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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.
Medical Certificate Renewal
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.
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NOTE: This website is not affiliated with, or endorsed by FMCSA or any government or state agency.
updated 11/13/18
Khusan S says
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
Tim L says
I have a simple? How soon can I update me Ca. dot medical card. Expires in Oct.18.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Tim L
You can update anytime you like, prior to expiration. Calif. likes it in early, at least thirty days in advance.
So stressed out says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Travon says
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?
lisa k says
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.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Ericlong says
If your neck is larger than 17.5 in diameter a real dot doctor will recommend a sleep apnea test.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Ericlong
Based on what other findings, unless he has a vested interest in doing sleep studies.
Gill says
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.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Stefan says
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.
Kevin says
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
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Kevin
Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer to your question.
Daniel says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Daniel
Contact your local drivers license department for the best answer.
Karl says
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
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Karl
You really need to check with your local/state drivers license department to get the most correct answer for this question.
Frank says
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?
Joe says
Will type 2 diabetes disqualify you to
Pass the ca dot physical
Trucker Docs™ says
@ 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.
Mari says
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.
Trucker Docs™ says
@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.
John says
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
Trucker Docs™ says
@ John
You need to check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
Brandon says
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?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Brandon
Check with your states drivers license department on the requirements to have your class A returned.
Brian C says
I drive a class d flatbed,stakeside good for aprox 35000 lb. normally within 125 miles and leave and return from the same location. My boss tells me that cense more than 50% of business is interstate they do not have to pay overtime. I see the boards every morning & not so true. In calif. can this be true
Trucker Docs™ says
@Brian
This is not medical certification related question so we don’t have an answer for you.
Gumby says
You are a CA employee of a CA employer. You get paid per the CA overtime laws even if you work on the moon for 100% of the time. Report them to the state for payroll violations, so, everybody gets paid; and, they are forced to compete fairly with their competitors. You’re also likely entitled to back pay and likely penalties and interest.
Amandeep says
I got my report passed on 09/22/2017. Doctor told me for submit in 7 days to dmv . But I don’t have time for submit my report within 7 days .can I submit after 7 days .tell me plz
Josh R says
Could I have my dad walk the paperwork in for me if I am out of state and can’t get to the DMV?
Lia says
What is the California DOT requirement if I have to submit a cpap compliance report? Is it 30 day sleep report or 90 day?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Lia
FMCSA regulations are 30 day compliance report.
Wade says
Hello I just took my renewal physical the doctor walked into the room and ask me if I’d had a sleep apnea test. He didn’t do any part of the physical handed me a piece of paper told me to read it. He told my employer I needed a sleep apnea test does this jeopardize my job?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Wade
No, just go to another examiner to get a second opinion / realistic based on medical health conditions.
Matthew C says
Took my dot physical test back in January and passed. Didn’t mail or take the certification to the DMV as the medical office said it will be filed electronically. Is this true and how do I know if it was actually done?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Matthew
The medical examiner’s office files the certification electronically to the Federal database.
It’s the driver’s responsibility to get it updated with their state DMV.
The doctor’s office may have sent it to DMV as a courtesy service, but the only way to know is to check with DMV that they have it.
Ronald P says
What if your injured on the job and under workmancomp Doctor’s care. You can’t pass a DOT exam because your Doctor has not released you for work. Your medical card is up. What do you do then. Take your DOT exam when your released to full duty. Even after your medical card has expired for 6 months. What then ?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Ronald
You need to contact your local drivers license department to find out the process to put things on hold until you can be medically certified again.
Corey S says
I’ve had my DOT card for 12 years. I have a question. I’ve been on a 10mg once a day blood pressure pill for over 12 years. When I when to dot doc yesterday a new doctor. My blood pressure was 131/83. This doctor marked that this medical certificate is only good for one year. When nothing has changed in my meds nor has my blood pressure ever been over 140 and it wasn’t over 140. In 12 years my medical report has always been good for the 2 years. His reason was for monitoring my hypertension. But my reg MD monitors my blood pressure. So is this right or has something changed.
