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Washington CDL Requirements
All CDL holders must self-certify in person between January 30, 2012 and January 30, 2014.
If you don’t self-certify before the deadline, Washington SDL will change your CDL record to show “not certified,” and you won’t legally be allowed to operate a commercial vehicle. You can return your status to normal by submitting a self-certification form and, if required, a copy of your medical certificate.
You must visit a driver licensing office to self-certify. Mailed in forms are not accepted.
The category you self-certify will determine whether you have to keep a medical certificate on file with Washington SDL, or not.
See WA State Licensing Official Site
Interstate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. You must keep a current copy of your medical certificate on file with WA SDL.
Intrastate Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. You do not have to keep your medical certificate on file with WA SDL but you must carry it with you when operating a CMV.
Intrastate
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. You do not have to keep your medical certificate on file with WA SDL but you must carry it with you when operating a CMV.
Per RCW 46.25.055 CDL drivers must carry Medical Examiners Card in Washington.
How to Self-Certify and File your Medical Certificate
- You must submit a completed self-certification form in person at a driver licensing office. Mailed in forms are not accepted.
- Non-excepted interstate drivers must also submit a valid medical examiner’s certificate with the self-certification form.
Keep Your Medical Certificate Current With Washington Department of Licensing
The first time you self-certify as a non-excepted interstate driver, you must submit your medical certificate in person.
After that, you may mail, or fax, or email your new medical certificate before the old one expires.
By Mail:
CDL Medical Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507-9030
By Fax:
360-570-4915
By Email: (please do not email questions to this email)
CDLMed@DOL.WA.GOV
Other Information:
Washington State Department of Licensing – Commercial Driver License (official website)
Self-Certification and Medical Certificate FAQ
Intrastate Medical Waiver:
Intrastate Medical Waivers
Contact: CDL Program DOL Tiffany Cooper 360-902-3819
Questions:
If you have questions about your medical certificate or self-certification, you may call WA SDL at 360.902.3900 or email drivers@dol.wa.gov
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…
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I was injured at my place of employment and have been on L&I since then. My medical card recently expired. Am I required to keep current with my medical.card while healing from my injuries? Or is there a grace period allowing me to have extra time to renew my medical card because I am still on L&I.
@ Lisa C
You cannot do a new medical examination until you are released to return to work. Best to check with your local drivers license department, explain your situation and then follow their procedures.
Would a Texas clinic DOT medical card would work to renew my washington state cdl. ?
@ Jose V
Yes. Please make sure you get a copy of your new medical card to Washington states drivers license department. They need it to update your information to your cdl.
If I have had a blood clot but no medication can I keep my cdl/ medical card
@ Shondra
For a class A cdl, you need a new medical card examination, as long as everything is working normally, you will be fine.
Can my primary care doctor fill out the cardiology part of my dot physical?
@ Thomas
Your primary should simply provide the information that the CME needs to complete your DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination, along with a medical release form.
I have not received a medical card for my CDL and only have the temporary paper one the physician gave me, how do I request another card? I need the expiration date for work applications and the paper one does not show that information.
@ Nancy B
Get in touch with the examiners office and ask them. All the information should be on the medical card (paper copy) that you received.
Do I need to be released to full duty by my Dr to pass a CDL physical? I’m on modified duty but it specifically states I can still commercially drive on my APF.
@ Curious
DOT/FMCSA for a class A interstate driver must be fully released to return to work. Lesser class cdl’s fall under your states guidelines.
I have had a icd defibrillator put in at 36. I’ve driven for a nation wide trash company here in Washington for over 16 years. But I had a freak heart thing and now have this implant. So far two dot doctors told me no I no longer can qualify for a medical cards. But Washington offers a medical waiver. Does anyone know if I will be approved or is this going to get a no answer as-well?
@ C
Everything may depend on the class cdl you hold. If less than a class A, you will fall under your states guidelines and variances. The state has its own regulations and it seems that your last couple medical examiners are holding you to a class A standard. Check with your states DLD for guidance.
how can a doctor certify a cdl class a with haz mat and the driver is not present?
@ albert m v
Not posible. If this happened, then the CME will lose his certification from DOT/FMCSA.
If you are on L&I, can you still renew your medical card?
@ Mark
For a class A cdl, you would not be qualified for the DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination until you are released to return to work.
Can I get my cld if my expired med card . How long is grace period after expiration date of med card
@ Ida R
Since your cdl is a state issued document, you need to check with them. There is no grace period for an expired medical card.
If you don’t pass your medical certification card how long do you have till you no longer have your cdl ?
@ Brenda R
Different states, different rules for cdl’s. You would need to check with your local DLD for the best answer.
Of I have high blood pressure willi get my license? Plus what do they do in the DOT physical, do they take blood work?
@ Trish
License are a state document, so check with your local DLD for a best answer. No blood work done during a standard DOT medical certification examination, (medical card).