL road test.
Connecticut DMV is now telling me that I need a medical certification, and if not my driver license will be downgraded before renewal. Is that accurate? Is that new?
@David
Yes, you need a current medical certificate to keep your CDL.
You also need to have a self-certification form on file with your CDL.
Thank you. Is this new? I first got the CDL more than 25 years ago, and rarely filed a medical certificate to the state.
They’ve certainly tightened things up. 4 years ago my PCP was able to check the medical form (2 years ago he couldn’t so I let it go.) Today I had the physical with no issue, but I need to get clearances for two prescriptions (including my testosterone patch — I joke with the pharmacist that I used to make that myself, and now it’s a controlled substance; for another the prescriber says he isn’t qualified to give the clearance and wants me to talk to a state-approved specialist) and an asymptomatic condition that shows on an EKG.
I just recently got diagnosed with diabites type 2 I am taking insulin can I still drive truck or I would loose my cdl.
@Luis
You will need to get a federal insulin waiver from the FMCSA, if you want to continue driving, especially if you are an over-the-road driver. As of right now you would be disqualified as an interstate driver.
If you drive intra-state only, you want to check with your local drivers license department to determine what they need for you to continue to drive.
Can I put my ct class A CDL on hold for a short time of 6 months due to medical reason that will stop ne from passing a dot physical?
@Vinny
You need to contact your local drivers license department and let them know about the medical reason, so that they don’t downgrade your CDL when your current medical card expires.
Yes thats the problem they sent me a notice they were going to downgrade 3/13 16 because my med card expired last month and I forgot cause I was in an accident .I havent contacted them yet thats why I was asking you.
I recently had a certificate form completed by my doctor. I sent it in to the state (ct) it was returned to me because I did not submit a ” Medical certification expiration date” What is a Med cert expiration date and how do I get one??? All calls to Ct DMV go unanswered
@James
The Medical Examiner’s Certificate has an expiration date on it.
If the correct certificate/form was used by your doctor it will have an expiration date.
Be sure that your doctor is a DOT FMCSA certified medical examiner or the physical exam will be invalid.
I had a medical waiver because I was on insulin. I no longer use insulin and controlled by pills. Do I still need a medical waiver ?
@Bob
No, just a medical release from your doctor stating that you have been taken off the insulin and put on pills. Your card will still be good for one year at the time.
My medical expired in September 14 2014, I never renewed it because I have had 5 back surgeries and would have never passed a physical, does this mean my CDL was downgraded to a class D licence in Connecticut?
@William
You will need to check with your local drivers license department. The process differs from state to state. Usually the state drivers license department sends a notice when they downgrade a license.
I work for lkq and their trucks are 12000gvw to 18000 gmvw am I required by law to hold a medical card
@Jean
If you drive anything that is in excess of 10,001 pounds and it is being used for commerce, then you need a medical card. But confirm that with your local drivers license department.
On the same note I operate a non-cdl straight (box) vehicle with 26000 gmvw marking on its door, am I required to have a medical certification card intra and interstate commerce transport?
@ James
Most states require a valid medical card for any vehicle that is being used for commerce, intra or interstate. But check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
I registered my self certification with the dmv, but was told by my employer that I needed to certify with the dot too. How do I do that?
@Benjamin
As far as we can ascertain from Connecticut official website about CDL self-certification, registration with DMV is all you need to do.
I drive in CT, do not have a CDL and the truck is under 10,000lbs do I still need a Med card? Been told no by DMV.
I am employed in Massachusetts, however I live and have a drivers license in CT. The company is requiring a Medical Examination Certificate. Do I need to go to CT DOT, or can I handle this in MA. I am temporally staying close by work.
@Paul
It does not matter where you get the DOT examination done. The medical certificate is valid everywhere in the country.
How long do I have before I have to renew my medical card before I lose my CdL?
@Mike
You’ll need to check with your State Drivers License Department.
Every state has their own process.
Hi my medical card expired last month and I am going to get my dot physical tom. I did the self certification in January. My license doesn’t expire for another year. Will my cdl get disqualified because I haven’t got a updated medical card ?
@Rocco
Every state handles this process differently. If you haven’t had a downgrade letter, then maybe your CDL status is still okay. Best to get a copy of your new medical card to your state DLD as soon as possible.
