“Is there any grace period in place for DOT Medical Cards during the COVID-19 pandemic?”
Short answer: NO! not any longer.
LATEST UPDATE: October 21, 2022
FMCSA issued a series of Federal Emergency Declarations starting March 24, 2020.
The final update was issued on August 31, 2022 and expired after October 15, 2022.
No further updates have been issued by FMCSA and the FMCSA official website states for Federal Emergency Declarations
“There are no active Emergency Declarations at this time.”
Here is a history of FMCSA COVID-19 Federal Emergency Declarations.
FMCSA Update: August 31, 2022 Extension to October 15, 2022
Originally posted: March 24, 2020
FMCSA has issued both a Notice and a Waiver. Both are effective to June 30, 2020; September 30, 2020; October 31, December 31, 2020, February 28, 2021, May 31, 2021, August 31, 2021, November 30, 2021, May 31, 2022, August 31, 2022, October 15, 2022.
POST UPDATE: August 31, 2022
This notice continues the relief granted in Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002, as modified on June 15, 2020, August 15, 2020, December 1, 2020, August 31, 2021, and June 1, 2022, through October 15, 2022, subject to the restrictions and conditions set forth herein unless modified or terminated sooner. This extension of the modified Emergency Declaration addresses national emergency conditions that create a need for immediate transportation of essential supplies and provides necessary relief from the FMCSRs for motor carriers and drivers.
See FMCSA official website for more information.
POST UPDATE: May 27, 2022
FMCSA is continuing the exemption and associated regulatory relief in accordance with 49 CFR § 390.25, because the presidentially declared emergency remains in place, persistent issues arising out of COVID-19 continue to affect the U.S. including impacts on supply chains, and nationwide reporting continues to demonstrate substantial ongoing use of the regulatory relief under Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002. Therefore, a continued exemption is needed to support direct emergency assistance for some supply chains. This notice continues the relief granted in Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002, as modified on June 15, 2020, August 15, 2020, December 1, 2020, August 31, 2021, and May 13, 2022, through August 31, 2022, as amended, and subject to the restrictions and conditions set forth herein unless modified or terminated sooner. This extension and amendment of the modified Emergency Declaration addresses national emergency conditions that create a need for immediate transportation of essential supplies and provides necessary relief from the FMCSRs for motor carriers and drivers.
See FMCSA official website for more information.
POST UPDATE: February 27, 2022
Grace period for this waiver has been extended: In accordance with 49 CFR § 390.25, this extension of the modified Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 is effective at 12:00 A.M. (ET), March 1, 2022 and shall remain in effect until 11:59 P.M. (ET), May 31, 2022, unless modified or terminated sooner by FMCSA.
See FMCSA official website for more information.
4. Waives until May 31, 2022, the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5T such as an exemption letter or a skill performance evaluation certificate) issued for a period of 90 days or longer and expired on or after December 1, 2021.
POST UPDATE: November 29, 2021
Grace period for this waiver has been extended: This waiver is effective December 1, 2021 and expires on February 28, 2022, upon the revocation of the Declaration of National Emergency under 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b) concerning the COVID-19 public health emergency, or upon early termination by FMCSA, whichever is soonest.
See FMCSA official website for more information.
4. Waives until February 28, 2022, the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5T such as an exemption letter or a skill performance evaluation certificate) issued for a period of 90 days or longer and expired on or after September 1, 2021.
POST UPDATE: September 1, 2021
Grace period for this waiver has been extended: This waiver is effective September 1, 2021 and expires on November 30, 2021, upon the revocation of the Declaration of National Emergency under 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b) concerning the COVID-19 public health emergency, or upon early termination by FMCSA, whichever is soonest.
See FMCSA official website for more information.
4. Waives until November 30, 2021, the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5T such as an exemption letter or a skill performance evaluation certificate) issued for a period of 90 days or longer and expired on or after June 1, 2021.
POST UPDATE: May 26, 2021
Grace period for this waiver has been extended: This waiver is effective June 1, 2021 and expires on August 31, 2021 or upon the revocation of the Declaration of National Emergency under 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b) concerning the COVID-19 public health emergency, whichever is sooner.
See FMCSA official website for more information.
4. Waives until August 31, 2021, the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5T such as an exemption letter or a skill performance evaluation certificate) issued for a period of 90 days or longer and expired on or after March 1, 2021.
POST UPDATE: February 25, 2021
Grace period for this waiver has been extended: This waiver is effective March 1, 2021 and expires on May 31, 2021 or upon the revocation of the Declaration of National Emergency under 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b) concerning the COVID-19 public health emergency, whichever is sooner.
See FMCSA official website for more information.
4. Waives until May 31, 2021, the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5T such as an exemption letter or a skill performance evaluation certificate) issued for a period of 90 days or longer and expired on or after December 1, 2020.
POST UPDATE: January 01, 2021
Grace period for this waiver has been extended: This waiver is effective January 1, 2021 and expires on February 28, 2021 or upon the revocation of the President’s Declaration of National Emergency under 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b) concerning the COVID-19 public health emergency, whichever is sooner.
See FMCSA official website for more information.
