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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.
Submit your Medical Certificate to California DMV
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
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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updated 11/13/18
I have had a CDL in CA for almost 10 years now. I currently do not work somewhere where it is needed. However, my DOT physical is due soon. Since i haven’t driven a truck in years, and don’t plan on it anytime soon, I’ve been smoking weed on occasion. Does the DOT doctor check for narcotics when you give them your urine sample?
@ Tino
No, the DOT physical exam does not test for drugs.
Only your employer will test for drugs.
Hi,
I had a Dot Physical performed in July, I passed everything except since i fit the qualifications to require a sleep study, i only got a 3 month clearance pending the sleep study.
I made the appointment, got referred, etc. But the soonest I could get a sleep study done was on 10-12, my medical report expires 10-25, and i was told it could take up to 2 weeks to get the results.
I tried calling DMV to get an “extension” on my medical card, they had no answer, and referred me to the California commercial drivers unit, I’m getting nothing but busy signals…
How can I keep medically cleared while i deal with this sleep study stuff, so I don’t lose my job? My job requires class B with a passenger endorsement.
IS IT TRUE THAT THE DOCTOR WHO IS MY PRIMARY MD CANNOT RENEW MY LICENCE IF HE;S NOT ON THE WEBSITE OF APPROVED DR’S OR IS THAT JUST FOR PASSENGER ENDORCEMENT?
@Brian
That is correct.
New federal regulations state that starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers can get medical certificates only from a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
Is there any new CA law that says that the employer is required to pay for the medical exam?
Of if you go to a dr. not their choice do they have to reimburse you?
@Mark
I am unaware of any such thing.
Check with California DLD and ask them.
Hello. I got my CDL in California in Fab. 2014. I’m getting hired by a transportation company. Where & how can I get the medial card that is required by law for me to carry all the time?
I waited in DMV line for 2 hours & the officer told me that my employer should get that card for me. I already did the drug test for this company & they got the negative report from the official diagnostic center.
Appreciate if someone can have an answer for this question. Thanks.
@Alfred
If I understand your question correctly –
If you had a medical examination done for a CDL, you should have been given a wallet sized medical card to carry with you at all times. If you did not receive a card, then call the doctor’s office(their phone number is on the long form you have) and ask them when you can come and pick up your medical card. It comes from the doctors office, no place else.
I am in California now and I have to renew my medical card. I have a Az CDL can I renew in California.
I am trying to find out where my boyfriend can get a medical waiver in California to drive again. He ha am aneurysm removed behind his eye and they consider it brain surgery. He never had any problems from it and has no problems since they found it during a check up and it never effected his driving but new federal law says he can’t drive for a year. We were told by the doctor that he can get a waiver but can’t find it Any place. Does anyone know where to find it thank you
@Maureen
I believe the main thing here is the waiting period following surgery.
If he has a medical release completed by his doctor, clearing him to drive, and a new valid medical card, then there is no need for the waiver.
California should be able to point you in the right direction, if not check with the FMCSA.
Will the CA DMV issue a medical card to a driver if they don’t have a CDL?
@Joe
The state DMVs do not issue medical cards. They only keep a record of a medical card together with the CDL, once the driver submits it to DMV.
Medical cards are issued by the medical examiner that does the DOT exam. For more general information see our FAQ on FMCSA Regulations.