If they operate a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight rating (GCWR), gross vehicle weight (GCW), or gross combination weight (GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more.
If they transport hazardous materials, in a quantity requiring placards.
If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver).
If they operate a motor vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers, for direct compensation, beyond 75 air miles from the driver’s normal work-reporting location.

Intrastate:

Intrastate certification is regulated by the DMV of each state. All states have based their physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions.
Some carriers e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.

Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?

No. An Federal DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate (Interstate) is valid nationwide so you can get certified in any state, no matter which state you have your CDL.

For more information see our blog post New FMCSA Medical Certification Requirements.
In order to keep your CDL, some states will allow a CDL holder to certify in a category that does not require a medical certificate e.g. Intrastate Excepted, if they are not currently driving.
You will have to check with your State Drivers License Agency (DMV) to see if they permit this option. This will give you a way to maintain your CDL without a current medical card.
If you want to start driving again, you will first have to get a new medical card, and then visit your DMV, to self-certify in the category that is appropriate for the type of driving you will be doing.

Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?

A DOT medical card is valid nationwide and can be used by any company so you don’t have to get a new one.
However… There are companies that have a policy in place that states they want you to have the physical exam done by their own examiner. They can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.

Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?

No. These terms are used interchangeably. They are most often referred to as a DOT medical when referring to the DOT medical card, and DOT physical when referring to the DOT physical exam, and sometimes drivers refer to them as a CDL physical or CDL medical.

What are the DOT physical requirements?

Here are 3 ways to understand the DOT physical requirements.

The hard way:
Read the FMCSA Rules and Regulations Part 391.41 Physical Qualifications For Drivers
The technical way:
Understand what’s on the DOT long form MCSA-5875, FMCSA DOT Medical Examination Report Form
The easy way:
Read Trucker Docs’ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card

Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?

The DOT physical exam requirements do not include a drug test. You will still have to give a urine sample which is used for a kidney screen for potential medical conditions.

However, companies require a pre-employment drug test. So your company may request to have a drug screen done at the same time as you take your DOT physical. Not all medical examiner’s offices that conduct DOT physicals have a drug testing service.

Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?

Yes, you can get a copy. Just look on your medical card and find the examiner’s phone number. Call and ask for a copy of your medical long form. They may charge you a few bucks for the service, but it’s cheaper than a new examination.

What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?

Call the doctors office that did the original DOT exam and find out what the process is to get a duplicate made and sent to you. The medical office has to keep this information on file for at least three years, so they will have it.

Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?

Requirements for local drivers (intrastate) are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV if you are a local driver. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you’re a local driver you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)

In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.

What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?

To best understand what’s involved in a DOT physical, read Trucker Docs™ guidebook, How To Take The Stress Out Of Getting Your DOT Medical Card.

See also the FAQ – What are the DOT physical requirements?

Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?

New federal regulations state that starting May 21, 2014, CMV drivers can get medical certificates only from a medical examiner who is FMCSA National Registry Certified.
(Find a registered CME)

Updated: May 2014
Starting May 21, 2014 you can only get medically certified by a federally certified medical examiner – called a CME or Certified Medical Examiner. That examiner will have a National Registry Number, which must be included on the information on the medical certificate issued to a driver.
Medical professionals who participate in the CME program may be MD, DO, DC, APN, or PA.
The caution here is that even though these professionals are certified by FMCSA, some states will not recognize certain categories of medical professional to qualify drivers within that state. The information we have at this time is: Michigan and Washington do not qualify chiropractic physicians to issue medical certificates for their drivers.

What is a waiver or exemption, and how can I get one?

A waiver or exemption gives a driver temporary relief from a regulation; one of more of the FMCSRs.

FMCSA Exemption Programs are for drivers of CMVs that intend to operate in interstate commerce. A driver may apply for an exemption from any of the standards where the driver can show that safety would not be diminished by granting the exemption. The exemption is granted for up to two years, and may be renewed.

See the FMCSA Driver Exemption Programs for more information and details of how to apply.

Intrastate commerce: FMCSA does not have statutory authority to grant waivers/exemptions to drivers from states’ intrastate requirements. Therefore, the FMCSA waivers/exemptions do not permit regulatory relief for drivers who plan to limit their operations to intrastate commerce.

For how long is my medical certificate valid?

2 years if the driver meets all the FMCSA standards (see DOT physical requirements)
If the driver meets standards, but periodic monitoring is required for certain conditions, a medical certificate will be issued for a limited time period. Depending on those conditions the period could be 1 year, 6 months, 3 months, or some other time limit. e.g. Medical conditions stable, on treatment include hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorder, conditions qualified under exemption.
If the driver does not meet FMCSA standards, then medical certification is disqualified. e.g. Disqualified due to medical condition and/or medication, stage 3 hypertension, insulin-dependent diabetes. “Does not meet FMCSA standards” means the driver is not medically qualified at the time of the examination. Until a certified medical examiner makes a determination that the driver is medically qualified the driver is not able to operate a CMV in interstate commerce.

