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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
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.