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Alabama CDL Requirements
All Alabama CDL holders are required to certify the type of commercial operation they’re engaged in.
Interstate Non-Excepted
If you choose Non-Excepted Interstate, you must, in addition to a completed self-certified application, provide the DPS with a current Federal DOT medical certificate.
Failure to submit the required forms to the Alabama Department of Public Safety will result in the cancellation of your commercial driver license.
Submit your Medical Certificate to Alabama DPS
Submit a copy of your valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate – Form MCSA-5876.
By Mail:
Alabama Department of Public Safety
Driver License Division
CDL Unit
P.O. Box 1471
Montgomery, AL 36102-1471
or
Use online services to view or submit your DOT Medical Card or Self-Certification.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Drivers License Online Services
Disclaimer
Your DOT Medical Card needs to be submitted before the current one on file expires. To avoid any overlap with your driving privilege, it is recommended to submit it at least 2 weeks prior to the expiration date.
Expiration:
If your medical card expires, and you haven’t renewed it, Alabama DPS will notify you that you are no longer medically certified to operate a CMV in non-excepted Interstate commerce. If a current medical examiners certificate and if applicable the variance (waiver) is not received within 45 days all your CDL privileges will be removed from your license.
Other Information:
Link for Alabama CDL Frequently Asked Questions
Special Information Updates Pertaining To ALL STATES
June 23, 2025: FMCSA electronic reporting requirements for DOT Medical Certificates will be fully enforced.
See detailed information at FMCSA Medical Examiner Certificate Reporting Requirements for CDL Drivers
CDL Drivers
The good news:
• You no longer have to go through the hassles of updating your medical card with your SDLA.
• You no longer have to carry your medical card with you.
Is there ‘not so good’ news?
Safeguard your CDL! How does the new DOT Medical Certificate reporting process affect your CDL?
Non-CDL Drivers
The electronic reporting requirements do not affect non-CDL drivers.
• The medical examiner must give you a physical MEC Form MCSA-5876.
• You should keep your medical certificate available at all times whilst driving a CMV.
• You will still need to provide a copy of the MEC to the companies you work for.
Your Feedback Is Welcome
Dealing with Federal DOT Regulations across the board is tough enough!
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information updated 3/15/2023
I work for ALDOT, but in the public sector and have been asked by several OTR drivers about new regulations concerning body weight and size of neck. I have searched all through the new regulations and cannot find any information on this. Also, is there a simple list of new changes to the Federal medical requirements for CDLs? Thank you for any information you can pass my way.
The Feds do not grant med waivers for insulin dependency.
It’s not a regulation, just guidance. Doctors need to throughly examine any person who is over weight or has a neck size of 18″ or larger.
Most medical professionals say that obese people have an increased chance of developing sleep apnea and need to be evaluated.
When answering questions from the doctor who is performing you DOT Physical he/she may ask you if you snore or have trouble sleeping or if you’re always tired. If you answer yes to any of those questions, whether you’re over weight or not may just get you a sleep apnea test and a 90 med card.
Does the state of Alabama disqualify a driver for being diagnosed with Sleep Apnea even with use of a Cpap machine? Thank you.
@Alexander
I don’t believe so. If they follow FMCSA and DOT rulings then your medical card and the right to drive are limited to a one year medical certificate. You could check with Alabama DMV to get further information.
Usually not disqualified, however you may be issued a 90 day med card until an evaluation for sleep apnea is performed.
if im blind in 1 eye can i still get a medical card
@John
Yes, you can get a medical card.
That being said, you will run into restrictions if you plan to drive long haul.
If you are going to drive local / intra-state, then you should check with your local DMV to determine what your state restrictions may be.
Long haul is going to require a visual waiver and some special testing for basic skills while driving as a monocular driver.
Good Luck.
I mailed in my dot health card and did the self cert. On line. This was done on march 6th 2014. After recieving the letter of cansalation. How do I find out the statice of my licence.
how do you check status on your med card that I have sent in to make sure they got it?
I have my cdl but do not use it currently I do not wish to lose it incase I need to use it in the future how do I certify it will I have to go get a current dot physical or is their a way no cerify with out getting a physical?
@ Jeremy
I believe in your state you will have to get a current medical examination and a new medical card to be able to maintain your cdl.
I work for the city of Huntsville Landscape Management. 2 of my employees have CDL’s. They have been under the impression that they were exempt from the medical card requirement because the work for a municipality. Has this changed? Where they wrong?
Any help would be appreciated!
Scott
@ Scott
To the best of my knowledge, everyone who has a cdl must maintain a current medical card. No matter where they work. These new rules started being enforced with the FMCSA’s wish to be able to scan a drivers license and have all the drivers records on file and available for the DOT and/or police officers. I would confirm with AL. DMV, I know this is true in Utah.
was wandering how to certify the type of commercial operation i’m engaged in, i only drive occasionally for my cousin who owns a tractor and equipment shop, its not a 18wheeler, its a 36ft flatbed trailer and a 4500 dodge truck, we haul farm equipment solely for repair and some resale by my cousin, at times have had to go to mississippi, georgia, and kentucky. only 1day runs no long hauls. got my cdl’s for wal-mart way back, been retired since aug. 2010, just drive occasionally for my cousin at 4C Farms, the truck is not equipped with air brakes just standard electric on trailer, don’t really know if i have to have cdl’s for this truck and trailer……….thanks, please advise, was not aware of this new deal, till i got cancellation in the mail…………..
@ James
At least here in Utah, if you operate a vehicle in excess of 10,001 lbs. you have to have a current medical card. Now, you can have a standard class D drivers license, not a cdl, but if the vehicle combination is over 10,001 lbs. and is being used for commerce the medical is needed. That’s Utah. Check with your DMV to confirm your state requirements.
I am a diesel mechnic retired from the city of Florence Al, I work part time for self I go out and pick trucks up and drive them back to shop. I never had to have a health card is this something new? My Commercial driver license doe’s not expire until 01-13-2016. I have had these license for 40 yrs.
if i wanted to drive long haul i was wondering what self-certification category am required to follow. will it be non-excepted interstate or excepted intrastate
@Catasha
Non-Excepted Interstate.
See article on Self-Certification Requirements for more information.