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CDL HOLDERS:  As of June 16, 2025, DMV will no longer accept a paper medical certificate.  Your certificate will be sent electronically to DMV.  Learn more here. 

SMISHING SCAM ALERT: We have been informed that some residents are receiving fraudulent text messages and phone calls. Please be advised that the CT DMV does NOT contact residents regarding motor vehicle related violations.

WALK-IN SERVICES: Walk-in services are not available at our Cheshire, Putnam, and Stamford locations. Additionally, none of our locations offer walk-in services on Saturdays. Residents should expect long wait times if they do not have an appointment. Our appointment system is updated in real time, with new appointments added regularly. 

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 DMV 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 as a CDL Holder/Applicant:

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: Doctor submits

Once your doctor fills out the paperwork, the doctor will need to upload your medical certification results through the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

 

Step 3: DMV receives

Once uploaded into the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners, your Medical Examiners Certificate information will be sent to Connecticut DMV electronically, and your medical information will be posted to your license file.   

 

How to get a medical certificate as a Class D w/PPE holder/applicant or Class D license holder requiring a medical certificate (ex. Box Truck Driver): 

 

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: You submit to DMV 
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, or you are not medically cleared, your medical status becomes “Not Certified.” 

 

You will receive a letter about downgrading your commercial ranking. If a new and valid medical certificate is not electronically received by the date listed on that letter, your license will be downgraded to Class D and you will no longer be authorized to operate a commercial vehicle. 

 

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 a new and valid medical certificate is not electronically received 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

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


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 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:
    • Practice nurse
    • Chiropractor
    • DO
    • MD
    • Physician Assistant
    • Other provider (Certified by the National Registry)
ReadMore