4. Waives until February 28, 2021, the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5T such as an exemption letter or a skill performance evaluation certificate) that was issued for a period of 90 days or longer and that expired on or after September 1, 2020.
POST UPDATE: September 22, 2020
Grace period for this waiver has been extended to October 31 OR December 31, 2020, depending on expiration date of current medical card.
- For CDL holders, CLP holders, and non- CDL drivers whose medical certification was valid on February 29, 2020 and expired on or after March 1, 2020 but before June 1, 2020, the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 is waived until October 31, 2020.
- For CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers whose medical certification expired on or after June 1, 2020, the requirement under 49 CFR 391.45 is waived until December 31, 2020.
Link to the September 18, 2020 FMCSA Notice.
POST UPDATE: June 15, 2020
Grace period for this waiver has been extended to September 30, 2020.
“This Notice of Enforcement Policy, effective until September 30, 2020, extends a previous notice that was effective from March 24, 2020 until June 30, 2020. It provides needed relief from specified FMCSRs for CLP holders, CDL holders, and non-CDL drivers and motor carriers using those drivers. This Notice of Enforcement Policy applies to all CLP holders, CDL holders, and non-CDL drivers whose licenses were issued for less than the maximum period established by 49 CFR 383.25 and 383.73 and was valid on February 29, 2020 and expired on or after March 1, 2020.”
Link to the June 15, 2020 FMCSA Notice.
~~~
March 24,2020 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued this NOTICE
Notice Of Enforcement Policy Regarding Expiring Driver’s Licenses and Medical Examiner’s Certificates During COVID-19 National Emergency
~~~
March 24,2020 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued this WAIVER
Waiver in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency –
For States, CDL Holders, CLP Holders, and Interstate Drivers Operating Commercial Motor Vehicles
~~~
Please read both the Notice and the Waiver to fully understand if you qualify under the Terms, Conditions, and Restrictions.
We summarize the pertinent points regarding expired or expiring medical cards:
- The waiver applies to interstate and intrastate CDL holders and to interstate non-CDL drivers operating commercial motor vehicles.
- The waiver applies to drivers who have a medical examination and certification, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification that was issued for a period of 90 days or longer and that expired on or after March 1, 2020.
- Drivers claiming relief under the waiver from the requirement for a valid medical certificate must have proof of a valid medical certificate that expired on or after March 1, 2020, and carry a paper copy of their expired medical certificates. Drivers who cannot produce evidence of a prior medical certification that expired on or after March 1, 2020, are not covered under the waiver.
- The waiver does not apply to medical examiner’s certificates originally issued for less than 90 days.
- Drivers who, since their last medical certificate was issued, have been diagnosed with a medical condition that would disqualify the driver from operating in interstate commerce, or who, since their last medical certificate was issued, have developed a condition that requires an exemption or Skill Performance Evaluation from FMCSA are not covered under the waiver.
In addition, to address circumstances that many State Driver Licensing Agencies are closed, the Waiver:
- Waives the requirement under 49 CFR 383.73(o)(2) that the State Driver Licensing Agency change the CDL or CLP holder’s medical certification status to “not certified” upon the expiration of the medical examiner’s certificate or medical variance, provided that the CDL or CLP holders have proof of a valid medical certification that expired on or after March 1, 2020.
- Waives the requirements under 49 CFR 383.73(o)(4) that the State Driver Licensing Agency initiate a CDL or CLP downgrade upon the expiration of the medical examiner’s certificate or medical variance, provided that the CDL or CLP holders have proof of a valid medical certification or medical variance that expired on or after March 1, 2020.
So YES there is relief in the form of a grace period during the COVID-19 National Emergency for you to renew your Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
Take advantage of any downtime you have and don’t wait and get caught by the Waiver expiration. Get your new medical card as soon as possible!
During the #coronavirus emergency period many of our medical examiners are still open on a full-time schedule to serve you. Some are seeing drivers on an appointment only basis. We recommend calling first to ensure you’ll be promptly and personally taken care of.
Check out our DOTPhysicalDoctors nationwide for a driver friendly™ DOT physical exam.
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Choose Your DOT Physical Doctor Wisely!
Royal says
My physical expired aug/2022. Does Iowa recognize the extension to October 2022 to get renewed.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Royal
You will need to confirm this with your local DLD.
Chris says
I can tell you no one i was able to actually speak to at the ohio BMV has a clue about this grace period, just typical canned answers from the website or flat out ” I dont know” is all i got from them. Mine expired 6/18/22 & The BMV here is worthless
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Chris
Federal DOT/FMCSA has extended the grace period to the end of August, sorry your state does not know this.
Robert b says
Is their a fine in Florida if you let your physical dot card expired
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Robert b
You will need to confirm with your local drivers license department.
Pedro says
My medical card expire on 8/3/22 . Already took the test and my company already email my medical card to dot,but is not update on the the website jet. I still have to go to the local office to update my info,before expire tomorrow.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Pedro
That would be best and be aware that DOT/FMCSA extended their grace period to the end of August. Still best to do it now.
