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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…
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information updated 3/15/2023
Type 1 diabetic since age 5, 31 now, can I get a CDL for Alabama?
@ Pete C
You will want to check with the states drivers license department for the cdl portion of the question. You will either be limited to driving within the states borders or you will need an insulin weaver from the FMCSA if you plan on driving interstate. Getting the weaver takes a long time and is not guaranteed. Driving intra-state would be your best option, if your state has guidelines for your condition.
Being diabetic and not being able to obtain a cdl is no different than being discriminated against especially if your up in age and that’s all you know look at all the obese truck drivers that can’t walk across the parking lot they even have handicap parking spots if your diabetic and can’t get a cdl sounds like a free disability check thanks to the great state that says you can’t drive
@ Mark
There are lots of diabetic OTR drivers, just not insulin dependent diabetic.
Hello, I currently have My CDL and it is time to renew my medical card. Went to my DOT DR and was told since I had a PFO Closure it is required that I have to wait 3 months before I can renew my medical card. My CDL will expire before my 3 month period. So if I loose my CDL Certification what will I have to do to get them back.
Thanks Terry
@Terry
You want to check with your local drivers license department and explain your situation. You should not have to do anything if the state has a policy in place for circumstances like yours.
If you take a AL DOT physical does it include drug and alcohol testing if you have already had a pre-employment drug screen and you aren’t CDL.
@Cg
The DOT physical exam does not include drug and alcohol testing.
Drug and alcohol testing is a separate process that may be requested by the employer.
how after I sent my new medical card, my CDL will be reintalled?
@Kate
You need to check with your local drivers license department to make sure that it is reinstated. There may be a fee, or something else you need to do depending on how long ago it was downgraded, and what the Alabama DLD process is.
Do u have to have a health card to drive a grain truck for a farmer I work for the City government have class A CDL but we are exempt from dot health card
@Derrick
You’ll need to check with your local drivers license department to be sure since this will be a state-related requirement.
I submitted, by fax, my husband DOT physical 4 days before his current medical card expired. I have the confirmation showing that the fax went through. My father in law just gave us a letter, that was put in his mailbox by mistake dated in March. It says they never received my husband medical papers (we faxed) and his CDL is suspended indefinitely. What should we do? We did send it in before it was due.
@Confused
The only person who can help you with this is someone in your local drivers license department.
Take the new medical card, and the fax confirmation to dld and someone there should be able to rectify this situation for you.
I had this problem in Alabama. I showed up at the DMV to renew my CDL and was told it was suspended because of not renewing my medical card. I produced the medical card and confirmation of fax. They got it corrected for me. BUT NOW I suggest taking your medical card to the DMV and let them check to see if it’s been entered. My friend says he takes his medical card to the DMV and lets them submit it for him to make sure it happens. It’s a scary situation. Don’t chance any future ones.
I do not drive a CDL required Vehicle anymore but I would like to keep my CDL endorsement . Do I still have to take a CDL physical to keep my Endorsement ?
@Tim
If you don’t keep your medical card current DMV will either downgrade or suspend your drivers license.
I drive a Church bus for Church related activities. If I want to drive the bus out of Alabama do I need to have a physical and get a medical card? Or do I file an excempt self certification?
@Brenda
You need to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer to your question.
I am from New York State, moving to Alabama, will Alabama DMV require me to take a new medical exam, or can I send my current medical card to the state?
@Kevin
Your current medical card will be fine as long as it is “interstate” not “intrastate”.