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California CDL Requirements
California law requires all CDL drivers to meet Federal Motor Carrier qualification requirements under 49 CFR part 391 and have a valid DOT medical card.
- Non-Excepted Interstate
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements. - Non-Excepted Intrastate
You must meet the Federal DOT medical certificate requirements.
California does not have any State variances or exemptions from the federal physical standards. A commercial driver who does not pass the medical examination may qualify for a California intrastate restricted medical certificate (DL 51B). These drivers must submit a MER to DMV showing they did not pass the medical examination in order to be considered for an intrastate restricted medical certificate.
- Excepted
California does not issue a commercial driver license that is “Excepted” from driver qualification requirements.
Medical Certificate Renewal
Drivers renewing their medical certificate may mail a copy of their forms MCSA-5875 and MCSA-5876.
Mail the completed MER and MEC to the address below at least four weeks prior to the expiration of your previous medical or your privilege to drive commercial motor vehicles could become invalid.
When submitting the MER, you are only required to submit pages 1-4. Page 5 of the MER addresses meeting medical standards with a State variance. A State variance would exempt a driver from the federal physical standards. California does not have any State variances or exemptions from the federal physical standards.
Mail to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
CDL Unit, G204
P.O. Box 944278
Sacramento, CA 94244-2780
Other Contact Information:
California Department of Motor Vehicles website: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/
California DMV Commercial Driver License information: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/commercial/commercial
CDL Helpdesk: 916-657-5771 or 916-657-5772
Other Info (California Only):
If you are required to have a commercial driver license as part of your job, your employer shall pay the cost of the examination unless it was taken before you applied for the job (Labor Code §231).
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…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
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updated 11/13/18
I retired in May 2022 ,Do I still need a DOT Medical as I don’t drive commercial anymore
@ Monika H
Most states require a valid medical card to keep your cdl active. Best to confirm with your local DLD.
I recently got shoulder surgery and am unable to pass the DOT physical (my arm is in a sling). My CDL expires in 2 weeks. Does the CA grant an extension for things like these. I don’t want to lose my Class A!!
@ Ken
In most cases like yours, they temporarily suspend your cdl until you can pass a medical certification examination. Touch base with your local drivers license department to confirm and advice them of your situation.
If I have my DOT test due the 27th of this month (Aug) and I get it done few days prior will I still be eligible or will it be late since I had to send my results 4 weeks ahead of time?
@ Angel
You will probably need to take your copy of the medical card to your local drivers license department and have them input the information on to their data base.
My California Class A DOT card expired on July 7, 2022. I have a DOT physical scheduled for the end of August 2022. Once I pass & submit my forms to DMV, will my Class A license automatically be valid ?
@ Vincent J
Since DOT/FMCSA has extended the grace period to the end of August, you may be OK. Confirm with California DLD.
I have class B license. I am not driving any public transport at this moment.
My medical certificate expired. Do I have to renew it? Because I belive I do not have any plan on driving comercial vehicle anymore.
So, can I drive my private car with my class B license without renewing the medical?
@ Sha
You will need to check with your states drivers license department. Most states require a medical card to maintain a valid cdl. Or just downgrade your cdl to a regular drivers license and no medical card is needed.
How early before it expires can I submit my new medical forms? My CDL medical doesn’t expire until January 2023, but I have to take a couple physicals for other job certs this month. Can I submit my DOT medical forms six months before they expire?
Thanks!
@ Bret
Yes.
Does a dot medical have to paid for by the company? Can I get a dot medical from a private Doctor that is Licensed to do dot medical’s?
@ Thomas M
Most drivers get their own DOT medical certifications via a private CME. Company CME’s work for the company and have the companies agenda in mind.
I’m drive a company Ford F350 with DOT Number on the door. I almost never tow and if I do it’s with a 9900GVRW trailer and pretty light loads. I never go above 8000GVRW. My company believes I need a dot health test test/certificate. I don’t, does anyone know?
@ Jason W
Your vehicle is being used for commerce and in most states that requires a medical card/physical. Confirm with your states drivers license department.
I have 2 DOT medical cards, how can I cancel one ?
@ Steve
When you had your second medical examination done, it canceled the first one. You do not need to do anything.
Can I still drive with an expired medical card until the deadline on October 31.
@ Joey
Probably, but why chance it.
Im studying to apply for a Class A CDL in California for intrastate use only. Do I need to complete any kind of medical certification prior to taking my learners permit test?
@ Felipe
Check with your local drivers license department for guidance and confirmation of their process’s.
My medical card expired in November 2021 it is now April 2022 I have not been operating a commercial vehicle so I was not concerned though I do not wanna lose my license do I have a timeline do I need to renew my medical card before my license expires or did I already miss my opportunity I do plan on getting back behind the wheel so I guess now is the time or is it too late
@ Jason k
Best to check with your local drivers license department to determine if you still have a valid cdl. We recommend you have a fresh medical certification card in hand, just in case.
My CDL is up for renewal. I retired a year and a half ago and I’m wondering if they require a medical certificate to renew my cdl?
@ Roger
Most states require a valid medical card to maintain a cdl. But, each state is different, so confirm with your local drivers license department.
my medical card expired and I’m not in the country how long California gives before I loose my cdl
@ fay
Check with California DLD for your best answer. They will have guidelines for your situation.
I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes here in California and hold a class A with tanker endorsement. I have been put on a 1 year renewal for my Medical card. Is it possible to ever get back to a 2 year renewal or am I stuck with once a year renewals for the life of my license.
@ Sal
Since it now will be a ‘history of diabetes’ most likely one year from now on.
Will California DMV contact me when my CDL B physical exam needs renewal?
@ Michael B
I would not count on it in any way.
Can a private individual in California with a CDL drive legally while on oxygen?
@ Craig A.R
It will depend on the cdl class. Lesser than class A will fall under the states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA
If I’m outside the country and my medical is getting expired how can I perform my CDL Medical, can I send from where I’m to California?
Thanks for ur answering.
@ Hassan
It will be difficult since your physical must come from a federally certified medical examiner who is on the national registry.
I’ve had my class A since 96
3 years ago I was injured on the job.
I’ve been off the truck all of that time due to 3 knee surgery’s and finally a knee replacement.
In that 3 years
2 years ago my DOD expired at DMV and I could not get a full release from the Doctor until a couple months ago.
Needles to say, DMV nocked My CDL A down to a ClassC
because I obviously was well past the amount of time they give you to renew.
What should I expect to happen when I go to DMV
I ASK BECAUSE I HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO GET THROUGH TO THEM
HELP
@ Rowdy R
Unfortunately, your question can only be answered by your states DMV/DLD.
I have similar problem with one of my drivers like Mike, but he already had the eye surgery, and he is good now the eye doctor gave him the note ITH A 20/60 and he still have the restriction on him he went already to commercial DMV regular DMV and also went to driver safety office and nothing not luck at all he still driving in California but he is so ready to go out of state who can help us with this situation ?
@ Mr Trans Inc
If your driver is a class A holder, then he will need a vision waiver from DOT/FMCSA or he will be restricted to intra-state only.
I am trying to drive intrastate for hire in California. I am completely blind in my left eye. What do I need to door this to happen, or is this even possible? I am not interested in getting a cdl class A or B. I just want to drive a box truck 26,000 lb and below with a class C. Please help me or guide me the steps if possible? Thank you
@ Mike
You fall under your states regulations and guidelines. So talk with your local drivers license department. They should be able to guide you.
I appreciate it. Thank you!
@ Mike
You are welcome and thanks.