Commercial Driver License Downgrades

What must I do if I get a NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE AND LICENSE DOWNGRADE?

If the cause is "Failed to comply with Commissioners request to submit acceptable medical documentation"

You must immediately submit a copy of your USDOT Medical Examiners Certificate to the Medical Certification Unit.


If the cause is "Your US DOT Medical Examiners certificate has expired"

You must immediately submit an updated copy of your USDOT Medical Examiners Certificate to the Medical Certification Unit.


If the cause is "Your Medical Variance has expired, or your USDOT Medical Examiners Certificate or your Medical Variance has been rescinded or revoked"

You must contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or your Medical Examiner to have this issue resolved.


You can send the required documents to DMV by mail, fax or e-mail.

Mailing address:   

NYS DMV
Medical Certification Unit
PO Box 2601
Albany, NY  12220-0601

 
Fax: (518) 486-4421 / (518) 486-3260 Make a note of the fax number you are faxing from.  In the event that you need to confirm receipt of your faxed  medical certificate, DMV will track it using the fax number you faxed from.

e-mail:  [email protected] Put your first and last name in the subject line.  In the event that you need to confirm receipt of your e-mailed medical certificate, DMV will track it using the information in the subject line.

 

Drivers can monitor their own CLP/CDL medical certification status through MyDMV and subscribe for text and/or email notifications.


What will happen if I don't respond to the NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE AND LICENSE DOWNGRADE?

Failure to respond to the NOTICE OF NON-COMPLIANCE AND LICENSE DOWNGRADE will result in your Commercial Driver License automatically being downgraded to a Non-CDL class and/or your Commercial Learner Permit being cancelled as of the effective date on the notice.  We strongly recommend that you submit your required information to the Medical Certification Unit at least 20 days before the effective date of the downgrade. This will allow for receipt and processing time.

 

If the downgrade/cancellation occurs, your must complete and present an application to reinstate your commercial privileges in person at a DMV office.  All normal transaction fees will apply.  If you are a Commercial Learner Permit holder, you will need to retake any applicable knowledge tests you passed more than 1 year from the date you apply for reinstatement.

 

See location, instructions and reservation information for your DMV

If you no longer want a Commercial Driver License/ Commercial Learner Permit, you can get a non-commercial duplicate license online after the “Effective Date” on the downgrade notice.  The commercial class license document in your possession will no longer be valid.

 

Note: You may be charged with a violation of the Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL)  if you operate a commercial motor vehicle when

  • not medically certified (VTL 509 (7-a))
  • not in possession of the appropriate license to operate the vehicle (VTL 509(7), or
  • not holding the appropriate class of license to operate the vehicle VTL 509(2)

Sections 509(2) and 509(7) are considered” serious” disqualifying offenses under federal and state law, when committed in a commercial motor vehicle.  If you are convicted of more than one “serious”, you commercial driver license may be suspended.