Click to find DOT physical locations in CALIFORNIA
Click to find DOT physical locations in OTHER STATES
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.
Go to the Questions and Comments box below and post your feedback.
! To save us all from zombie spammers, your feedback will not appear on this page until it has been approved. Visit this page again soon to see your comment, and others too.
P.S. Your email address will not be published.
NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
updated 11/13/18
I would like to drop my CDL and have a regular class C, I can do this by not renewing my medical certificate or do I need to go into the DMV
@ David
This is true, but if you ever want to renew your cdl for some reason, then it’s better to do it at the DMV.
My dot physical for my ca cdl was due this week. I’m to understand that my ability to drive commercial vehicles is suspended until I get the physical done. Is there a grace period to which I need to get it done before there will be more I have to do? Like after 10 days past my exp date, now there’s more fee or something like that at the dmv? Or just, get it done asap and once I do, they should just reinstate my cdl?
@ Garrett
Most likely, get it done ASAP and hand carry a copy to your local DLD. That should fix it. There is no grace period.
I took my 2 year physical on 11/10/23 and it’s also due that day but I totally forgot it’s veterans day and the dmv is closed. The doctors office electronically sent it to the dmv. Will my license be suspended?
@ John
No, most states are running a few days behind, so you are safe. Just make sure they got a copy at your local DLD as soon as possible.
How do i get my medical my license expires. My medical is expired on my Workmen’s Comp.. My work will not pay for the physical because on my Workmen’s Comp. DMV will not renew my license without medical card. What do I do?
@ Sheila M
You can not pass a DOT/FMCSA medical cert exam until you are released from workers comp. Once off WC take a new medical and then take copy to DLD. If your cdl has expired, simply explain your situation to the CME, he should help you with this.
I’m in CA. My medical expired a couple months ago because I couldn’t take it due to having a knee injury requiring surgery. Will I be able to just get a physical done now and submit the paperwork to renew my class B?
@ Jon
Most likely, but confirm with your local DLD.
Do I get my dot exam done before I take my license test for an ambulance
@ Jared
Probably best to do the medical exam first and then the license test. If you are a lesser class cdl holder, you will be under your states requirements, not federal, so make sure the medical examiner knows the difference. Confirm with your local drivers license department for clarification.
I am in California. My medical cad is gonna expire on October 1 who is responsible to pay my medical card my my company or I I has to pay to pay
@ Julio
Your medical card, you pay. The companies medical card, the company pays. And you do not get a copy, they keep it. So if you leave the company, then it is up to you to get a new medical.
If I have a non-cdl class C but I’m driving company vehicles, do I need. Medical Certificate?
@ Ben
Most states require a medical card when operating any vehicle that is used for commerce. Confirm with your local drivers license department.
I’m in California I’m apply for a new driving class A job my medical is updated dmv I turned in my medical exam I did not receive an actual card but it is updated on my license but new job wants a physical card they are not giving them out at the drs what do I do
@ Darren
The medical examiners office should be providing you with a hard copy for your employer. Ask again, explain the situation, they should accommodate you.
Need to get dot medical physical but my mom died and I need to go out of town . When I get back I will be expired by one day. Can I keep my license?
@ Mike
You should be fine, just get it done when you get back and get a copy to your local drivers license department (DLD).