For the City-Times

CDL holders have one week to tell DMV where they drive commercially or lose their CDLs. The deadline is January 30.

If you are a commercial driver license (CDL) holder, the federal government now requires that you let the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) know two things:

• whether you operate interstate or intrastate
• and whether you are required to carry a Medical Examiner Certificate, commonly referred to as a Fed Med Card.

Interstate drivers who are required to carry a Fed Med Card must now keep a current copy of that card on record with the DMV.

“DMV is very concerned that some drivers either haven’t yet heard about this new requirement or, if they have, that they might need more clarification,” said DMV Driver Qualification Chief Alison Lebwohl. “We’re at a critical point; those who have not yet complied will lose their CDLs.”

The fastest, easiest and cheapest way to do this is to go online at www.cdl.wi.gov. The process takes about five to ten minutes. The online application is designed for mobile devices as well, and can be completed with a smart phone. The application requires:

• driver license number
• product number (11 digit number on the back upper corner of a CDL)
• the last four digits of the CDL holder’s Social Security number

CDL holders may choose one of four tiers, a process called certification. The tier they choose will determine where they are allowed to drive. DMV recommends choosing Tier 1 because it is the most flexible choice and covers all commercial driving circumstances. Those choosing Tier 1 will also have to provide DMV with a copy of their Fed Med Card. Lebwohl stresses that this is most simply done with our online application at www.cdl.wi.gov. She notes, “We even have an online instructional video for those who want to see a demonstration of how to certify and upload their Fed Med Card. We’ve tried to make it easy for drivers.” Employers may also use the same online application, or they may choose to use our employer notification system – Public Abstract Record System (PARS). PARS can also be found at www.cdl.wi.gov.

Those who prefer not to use the online application may print out a form called the MV3230 which can also be found at www.cdl.wi.gov (type MV3230 in the search box). Print it, fill it out and either:

• Fax:      (608) 261-8201 or
• Mail:    WisDOT Attn: CDL Certification

PO Box 7995, Madison, WI 53707-7995

Find out more about this new federal requirement for CDL holders at the official Wisconsin DMV web site: www.wisconsindmv.gov, in the Announcements section.