Transfer your CDL from another state

CDL HOLDERS: Beginning 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.

REGISTRATION SERVICES: We offer appointments to reduce in-office wait times. Residents with an immediate need to register a vehicle may visit any office location, except for Putnam and Stamford. Residents without an appointment may experience longer wait times, as those with appointments will receive priority service. We will do our best to accommodate everyone. (HOURS: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday - 7:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m./Thursday - 9:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Before visiting the DMV, verify that services are available at your desired location.

SCHEDULED SITE MAINTENANCE: Some online services will be unavailable on Saturday, June 14th from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Transfer your out-of-state CDL

If you recently moved to Connecticut and need to transfer your license from another state, make an appointment at a DMV hub office. With a transfer, you can get a Connecticut CDL of equal class without retesting.

Who can transfer

You need to transfer your license if you:

Moved to Connecticut and established residency
Have a current commercial driver’s license

If your CDL is lost, you need to apply for a duplicate from the original state. If that isn’t possible, you need to retest in Connecticut, and apply for a commercial learner’s permit.

When to transfer

You need to transfer your CDL within 30 days of establishing residency in Connecticut.

Medical Examiner Certificate

CDL holders are required to have a valid medical examiner certificate (MCSA-5876) on file at DMV.

Beginning June 16, 2025, the medical examiner is required to upload your MCSA-5876 into the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners Portal. DMV will check the National Registry Portal and retrieve the valid MCSA-5876. For more information, visit this webpage.

Take a vision test

Once all your documentation is completed, you can take a vision test.

Make a CDL transfer appointment

make-change-appointment

Materials

Your current out-of-state CDL
Your certified birth certificate or valid passport
Verification of Connecticut resident address
Application for commercial driver’s license (Form R-229a)
Self-certification
Processing fee

Your current out-of-state CDL

A CDL is not issued if your driving privileges are suspended in any state. A driving history of your current out-of-state CDL is not acceptable. You need to surrender your out-of-state license.

Note: A CDL from Puerto Rico cannot be transferred to Connecticut. You’ll need to downgrade to a Class D (i.e., a non-commercial) license and go through the testing and permit requirements to obtain a CDL license in Connecticut.

Your certified birth certificate or valid passport

Please see more detailed information on acceptable forms of identification. These forms of identification are NOT accepted:

Hospital birth certificate or photocopies
Puerto Rico-issued birth certificates dated before July 1, 2010, are not accepted. Learn more about replacement requirements.

Note: If you are not a citizen of the United States, you need to show proof of legal status in this country.

Verification of Connecticut resident address

A post office (“P.O.”) box is not acceptable. We require two forms of address verification from 2 different sources (mortgage, bank statements, utility bill, etc.).

Application for commercial driver’s license (Form R-229a)

Request this form to be mailed to you.

Self-certification

You should have a DMV self-certification status in your previous state of record before you apply to transfer your out-of-state CDL. If you do not have a self-certification status in your previous state of record, you can self-certify once the CT CDL number is issued prior to leaving the branch.

Processing fee

The fee for a CDL Change State of Record is $70. See acceptable forms of payment.

Transfer a CDL from another state