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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!
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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information updated 3/15/2023
Out on sick leave. Medical cert. expired. Do not know when I can return to work but hope in a few weeks. How can I keep CDL’s.
@Terry
Contact your local drivers license department and let them know your circumstances. They should have a process to take care of this.
I leave in Alabama, i have sleep apnia and using c pap nightly, do I have to have sleep study every year,
@Mike
No you don’t need to repeat the sleep study. You just need to show good compliance from the cpap report and have a medical release form from your doctor.
I’ve had report done on CPap it showed 32% use Dr office said it had to be at 70% denied my med card how long do I have to wait after I get it to 70% to get medical card back
@ Robin B
Once you can provide a 30 day report with 70% compliance, then you can do a new DOT medical examination.
Can you get a medical examiners certificate in Al for a crane operator if you have a defibrillator? This is not for cdl. This is just for medical examiners certificate. Health card only.
@Debra
Check with the state on this one. There may be guidelines within the state that would allow it. As a cdl holder it’s one thing but as a medical certificate with the states approval, you may be in luck.
I faxed my medical examiner’s certificate in and they have me listed as a class D driver. What’s going on? My License No is (deleted for privacy). Please give me a call @ (deleted) ASAP! Thank you!
If I am on FMLA, how do I go about keeping my CDL? Do I have to just reinstate? (Cancels in sept) once I am cleared to work? Is this a legal reason to keep my CDL in Alabama?
Thanks
@Vivian
Best to go in to your local drivers license department to take care of keeping your CDL.
Can I get a medical card for just driving a dump truck in state if I have a pacemaker defibulater.
@Ricky
This one you will need to check with your state drivers license department for their ruling regarding the defib. unit.
If a cdl is suspended or canceled what has to be done to reinstate it?
@Dave
Every state has it’s own process, which differs from state to state.
You’ll need to contact your state drivers license department to take care of your CDL.
I had my physical before the old physical card expired. My employer said he would send in but did not. After i got a letter from DOT, i immediate faxed in to published # (334-353-1980). How do I know that DOT receiver my physical card and do I have a grace period to send physical card to DOT??
thanks Charlie
@Charles
Sorry we can’t help you with state level information, other than what we’ve already posted on this page.
Each state is different as far as their grace period, fees, etc.
The only way to know if they have your updated information, is for your to contact Alabama DPS directly.
go to alabama self certifacation web site follow directions and it will show you your info