Drove 40 minutes tp Norwich Motor Vehicle Dept only to be told as of 4years ago they are NO longer full service, I had my choice of Old Saybrook or Willimantic both were an hour or more away, I get to the Willimantic Dept and was told to go online to a self serve site for CDL’s. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!! So I get home and get onto this website and it DOESNT work it says unavailable or site no longer exists.
I received the letter for self-cert from CT-DMV back in Nov 2013. I did what they ask and they also at that time provided a email address to send my medical card . My medical card was renewed in june 2014 but I forgot to send DMV a copy. Now my licence expires soon so I went down to the DMV to renew and they told me that I’m not in their computer as being certified and also it will take up to 10-15 days before they can let me know that they received my medical card. I will not be able to work or drive after the 15 of july. Any suggestion..thank you
my question is that i did the self certification as required by 1/30/13
my medical card expired and was renewed on the 4/24/14
what do i need to do now?
do i need to send in a copy of my new physical card or what do i ned to do?
@Steve
Yes, you need to send new medical card information to DMV prior to the expiration of your current medical card.
See the information at the top of this page for submitting your new medical certificate.
Failure to do so will disqualify your CDL.
I have a CDL Class B Endors: FMP, which expires on 04-30-16. My Medical Examiner’s Certificate expires 03-20-14. Do I need to do anything at this point or can I wait until my March 2014 physical?
Thank you
@William
You must do the self-certification by the January 2014 deadline or your CDL will be downgraded. The self-certification is a one-time process with your DMV. They will want a copy of your current medical certficate as part of that record.
You can read more about this self-certification process on our blog.
If my CDL is suspended for one year,what rules apply to me?
I was just checking the site to find a certified doctor on CT. I didn’t see any. I also heard a friend tell me there are no doctors in ct. that are cdl certified.
@Tom
The ruling for commercial drivers to get a medical certificate from a registered CME is only effective 5/21/2014.
You can still get a medical card from any doctor currently doing DOT physicals.
See more info on this in our FAQ – FMCSA.
Doctors are slowly getting CME certification with FMCSA so they will be able to do DOT physicals once this deadline is in effect. There are already a number of CMEs registered in Connecticut. DOTPhysicalDoctors is in contact with doctors to get them on board here, to serve you. Please bookmark this page and visit us again soon.
I got to fax a copy ofmy D.o.t. Physical to you. Is all u need is just a copy of the physical? Anything else go with it? Im at work and dont have the letter from the state with me
@Warren
Please note that this is a private website, not affiliated with DMV or any government or state agency. Please check the links above for self-certification and for medical certification requirements for Connecticut.
Thank you for your immediate response to my question. The websites that you added overnight allowed me to complete the self- certification form easily. The “You” that I was referring to was the Conn. DMV since I started out at the ct.gov/dmv website which eventually lead me to you. I’m sorry for trying to give you a black eye since my comments were directed at the Ct. dmv. You have my permission to remove my previous comment. Thanks again, Don E.
@Don
Thank you for your feedback and appreciation. We hope it will help other drivers too.
We’re glad that you got your self-certification completed.
I received a letter dated 11/7/2013 from the DMV requesting that I go to the http://ct.gov/dmv website to fill out a “self-certification” of driving type before 1/30/2014 to prevent disqualification of my CDL. When I go to the website that you suggested I can not do what you requested because it states that Conn. DMV is not yet accepting self certifications. My question is when will you start accepting the information that I must provide to ensure that I do not loose my CDL? When you send out letters that threaten to disqualify someones Drivers liscense and not provide them a way to comply with your laws you are very bad at your job. I hope that you accept the information that you requested before 1/30/13. Sounds like you have the citizens between a rock and a hard place. You have a BLACK EYE on this issue.
@Don
We’re sorry you’re having challenges with this certification process.
Not quite sure who the ‘You’ is you refer to.
DOTPhysicalDOCTORS is in no way associated with the DMV. We’ve posted this information on our website to try to help drivers and doctors with medical certification requirements, because many are confused about this process.
Unfortunately we can’t help you with DMV.
We’ve added a couple more links to CT DMV information.
Hope this helps.
Truck Docs just writing to let you know that it has happen to me. I got the first letter in the mail back Nov 2013 but, I didn’t get the second one until I show up at the DMV to renew my license. You can put all your time and money to get a CDL then everything is put on hold in one keystroke until some paper-pushing decides to get around to putting your info in their little computer.