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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
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! —
Please leave your feedback about your experience in this State.
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updated 11/13/18
My DOT medical card expired last month I just passed my exam and got a new card will DMV except this card for records ?
@ FRANK
Yes
Thank you
@ FRANK
You are welcome.
Can I still renew my medical after it’s been more than 2 years?
@ Gabe
You can get a new medical card examination anytime you want.
How long is the grace period in California for the dot physical after the card expires ?
@ Jessica
Midnight of the date of expiration on your medical card.
DOT/FMCSA has not made a new grace period at this time.
Am I required to update the DMV license for a DOT physical if I’m a non CDL? California
@ Johnathan
In some states, no, but confirm with local California DLD.
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.