Trucker Docs™ says
@Corey
FMCSA wants all driver that are on blood pressure medications to be limited to one year at the time. That has been a rule for many years, you have just been dealing with examiners that didn’t know FMCSA regulations.
Mike says
So I need to have an MER completed before I even set foot at the Dmv to apply for a Cdl permit ?
Thanks!
Darian says
I am driving intrastate with a commercial vehicle in California only but do not need a CDL. Do I need to have a medical card?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Darian
Yes, you need a medical card when you drive a vehicle for commerce, no matter what class drivers license you have.
M.C says
So, in California and with my personal little SUV, in order for me to deliver restaurant food through Uber-eats, or deliver pizzas, I would need a med card? (I was disqualified due to migraines w/ vision deficits.)
How about working as a courier in a company car (<10,000lbs)? Am I confused about the definition of commerce? See below from the J.J. Keller web site:
"Who must have a medical exam and certificate (DOT medical card)?
The medical exam is often thought to go hand-in-hand with the CDL. Only those who need CDLs are subject to the medical exam requirements, right? Wrong! For interstate drivers, this is definitely not the case. For intrastate (in-state only) drivers, it may or may not be the case.
Those operating the following vehicles in interstate commerce need to have a DOT medical exam:
Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or gross combination weight (GCW) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more; or
Vehicles designed to transport more than 15 people, or more than 8 people when there is direct compensation involved; or
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require the vehicle to be placarded."
I thought it was saying that class "C," <10,001lbs, <8 passengers, and no HazMat does NOT need a med card?!!?
I also asked at the DMV and the CHP, and they thought I would be legal driving a "C" for an employer–but I certainly don' want to open myself to liability.
Thanks.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ M.C.
Commercial, in most states is defined as any vehicle that is used in the production of income for someone. You only need to explain to the examiner that you will be driving a class c license vehicle and he/she should know the states variances that you would qualify under. You should not be denied a medical certification, if everything else is with in normal limits.
patrick h says
Does california dot phyisica require both corrected and uncorrected eye sight?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Patrick
Yes.
Eddie says
My DOT physical is due July 17. It is now April 29. Is it too early for me to go and have my physical now, since DOT wants the results and report “not later than four weeks before the expiration date”? How early can I have the physical performed before my DOT physical due date?
Trucker Docs™ says
@Eddie
Yes, you can have a new physical now and update CA DLD with the results. They are asking for at least 4 weeks notice, not less, to give them time to update their system.
Michael T says
What happens if you waited till it expired. Where do I take my renewal medical forms to the DMV or can I still mail them in.
Trucker Docs™ says
@Michael
As soon as your medical card expires CA may suspend your drivers license. You best take your new medical card information into DMV as soon as possible.
Mike says
If my medical card expired 2015, and I recently want to drive again, I go down and take a medical exam and take it to Dmv. Will they reinstate my CDL????
Trucker Docs™ says
@mike
That’s up to your local drivers license department, so check with them
A. F says
I have a commercial class A, but my medical card has expired over a month and a half ago. I still want to keep it updated just in case to have something to fall back on should this office job not work out for me. Will I need to retake a whole new driving test? or can I just update my medical. Is there a grace period as to how long we have until we need to go to a regular Class C license?
Trucker Docs™ says
@AF
Only your local drivers license department can answer these questions. Each state treats this process differently.
Most likely CA has already downgraded your CDL. Best to check with them asap to see what you need to do for your CDL.
David L says
Mine expired a week ago but I took a new physical on the same day. The problem was I took it in illinoise and my cdl is California. I’m 3 days from getting home will I be shut down if I get inspected?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ David L
If you are a California cdl holder, your cdl was suspended at mid-night of the expiration date on your last medical card. Get a copy to Calif. DLD ASAP.