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updated: March 8, 2024
Kentucky CDL Requirements
Kentucky law requires all CDL drivers to have a valid DOT medical card.
While FMCSA only requires medical certification for drivers operating in non‐excepted operations, Kentucky requires all CDL holders to be medically certified (601 KAR 1:005) regardless of category selected.
All Kentucky CDL Holders Must Be Medically Certified
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Self Certification and Medical Card Submission
Submit the following two documents:
- Commercial Driver License Self-Certification, form TC 94-169. Download the form here from Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Division of Driver Licensing.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical card (Medical card only, not the long form). Provide a legible copy of both front and back of the medical card. Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
By Mail:
Division of Driver Licensing
200 Metro St.
Frankfort, KY 40622
We will no longer accept any documents submitted through fax and/or e-mail.
MyCDL website:
You now must submit your Medical Certifications, Self-Certifications and Commercial Applications through the KY MyCDL website
First time users will need to create a Kentucky Business One Stop (KBOS) account, if you don’t already have one. This account creation is a one-time requirement. You will use the same User ID and Password each time you log into your KBOS account.
By submitting your documents through the MyCDL website, you will receive an immediate confirmation email that the document(s) are received and another email when the CDLIS driving record has been updated.
We believe this service will make document submission and processing faster and easier for everyone. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Special Information Updates Pertaining To ALL STATES
MEDICAL EXAMINERS MUST CONTINUE TO ISSUE MEDICAL CERTIFICATES TO ALL DRIVERS
The FMCSA has requested that all medical examiners continue providing drivers with a paper copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate – Form MCSA-5876, so that Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders can provide a copy to the State licensing agency, and the non-CDL drivers can provide the documentation to their employers and Federal and State enforcement officials.
The Agency is currently completing efforts to put into place an electronic system to enable medical examiners to transmit the medical certificate information from the National Registry system to the State licensing agencies.
Until that system is completed, which compliance date according FMCSA is June 23, 2025, medical examiners must continue to issue paper copies of the medical certificates to drivers who pass the medical exam.
ALL DRIVERS MUST CONTINUE TO CARRY A PAPER COPY OF THEIR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Commercial Drivers – You still need to carry a paper copy of your medical card, until FMCSA announces that this is no longer necessary.
Your Feedback Is Welcome
Dealing with Federal DOT Regulations across the board is tough enough!
But when it comes to State Regulations — There are 50 different sets of rules. Someone could move the goal posts at any time…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
Go to the Questions and Comments box below and post your feedback.
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NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
Robert E N says
FMCSA requires interstate drivers who operate a vehicle over 10,000 lbs. – 26,000lbs. to maintain a medical card.
If a driver only operates a 10,000 – 26,000 lbs. vehicle in the state of Kentucky Intrastate commerce only, is he or she required to have a medical card.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Robert E N
Depends on your cdl class and you travel intra-state only, you are under your states guidelines and variances. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department (DLD).
Robert E N says
Thanks I have contacted KY DLD, no one can answer my question.
Thanks
Robert
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Robert E N
If your local DLD cannot answer the questions, stop a police officer or a DOT officer and ask for clarity on this issue. They will be the ones writing the ticket if it is an issue.
Joseph says
I’ve. Had to have a class A CDL 24 26 years not sure. I had to have a surgery and serious financial difficulty my medical was due and license. I hadn’t worked I 2 years here I sit spend money on something I can’t use right now or feed kids. I’m better off now but I have to take the written test instead of just getting physical and send in do people normally forget how to drive if they haven’t in few years there is only one answer to this money grief for me running bc they moved our DMV 30 miles away. I ask why all them years I’m good. Miss a few and now I’m to dumb some people hit bumps in life some are large. The people that made this law draw a nice check fro government and no bumps yet
Bradley H says
Can I get my CDL with a defibrillator?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Bradley H
Much will depend on the class cdl you are applying for. Less than a class A cdl will fall under the states guidelines and variances. Class A interstate, falls under the federal DOT/FMCSA regulations and is more stringent.
Tom says
I read on Kentucky farm bureau that in Kentucky driving for a farm hauling gain in state under 150 air miles that your not required to have a dot physical is that true
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Tom
You will need to confirm this statement with KY. drivers license department.
Martin B says
I have a Class A Illinois Interstate Excepted CDL. Am I correct that I can’t get that same license in Kentucky without a valid DOT medical card?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Martin B
These questions are for the local drivers license departments to clarify for you.
Daniel H says
How long do I have to renew my dot physical before losing my class a cdl??
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Daniel H
Your cdl is state issued and each state has its own rules. Best to get the physical done and get a copy of the medical card to your local DLD ASAP. Some states are running 2-6 weeks behind in getting your information into their data base.
Payl says
I have a medical card but not cdl lic does it need to be attached to my driver license
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Payl
Most states do not require the medical card be attached to a non cdl license. Do confirm this with your local drivers license department.
Kody says
If it is time to get my 24 month dot physical to keep my CDL active, but I am currently in a walking boot due to a broken bone in my right foot, should I still get my physical done or is there some type of extension I can apply for? Thank you.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Kody
Wait to get the boot off, then do the physical. Then get a copy of the new medical card to your local DLD, ASAP.
Debbie says
Does dialysis disqualify you from getting a DOT?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Debbie
No. Much will depend on why and what class drivers license you carry.
Richard R says
My dot medical expred in September of last year I took thar year off to take care and rid myself of real estate what are my requirements to get my cdl back
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Richard R
Since your cdl is a state issued document, you’ll need check with your local DLD for guidance.
Fergerson R says
When a person has had surgery on their knees and their Dot expires while they’re still under doctors care. What can a person do?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Fergerson R
Notify your local DLD and explain your situation. They should have a process in place and can guide you through it. Then, once released to return to work, get a new medical card and turn a copy into your DLD.
Phil says
If a driver receives a new DOT card, are they still permitted to drive if the state has not yet connected their new DOT card to their license? My company is stating that if it could take the state up to 10 days to update it, I am not permitted to drive until the state has the opportunity to update the system. Is this accurate? Where can I locate this rule?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Phil
In our state they allow a 45 day delay before legal action is required. As long as you have a valid copy of your new medical card and you have turned in a copy to your local DLD, you should be good to drive. If there is a questions about this, it will be best answered by your local DLD.