Janet F says
I live in Texas my Dot medical certification expires on July 19 2022. Can I go get my physical done and will it be accepted at the DMV ?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Janet F
Yes you can get it done and if done by a CME on the registry, then it will be accepted by TX.
Angela Z says
My husband is on workman’s comp and his medical certificate expired. Does he have to renew it now or can he wait til the extension deadline?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Angela Z
He can wait until the deadline. Besides he would not be eligible to take a DOT/FMCSA medical certification examination while on works comp.
Donna M says
My dot medical card expires on May 26 can’t get app to renew until June 2 in ga will it be reinstated
Kyla M says
My husband’s CDL will be expired a year coming up July 7. His medical card is and has been expired. We became homeless and our lives were thrown through hell. Anyway possible he’s gonna be able to go in before the 7th without testing all over and just renew his CDL. We’ve been through so much and I’m trying to do anything I can to not break my man anymore then what we already are. Thank you to any advice. We live in Kansas btw.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Kyla M
The cdl is a state issued document and would best be answered by your states drivers license department.
Brad says
I do not see on the FMCSA website that the newest extension through 08/31/22 applies to medical cards. Is the extension for the emergency declaration the same as the medical card exceptions?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Brad
FMCSA sent notification to all CME’s and extended the grace period, due to pandemic, to the end of August 2022.
Rory says
I work for the United States Postal Service, for 39 years.4 YEARS US ARMY, BEFORE STARTING IN USPS. 34 in NYC- now in Wash,DC. When I first started in the Postal Service their was no CDL LICENSE, we were given a FS46 Licence same as military personnel, to carry along with the class one(1) license. When the switch happen drivers were “given paper work” and TOLD when to go for the check UP AND WE NEVER HAD TO GO TO THE DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLE TO HAND OVER A COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE- “”EVER”” . I never knew what they did with it, after handing it over to SUPERVISOR or dispatcher. If there was ever a problem with our LICENSE the TRANSPORTATION MANAGER would let us know. After being in DC, now 5 years, I found out the hard way- that DC doesn’t run the operation the same way,, just last month(was talking work stuff with one of my coworkers and the CDL certificate was a problem with other drivers. Was told to take copy to DMV. That info was a big WHAT THE HEVENS– DOWN GRADED AND HAD NO CLEW. Did some research and found info about the COVID grace period-SEEMS LIKE MD, MVA didn’t put that in my HELP BASKET to get me back on track. Right now I have a medicate good for 2 years(5/27/2022- 5/27/2024
Gabriel says
I got a letter that my cdl was down graded because where I work they did not send a copy of my medical card but is up to date what can I do I don’t want to loose my cdl??
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Gabriel
Take a copy of your medical card down to your local drivers license department and have it input to the system, ASAP.
Sergey says
I’m in Tennessee my dot card expired may 15th 2022 do i still have time to get a new one? Is there a grace period?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Sergey
Go get it done, now. Then get it into your local drivers license department ASAP. You may be OK. Hurry, don’t delay.
Rorert O says
i have a driver in Oregon who’s Medical Card expired on 04/30/2022.
is there an extension available?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Rorert O
Federal extensions have passed for that date. Best bet, get a new DOT/FMCSA medical examination done and have it registered, federally and state wise, asap.
Larry says
Being of someone in the long haul covid and since past few months of health problems of coming up that I never had before that is due to had Covid. my dot med card runs out in next 20 days.would I be able to get a new medical card or is my 25 years of truck driving coming to a end?
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Larry
You can still have your medical certification examination done. Your situation should not be an issue.
Eric t says
I’m in California, my fisical expires 6/23/22. Can I still get a extension it I can’t make it? For medical problems
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Eric t
California has their own rules and regulations, so best to check with your states drivers license department.
Dawn says
I am a holder of a cdl and I am due for a dot recertification. The dot medical certification is going to expire. I hurt my ankles and I am going to physical therapy. Can I get an extension for dot recertification. I am not employed at this time. I live in Montana.
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Dawn
Since you could not pass the medical physical at this moment, simply wait to be released and then get the physical. If your state has an extension, then you need to check with them.
Christian says
I have a FL CDL and My medical card expired Dec 2020. I went to California for a better job in construction, my record shows me that my cdl is disqualified. Can I still do my dot physical and get back on the road?
Please any answers will help 🙏🏼
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Christian
Since your cdl is state issued, you will need to contact Florida drivers license department for guidance in this situation. It may be possible, but that information is state related, not federal.
John J says
Hello if medical certificate expired 10-10-21 and sent new certificate in on 3-17-22 because I was do to out of work do I have to retest in the state of New Jersey please respond very important thank
Trucker Docs™ says
@ John J
Since cdl’s are issued by your state, your question is best answered by your local drivers license department.
Joana H says
If my medical license expired the 16th of March can I still get it updated at the dps? It was issued in texas
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Joana H
We are assuming you mean medical card. Medical license means you are a doctor. And yes, just get the medical card updated and get it to your local DLD as soon as possible.
Brian J S says
My medical card expired Aug 2020 never got new one cause didn’t work if I submit one by Feb 28 will my license be good
Trucker Docs™ says
@ Brian J S
Since your cdl is state issued, you need to confirm this information with your states DLD.