My medical certificate only expires in nine months. What if I recently developed a medical condition that I couldn’t drive. Can I drive truck again now?

Even if you currently have a ‘current’ medical certificate, you are prohibited from driving a CMV with any medical condition that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.

Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?

A company must a least meet the FMCSA medical requirements. However, company policy may impose stricter standards than those required by FMCSA.

Can my new employer make me get a DOT physical even if my current medical certificate is still valid for another 18 months?

Yes, the employer can require you to take a new physical exam, if is company policy. They also usually will pay for the exam if they require it.

What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?

If you develop a medical condition that may interfere with the safe operation of a CMV, you are disqualified from driving while you have that condition. Once a disqualifying medical condition is resolved, and before resuming operation of CMVs, you are responsible for obtaining re-certification from a Medical Examiner.

What do I do with the medical certificate (MEC) and long form (MER) once I get them?

The Driver:

Carry the original medical card (Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876) with you at all times you are driving.
Keep a copy of the long form (Medical Examination Report, form MCSA-5875) for your records. Even though DOT regulations state that you only need to carry the medical card with you, you’ll save yourself hassle if you carry the long form as well.
It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that they have a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate on file with their CDL, so make sure you renew the copy of your Medical Examiner’s Certificate together with your Self-Certification affidavit at your State Drivers License Department. (more info on Self-Certification)

The Company:

The motor carrier is required to keep a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate in the driver qualification file. Drivers, make sure you provide a copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate to the company that employs you.

Certified Medical Examiners:

The medical examiner is required to provide the driver with a paper copy of the original Medical Examiner’s Certificate, form MCSA-5876.
The medical examiner is required to keep the original long form and a copy of the medical certificate on file for a least three years.
The medical examiner is required to enter driver examination results online to the National Registry system for each interstate driver examination. The examination results information is reported whether the examination is completed or not i.e. If a driver leaves the examiner’s clinic during the examination because they do not wish to continue, the medical examiner will report the results as “Incomplete Examination”.

Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?

Requirements for intrastate drivers are regulated by the DMV of each state. You will need to check with your state DMV. All states have based their DOT physical qualifications on some of the Federal requirements, but may grant waivers for certain medical conditions. If you drive intrastate you can still get your medical card from a certified medical examiner. (Find a CME in your state)

In some cases e.g. FedEx, UPS and DHL, drivers are subject to interstate regulations even if they drive intrastate.

If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?

Yes, the driver must have a medical certificate to operate a vehicle being used for commerce. So the truck/trailer and driver must be DOT approved, DOT numbers on the truck and trailer and medical card for the driver. You may want to also check you state DMV regulations.

If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?

That varies from company to company. Some see it as part of the job and some see it as, “if you don’t have a medical card, you don’t have the job.” These is no set in stone answer.

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Comments

Jerry H says

February 19, 2021 at 9:55 am

I have white coat syndrome and my blood pressure was one point too high for a two year card this year. doctor gave me a one year card and said I had to get a two next time or I could not drive for a whole year. basically saying if I don’t get a two year I’m not going to be able drive again. is this true are can you get a year over and over again. I live in Texas.

Reply
- Trucker Docs™ says
  
  February 22, 2021 at 7:23 pm
  
  @ Jerry H
  NO, this statement is incorrect. You should be able to reduce your blood pressure enough to get a two year card, without taking bp meds. And if for some reason your blood pressure remains high, then blood pressure medications may be needed. Lots of drivers receive one year cards year after year. But if you do pull your bp down without medications, you’re good for two years.
  
  Reply
Cory says

February 5, 2021 at 7:47 pm

I currently work for a company in Washington State that is considered Interstate. I have a Class “B” designation on my license but do not have a current medical DOT physical. I do drive a company vehicle but it is under 10,000 lbs. My question is am I required to have a current DOT physical card?

Reply
- Trucker Docs™ says
  
  February 7, 2021 at 1:34 pm
  
  @ Cory
  Each state is different for medical card requirements. You are a class B driver and fall under the states guidelines and variances. Best to check with your local drivers license department for the correct answer.
  
  Reply
Rebecca B says

January 21, 2021 at 4:05 pm

I hold a class B DOT license with passenger and school bus endorsements and hold a medical examiners cert card in the state of FL. My license is interstate. I was currently certified for 2 years in May 2020 before this instance. I was off on FMLA for a single instance of vertigo. After fulfilling the requirements along with letters of clearance to return to work, I went for re-cert appointment. I provided a certified med list, signature clearance letters as requested and passed all aspects of testing. However the clinic refuses to release my CDL/med cert card to me so I can return to work. They will not talk to me or give me a reason for withholding my card and I cant get any straight answers. The company I work for owns the clinic where I have to be recertified. I do not know what to do as I feel my rights are being violated. Can they withhold without cause or explanation while I lose wages?

