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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…
To help us all avoid the black eye experience — AARGH! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
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updated 11/13/18
Hi guys, My CDL# is (deleted by Admin), I’ve mailed to this address renewed medical certificate one month ago and would like to reconfirm that you accepted it and input in your system, thanks
I have a simple? How soon can I update me Ca. dot medical card. Expires in Oct.18.
@ Tim L
You can update anytime you like, prior to expiration. Calif. likes it in early, at least thirty days in advance.
My cdl expired 06/30/2020
My medical card expired 11/18/2020
I had surgery so i was unable to get to dmv what to do DRIVER?
@ So Stressed Out
No need to stress over this. Go get a new DOT/FMCSA physical, if you have been fully released to return to work without restrictions. Take the new medical card to California drivers license department and explain your situation. They will guide you from there if there are other requirements.
Went to Kaiser to do my DOT they are also my medical providers through my employer that was my big mistake although I have no high blood pressure never had sleep apnea she passes me with a 3 month and tells me because of my weight if I was a hundred and fifty I would have passed I’m 50 lb over that I have to take a test for sleep apnea and she can put in a referral but everything else is fine with me she said I told her it didn’t make any sense so you mean to tell me someone that is skinny cannot have sleep apnea I’ve never had any signs of sleep apnea the next day went to a doctor that passed me with flying colors.I have an appointment to go to the DMV in two weeks which paperwork do I take? where do I stand from here?I felt the Kaiser only wanted me to do the sleep apnea to build my employer they have my medical records there and know I’m in good health also I am out on workman’s comp the doctor that perform the physical is my occupational doctor just felt to do it there because I have no medical condition and nothing to hide the doctor I went to is with the National Registry also. Do I take both paperwork’s up to the DMV?
If you had a second test done already it supersedes the first test. You only turn in the paperwork for the second CDL medical you had done and signed. My husband went through the same thing and turned in the second CDL medical which was passed with no issues. You don’t turn in both.
@ Travon
One, you are out on a WC case, so you can’t pass the DOT medical certification examination. Two, weight alone is not a criteria for a sleep study. So you are being targeted for some reason and not a FMCSA requirement. If you are class A, the CME should send all of your paperwork to the correct authorities and the DMV for you.
If your neck is larger than 17.5 in diameter a real dot doctor will recommend a sleep apnea test.
@ Ericlong
Based on what other findings, unless he has a vested interest in doing sleep studies.
Can you tell me if submitting the second test cause any issues with the DMV or your employer. I applied for a new job and they did they same to me I have no issues with sleeping or staying awake I’m 10/20 pound over weight but no other issues blood pressure or cholesterol. I feel these place are just targeting CDL drivers.
@ Gill
Getting a second opinion regarding an issue that you feel has been improperly documented should not create any issues. If there are issues then the FMCSA should question the examining doctors, not you.
Where did you take your second test? Because they told me the same thing about taking the sleep apnea test. I am in Southern California.
Do I need to bring the medical record in case to take the commercial writing test? I heard only need to bring the medical record when taking the driving test, am i right? Thanks
@ Kevin
Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer to your question.
Am I able to send in my physical/medical paperwork to DMV instead of going in person? Or do I have to physically go to DMV?
@ Daniel
Contact your local drivers license department for the best answer.
I was disqualified fore recertification fore one year do I need to leave the papers to dmv.ca and how do I keep my commercial license do I need to downgrade fore recertification
@ Karl
You really need to check with your local/state drivers license department to get the most correct answer for this question.
Driving for AJR in California the company rejects paying for the semi annual medical exam in violation of California Labor Code 231.
How many other states require the employer to pay for said exam?
And finally “what to do with a management that refuses to follow statutory law?
Will type 2 diabetes disqualify you to
Pass the ca dot physical
@ Joe
Calif DOT physical? Check with your local DLD for the best answer. You can pass a FMCSA DOT physical, if all else is within normal limits, but be prepared to supply supporting medical documentation.
Can you have your commercial license revoked if you have sleep apnea? I’ve tried calling dmv and no answer i also called a sleep study office and no answer please help.
@Mari
Your OSA needs to be properly diagnosed and be under control to maintain your valid medical card, which in most states is required to hold a valid cdl. Licenses are not revoked for sleep apnea, but can be due to an invalid medical certification.
Ok my med card exp. 3 months ago. Can I just get a new card and submit to dmv and will I need to retest my written exam
@ John
You need to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
What happened?
Mine is expired by 2 1/2 years, can I go get my medical exam and be fine to get my class a back and be fine?
@ Brandon
Check with your states drivers license department on the requirements to have your class A returned.