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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
Anne says
I currently hold a California class A license. It’s time for my medical card to be renewed. I passed everything but the vision test (in one eye). I read that Calif. doesn’t issue variances or exemptions so, if I can’t pass the eye exam by the time it’s due, will I permanently loose the Class A or is it just suspended until I submit a “passed exam”. I am trying to avoid taking all those dmv tests to reinstate my class A license.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Anne
Your best answer will come from your local drivers license department.
Jon U says
I have a cdl from california I was trying to renew my medicalin Texas but They will not update it because I am not a permanent resident of Texas they said I have to go back to California to update it anyway around this
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Jon U
You have to update your medical card information with the state that your cdl is issued. Get your information to someone, ( wife, friend, relative) in California and have them take it in to CA. DLD.
Johnny G says
I retired from Driving last year and decided not to have a medical exam and just let my class A expire. Will this have an affect on my ability to drive my car? Will I still have a license to drive?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Johnny G
California has some odd rules and regulations. You really need to talk with your local drivers license department for their answer.
Gurinder S says
I got my last medical done about 2.5 years ago and since I wasn’t driving anymore I did not get it done after that. Today (1/11/2022) I went dmv to renew my license and I was asked to get medical done or drop my class a license. I choose to get the medical done just in case. I don’t think I will be getting it done every year though.
Tom says
If you are in California your Class A or B license is still good until your current license expires, and it might be the same in other states as well. You just can’t drive a commercial vehicle ( Class A or B ) any longer unless you renew your medical card. When your driver’s license expires you just need to renew it as a Class C.
There are certain non commercial vehicles such as larger motor homes or even certain pick up trucks ( dualies ) that pull trailers at a certain GVW that you might need to have a restricted Class A or B license ( no medical card ) so if you ever decided to buy a larger motor home to travel around in, still having your Class A is a positive.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Tom
Because each state is different, make sure you confirm this information with your states drivers license department.
John C says
Hi, I have a Class C CDL with Hazmat in California. I had a two-year med card then was diagnosed with diabetes requiring insulin. I met the guidelines and was given a one year card. My card is due again and wondering if requirements have changed since last year. My A1C is 6.5
Trucker Docs™ says
@ John C
You are a class C cdl holder and fall under your states guidelines and regulations, not DOT/FMCSA. Check with your local drivers license department for the most up to date answer.
Chris says
I currently am on Methadone for an addiction. I have a dr that prescribed it. I’m currently in the process of going down to get off of it. I was offered a job opportunity but it requires me to get my CDL class B. Can I get it still if I have a note stating I’m in treatment and I’m drug tested regularly through themM
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Chris
A class B cdl license puts you under the states guidelines and variances, not federal DOT/FMCSA. Check with your local drivers license department
Ben B says
I failed my commercial dot drug test for my B licence
my random drug test came back positive
can i stil continue driving my car
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Ben B
As a class B license, you fall under your states regulations, not DOT/FMCSA. Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer
Daniel says
I have CA state issued CDL. Some years back, I was given the option to reatain the Class A without a valid Med. Cert. on file with CA DMV.
Now I have to renew my CDL and want to retain the same status (CDL with no current Med. Cert on file) but no one at the DMV knows about the rule and Im told to get a med. cert.
I do not want to lose the CDL in case I have to drive again (covid-19, economy fluctuation, etc. etc.) since it is difficult and costly to get it reinstated and get re-certified in CA once you revert back to a Class C.
What options do U have
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Daniel
Best bet, get a valid medical card and have it registered with the state. That will save you time and frustration.
Kevin W says
I would like to get a California or a federal DOT Medical waiver but when I got in line or call the dmv about the card I find nothing it would help if I knew the process on getting it . Because I would like to be a truck driver.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Kevin W
Depending on your medical issues, you may or may not need a medical waiver. Check first with your local drivers license department for guidance. The state may require a DOT medical card that has failed, due to medical conditions, but pass the states requirements.
Ati says
Do I have to carry my medical card as a supplement of my DL? All the time ?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Ati
For most states, a class A cdl requirement is to carry your medical card at all times. Confirm this your local dld.
Jethro M says
Can I work in California if I have the California Intrastate Restricted Medical Certificate (DL 51B) if I drive from the yard Woodland, CA to the ports of Oakland, CA, if I failed my medical exam?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Jethro M
If you were given the California intrastate only license after you failed the medical examination, then most likely you can drive. But confirm this fact with California drivers license department.
