This article has been updated a number of times as new information regarding Medical Examiner’s Certification has been published by FMCSA.
We have left the history of this blog post, and updated the latest information at the top of the page.
2024 Medical Certification Forms MCSA-5875 & MCSA-5876
New expiration date on the forms is 03/31/2025.
PDF Versions of the forms are available at these links on the FMCSA website:
- Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
The date found on the top right corner of the Medical Examination Report Form, MCSA-5875 and Medical Examiner’s Certificate, MCSA-5876, is the date of expiration for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved information collection 2126-0006, that includes the Medical Examination Report Form, MCSA-5875 and Medical Examiner’s Certificate, MCSA-5876
Previously the expiration date was 12/31/2024.
Previously the expiration date was 11/30/2021.
Previously the expiration date was 09/30/2019.
Previously the expiration date was 08/31/2018.
DOTPhysicalDOCTORS will update this website when new forms are available.
What does this mean to Drivers and Medical Examiners?
- Continue using the original paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876 for all qualified drivers including Commercial Learner’s Permit/Commercial Driver’s License applicants/holders.
- Continue submitting paper copies of Medical Examiner’s Certificates, Form MCSA-5876 to State Driver’s Licensing Agencies.
The Physical Qualifications Have Not Changed
The physical qualifications (FMCSA regulations and guidelines) to be applied by a medical examiner to qualify drivers for a medical card have not changed, even though the forms have changed since 2015.
The differences you’ll notice:
- The forms ask for more information than the previous forms, used before the changes in 2015.
- Medical examiners are being required to submit more information to support their qualifying decisions, especially where medical conditions exist. This means medical examiners are being more thorough than some used to be, regarding existing medical conditions.
What this means for drivers:
- Be well prepared before you get to your DOT physical appointment.
- Choose your medical examiner wisely!
Find a driver friendly DOT Physical Doctor near you.
- Find a DOT physical doctor who understands the big picture of commercial driving, and the lifestyle challenges you face.
- You want to be evaluated by an medical examiner who considers your overall health condition and fitness to drive.
- Just going to any examiner who may disqualify you on a checklist item on the form, may cost you lost time, lost money, or even your job.
Wiser Is Better.
Choose Your DOT Physical Doctor Wisely!
I was told that I could only get a six month certificate because I was 71 years old otherwise I passed my physical and should’ve been able to get a one year certificate. Is this true or is this only for bus drivers?
Thanks, Steve
@ Steven G K
This is not a law or ruling. It is up to the medial examiner, based on his findings and opinions. Next time try another medical examiner else where.
I was diagnosed with CHF in 2021. Have been taking Entresto and Jardiance. Currently I am not driving but do plan to keep my CDL in New York state for when I retire. I used to drive a School Bus, have a Class B license. Would this cardiac condition disqualify me?
@ Rowilson F
Your cdl is state governed and not under DOT/FMCSA, which is for class A, interstate drivers. Best to confirm with your local drivers license department for clarity on this issue.