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Arkansas CDL Requirements
All CDL drivers in the State of Arkansas are required to have a valid DOT medical card, unless the type of commerce you drive qualifies as ‘Excepted’.
Interstate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Intrastate Non-Excepted
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
Self-Certification Process
Submit the following two documents:
- State of Arkansas Self-Certification Affidavit – download the form here from Arkansas DFA.
- Copy of your valid DOT medical certificate (Medical card only, not the long form.) Enlarge the copy to ensure that all information is legible.
By Mail:
Safety Responsibility
Ragland Building, Room 1120
P.O. Box 1272
Little Rock, AR 72203
By Fax:
(501) 682-2100
In Person:
At any Arkansas Revenue Office
Other Contact Information:
Website: Arkansas DFA Driver Services
CDL Medical Certification Requirements FAQ
Questions: If you need additional information call 501-682-7100 and ask for a medical certification customer service representative.
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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Does everyone that drives a company vehicle have to have A DOT physical
@ Renee
In most states it is required that a driver operating a company vehicle have a valid medical card.
Can u get an extention on ur dot physical or do u have to renew it on the day it goes out
My question is my medical card exp on the 23 of Jan and I can’t get in till a day or two after that to get a new one but I’m not driving a truck at all at this time will they take my cdl class a or what
@Pierce
Each state treats this process differently. Only people who can confirm your question are the folks at you local DMV. Call them and see if they can make a note on your file if there might be a problem.
Does the Medical Card have to be on person or as long as it is in the truck? The new medical cards are huge and my guys are complaining about making their wallets bulky.
@Maranda
Unfortunately the new medical cards cannot be reduced in size to credit card size as they become illegible. As long as the driver can produce the card when asked for it, having it in the truck should not be a problem.
Do the addresses have to be the same on cdl and medical card? I was visiting my brother and put down his adress because I do get mail there instead of my Arkansas address. My medical card had expired and I needed to get it renewed.
@Melvin
It is always nice and does not leave room for DOT questions about the difference in address, but it does not really matter. Your present medical card is valid and should not cause any problems.
If I drive local in state do I have to have a medical card. I have a valid cdl but my medical card is expired and I did register my card but it has expired.
@Robert
Most states are now requiring a valid medical card if you are going to maintain your commercial drivers license.
Check with your state DLD to confirm that you need a valid medical certificate to keep you CDL.
I have a new medical card but have forgotten to turn it in can I still keep my class a license if I turn it it in promptly
@Raymond
You’ll need to check the current status of your CDL with your local drivers license department. And ‘yes’ submit a copy of your medical card asap.
Aside from running MVR’s to see if a driver has certified his/her medical examiners certificate with the state of Arkansas, is there a site carriers can use to simply check the status of a license without paying for a full report? Several states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin have wonderful sites where carriers can at least check the status when checking to verify a driver has complied with the new medical certification requirements.