Renewing extended credentials

The COVID-19 pandemic has led state and federal government agencies to issue extensions of expiring credentials, many of which are still in effect. MTAC respectfully urges members to not wait until the end of any applicable extension to act on renewing credentials. If your business and/or your employees are currently operating on expired credentials, and…

Connecticut DMV sign

The COVID-19 pandemic has led state and federal government agencies to issue extensions of expiring credentials, many of which are still in effect. MTAC respectfully urges members to not wait until the end of any applicable extension to act on renewing credentials. If your business and/or your employees are currently operating on expired credentials, and have the ability to begin the renewal process now, you should do so. Outlined below are some examples of extended credentials that may currently apply to your business or your employees.

Medical Cards
FMCSA recently announced an extension of their medical card waiver until September 30, 2020. MTAC urges members who are still able, to have a physical completed by a Certified Medical Examiner (CME). Drivers should not let their medical cards expire solely because of this waiver. This waiver is meant for drivers who are truly unable to get an appointment with a CME. Members can use this FMCSA website to search for CMEs in Connecticut who are qualified to perform the physical examinations. Additionally, once the driver has obtained medical certification, the medical cards (short form) must be submitted to Connecticut DMV using this website.

Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDLs)
CDLs are covered under CT DMV’s extensions which hold that credentials that expire between March 10, 2020 and June 30, 2020 were extended by 180-days, and credentials that expire between July 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020 are extended by 90-days. CDL renewals are being done by appointment only. MTAC understands that appointments are filling up very quickly, thus a good reason to not wait. You can make an appointment using this website.

Registration Renewals
Registration renewals are covered under CT DMV’s extensions which hold that credentials that expire between March 10, 2020 and June 30, 2020 were extended by 180-days, and credentials that expire between July 1, 2020 and July 31, 2020 are extended by 90-days. Members are advised to not wait until the end of any applicable extension to begin the renewal process. This CT DMV website does a good job of explaining the IRP renewal process.

Hazardous Material Endorsement (HME)
In early April, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) granted an exemption that permitted state licensing agencies to grant up to a 180 day extension on a Hazardous Material Endorsement (HME) security threat assessment for drivers whose HMEs expired on March 1, 2020 or later within 180 days of the notice’s publication. This basically means that some drivers may have received an extension of their HME. Drivers operating on an extended (expired) HME should not wait to begin the renewal process. CT DMV has produced a helpful document regarding the HME renewal process.

Members are encouraged to regularly check the DMV website (and its sub-pages) for updates, as well as this State of Connecticut website for general updates related to COVID-19.

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