Medical certificate for commercial and public service drivers

All commercial driver’s license (CDL), commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders and public passenger endorsement (PPE) holders need to provide their medical certification

Medical certificate for commercial and public service drivers

All commercial driver’s license (CDL), commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders and public passenger endorsement (PPE) holders need to provide their medical certification

Medical certificate overview

A medical certificate verifies that you are in good health so you can drive a commercial or public service vehicle. 

Who needs a medical certificate:

  • Drivers operating a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds in Connecticut.
  • Drivers operating a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of more than 18,000 outside Connecticut.
  • Anyone who applies for or holds a CDL, CLP, or PPE needs to provide the us with a medical certificate.
Prevent a license downgrade or public service disqualification
If you don’t submit your medical certification in time, your commercial license may be downgraded, and/or your public service endorsement may be disqualified.

How to get a medical certificate

Step 1: Find a doctor

Use the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to find an approved medical examiner 

Make an appointment with your chosen doctor 

Step 2: Bring paperwork

Your doctor must use Form MCSA-5876 to fill out your medical examination 

Step 3: Submit

Once your doctor fills out the paperwork, you need to upload your medical certification through Connecticut’s Online Medical Certification System

 

Downgrades from CDL to Class D license


If you don’t maintain a valid medical certificate while you hold a CDL or CLP, your medical status becomes “Not Certified.” 

 

You receive a letter about downgrading your commercial ranking. If you still don’t submit the medical certificate by the date listed on that letter, your license will be downgraded to Class D. 

 

Disqualification of Public Passenger Endorsement


If you don’t maintain a valid medical certificate while you hold a PPE, your medical status becomes “Not Certified.” 

You receive a letter about disqualifying your PPE. If you still don’t submit the medical certificate by the date listed on that letter, your endorsement will be disqualified. 

Note: If your CDL expires by two years or more, you are required to get a new CLP and take the knowledge and skills tests. If your PPE is not valid for a period of sixty days, you will have to start the application process to obtain it again.

For medical providers

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  • National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
  • FMCSA rules and regulation
  • Becoming a certified medical examiner

National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners consists of a database of certified medical examiners (MEs) who have passed certain tests and received specific training and certification. These enable these MEs to effectively determine if a driver’s medical fitness for duty meets FMCSA’s standards and related guidance.


The main job of the certified MEs is to perform medical examinations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers in interstate commerce.


The goals and objectives of the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners


The National Registry was created to improve highway safety and driver health. The goal of this listing is to promote and preserve the highest level of professional standards, training, and care among medical examiners.

The objectives of the National Registry are to: 

  • Ensure that medical examiners understand fully the medical standards in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and related guidance and how they apply to CMV drivers.
  • Maintain ongoing competency of medical examiners through training, testing, certification and recertification.
  • Promote public confidence in the quality of the medical examinations of CMV drivers.
  • Ensure that the list of certified medical examiners is easily accessible.
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FMCSA rules and regulation

FMCSA rules and regulation


The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published rules and regulations that created a National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners


As of May 21, 2014, the FMCSA:

  • Requires that motor carriers and drivers use only medical examiners on the National Registry.
  • Accepts as valid only those medical examiners listed on the National registry. This means that as of May 21, 2014, commercial drivers can no longer get a DOT exam performed by the following practitioners unless they are certified and listed on the National Registry of Medical Examiners:
    • A general practitioner
    • Internal medicine physician
    • Chiropractor
    • Other provider
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Becoming a certified medical examiner

Becoming a certified medical examiner


The certified MEs from the National Registry fully understand the medical standards in the FMCSA Regulations, related guidance and how they relate to the medical demands of operating a commercial motor vehicle.


All healthcare professionals can apply to become a certified medical examiner if their scope of practice authorizes them to perform physical examinations, as defined by the state in which they practice.


The National Registry requires medical examiners to participate in required training, pass a certification test, and register on the National Registry system to become a certified medical examiner. Certified medical examiners agree to keep their National Registry accounts up to date (licenses, training records, etc.).


Implementation of the National Registry program helps make our nation’s highways safer. It reflects the commitment of the Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration towards this ideal.


The National Registry requires medical examiners to participate in required training, pass a certification test, and register on the National Registry system to become a certified medical examiner. Certified medical examiners agree to keep their National Registry accounts up to date (licenses, training records, etc.).


Learn more about becoming a certified medical examiner.

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