May 21, 2014 deadline is confusing to many commercial drivers…
“If my current medical certificate does not have a medical examiner’s National Registry Number on it, is it still valid?”
“Do I have to get a new medical card after May 21, 2014?”
“Is my medical card now invalid if I got it through a doctor who is not on the National Registry?”
These are some of the questions we’re hearing daily from drivers.
The bottom line is…
If you have a current medical card, issued before May 21, 2014, that card is valid until the expiration date on that card.
The card is still valid even if the medical examiner who certified you is not on the National Registry.
What’s the significance of May 21, 2014?
The deadline date of May 21, 2014 applies to medical professionals who conduct DOT physical exams and issue medical certificates.
All medical professionals must now be registered on the FMCSA NRCME registry to qualify to perform DOT medical examinations.
What this means to the commercial driver is that…
When your current card is near to expiration and you need to get your card renewed, you must now find a National Registry Certified Medical Examiner to do your DOT physical examination.
New FMCSA Medical Certificate
May 21, is also the cutoff date for use of the old medical certificate by examiners.
By May 21, the new medical examiner’s form must be used. The new form has been valid for use since it was incorporated into 49 CFR 391.43 and published in April 2012.
Some drivers already have the new card.
Here’s how to identify the new certificate. There are new information boxes for:
- The medical examiner’s National Registry Number.
- A check box option to indicate if the driver is engaged in intrastate commerce only. Check “NO” for interstate drivers.
- A check box option to indicate if the driver has a CDL or not.
More Questions?
If you have more questions about medical certification you can find additional information on our website at FAQ – FMCSA Regulations.
I have a simple question that i cant
find an exsisting question answering it!! what happens if my DOT physical expires? and can i go get another one done and pass it. will i simply be legal to drive again?? driving with a class A??
@Dustin
No valid medical card no valid class A license. Yes you can go and get a valid medical card, then turn your information into your state drivers license department and you should be good to go.