Susana L says
My husband has nerve damage and is considered Intrastate only. He was working for interstate commerce in moving cargo to Oakland ports but was stopped because he has a restriction on his license. Is there any exemption or way he can get a permit of some sort so he can work in the ports but still remain in the same state. The cargo is what crosses state line or international, not my husband physically.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Susana L
Federal is very picky about where cargo is coming from and going to. Check with your state licensing department, due to the fact your hubby is intra-state only. He should fall under the states variances and they may have a solution for you.
Brittney says
My boyfriend failed his physical due to his vision. He’s half blind from his right eye. His right eye is 2400 and his left is 20/20 vision. My boyfriend explained to him that he’s driving only on the state and not cross country. The Dr. then said “well you gave me a DOT form” not sure if there’s a specific form that he would need to pass ? My boyfriends a really good driver he’s absolutely fine so if there is a different form he needs can someone let me know what that form is please and thank you
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Brittney
Your boyfriend falls under your states guidelines and variances, not DOT/FMCSA. Check with the states drivers license department. They should be able to issue an intra-state only cdl.
Robert E S says
My CA class B medical certificate expires May 6th and I am not currently driving. My next job start date is uncertain and may fall anywhere between Memorial Day weekend and July 4th. Is there a grace period for renewing my medical certificate in this situation?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Robert E S
Your class B license is state issued, so not sure if California has any grace period for class B. Check with your local drivers license department for confirmation.
Lette S says
Hi,
Does the medical examiner have to be certified and posses a national Registry number to do physical exam for an INTRASTATE CDL?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Lette S
In most states, yes, but confirm with your state to make sure. Each state is different, so check with your states drivers license department.
michael d l says
hurt my back but can still drive. doctor wont pass me for renewal of med card. what can i do. im currently driving just cant lift.if my a expires do i have to get a new class c ?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Michael D L
DOT/FMCSA regulations do not allow for restrictions or limitations for class A drivers. Once you have fully recovered without restrictions, all you will need is a medical release to return to work. Then with a new DOT medical examination/certification card, you should be fine. If you explain your situation to the drivers license department, they should be able to guide you through their process.
Whitney E says
I was in a bumper kiss accident. The police officers filed the forms and requested that my driver’s license being paired for medical impairment. When I was not screened counseled ticketed requested for information. And then they sent the form to the DMV saying that I was in need of medical evaluation. I work as a nurse and I’m perfectly healthy and I don’t have a commercial license. There’s no other form for just regular drivers to be medically cleared what do you do in this instance?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Whitney E
This is going to be a state related situation and not federal. Check with your local drivers license department for the best answer.
Brianna says
I sent in my medical examiner form that my physician signed to the appropriate dmv adress. It’s been weeks and my license is still suspended. Is there any number I can call to speed up the process or check the status of my information?
Thank you
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Brianna
If you were running close on your medical card expiration date, then California wants you to bring your forms in person. Otherwise you need to find a contact for Calif. DLD.
Mark says
I let my medical certificate expire in 2018 and my license exp date is Nov 2022. I’m in California ,If I get a new medical exam and pass does my class B automatically reinstate – also I was led to believe that if my medical certificate expired that my license instantly becomes a class C while others are saying my license becomes suspended completely. Which is the case ?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Mark
You want to confirm with CA. drivers license department. We do know that a class A cdl is suspended at midnight of the medical card expiration date. You are a class B, so it may be different. Confirm with CA. DLD for best information.
RUSS says
So as they are telling people to stay home, I have to go to the doctors where covid 19 hangs out risk catching the deadly virus to show DMV that im healthy. REALLY.
RUSS says
AND I will be going to DMV to turn in my medical report. So good luck to all.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ RUSS
Just wear your mask, social distance, wash your hands a lot, keeping your hands away from your face, and you’ll be fine REALLY
RUSS says
But REALLY there is no guarantee. Would bet your life on it or just mine.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ RUSS
We would bet our life on it. Really
Bernadette H says
My DOT will expired on April 25,2021 but currently right now I’m with my in Korea under her orders, we are about to be back soon but by the time we be out from mandatory 2weeks quarantine my DOT will expired already. My questions is since I’m on her military orders is their an exception for me on that one? Or do I need to that on time?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Bernadette H
Best bet is to have the DOT medical card done before your expiration date. But with your situation we would suggest the moment you can go for a new DOT medical certificate, do so and get it turned into the states ASAP. Most states will not downgrade you with your particular situation. Confirm with your states drivers license department.
Jerry says
Question. I went to the dmv here in california to have my cdl reinstated. I was told i needed to get my medical card renewed. I know its expired and california has strict rules. But by them asking me to get a new medical card does that mean they waived the lengthy expiration on my medical card.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Jerry
That is a state related question. Check with your local dmv.