Reply
- Trucker Docs™ says
  
  January 22, 2021 at 3:22 pm
  
  @ Rebecca B
  Try going to the company and asking ‘what’s the holdup?’. If no answer, go to the HR department and ask the same question, and if it is some policy issue, ask to see it in writing.
  
  Reply
- melissa n says
  
  September 3, 2021 at 7:03 am
  
  The same thing is happening to me and I dont know what to do. I have a class A and had a bout of depression and took a few weeks off. When I returned to work I updated my meds like I was told so I listed my depression meds which disqualified me and after 4 months of jumping through hoops the drug testing company now says they wont talk to me till 6 months is up,minimal.
  
  Reply
David says

January 15, 2021 at 8:55 am

I took my DOT Medical Exam a year and a half ago and still have another 5-6 months before it expires. I am also getting ready to test for my permit again because I couldn’t get through the schooling in time before the last permit expired (Covid and family issues made it almost imposable). On the form it says that I’m taking medication for Depression and Bi-Polar Disorder, but I haven’t needed/used the medication in over half a year. Do I have to get a new Medical Exam done before I take my permit test so it shows that I’m not taking medication anymore?

Reply
- Trucker Docs™ says
  
  January 15, 2021 at 9:53 am
  
  @ David
  You would need a medical release form from your prescribing doctors indicating you are no longer using your prescribed meds. And you will want a medical release stating that you no longer need the meds. If you have a new DOT/FMCSA medical certification exam done, the CME will need these releases.
  
  Reply
Rick B says

January 7, 2021 at 4:45 pm

can a driver over 70 get a 2 year medical card, or just a 1 year?

Reply
- Trucker Docs™ says
  
  January 7, 2021 at 6:24 pm
  
  @ Rick B
  DOT/FMCSA does not have a specific age that becomes a question. If the CME feels as if your physical, mental, or emotional/psychological state should be checked more frequently, then it is up to the CME to place the limitation on the time frame of the medical card.
  
  Reply
- Trucker Docs™ says
  
  January 7, 2021 at 6:30 pm
  
  @ Rick B
  DOT/FMCSA do not have a specific age that requires a one year medical card. If the CME feels that they would like to monitor your physical, mental, and psychological/emotional well being, then it is the CME’s choice. not DOT/FMCSA.
  
  Reply
James E says

December 5, 2020 at 1:42 pm

I live in Massachusetts. I’m 71 years old. Had a heart attack 4 years ago so I have to redo DOT physical every year. Since then, have never had any problems passing the stress tests or any previous DOT physicals. Just had a recent stress test which I passed with flying colors and went to my cardiologist and got her letter of approval that I was in “excellent” health and could continue working and receiving my DOT physical certification with no restrictions. Went yesterday, 12/4/20 and passed my physical with no problems or restrictions. Just for your info, I’m 5’10”, 190#, neck 15″, BP 125 over 80 and no current health problems at all. When the doctor made out the medical card, she said I could only have it now for 6 months as opposed to the previous 1 year. When I asked why, she first said because I was over the age of 70. When I reminded her that I was over the age of 70 last year when I received my medical card for the 1 year period, she then said it was because I was not presently working. If fact, I was just laid off from my driving job on 11/30/20 (4 days previously). She insisted that because I wasn’t working, and over 70, I could only have it for the 6-month period. The only reason I went to have it renewed was to keep my CDL as I now have to look for a new job, but didn’t feel right that I seemed to have been shortchanged on this issue. Is this a DOT requirement or was this just her opinion and am I bound by it?

Reply
- Trucker Docs™ says
  
  December 8, 2020 at 3:57 pm
  
  @ James E
  It is not a DOT/FMCSA requirement, so it is the CME’s opinion, based on their understanding of the FMCSA’s guidelines. You could go for a second opinion with a different CME.
  
  Reply
- Mary M B says
  
  December 16, 2020 at 12:32 pm
  
  In NJ the age restriction only applies to school bus drivers. Drivers 70-74 are required to get an additional exam once a year by an MD or DO drivers over 75 must get the additional exam every six months, which the employer keeps on file and must be produced when the bus company has its inspection. I would check with your local DMV to see if Massachusetts has the same rule. Otherwise there is no reason why you would not receive a one year cert. . Two years if you’re not on any medications and have clearance from your cardiologist, then its up to the examiners discretion for 1 or 2 years. check your state rules and regulations and find a new examiner.
  
  Reply
  - Trucker Docs™ says
    
    December 18, 2020 at 8:57 am
    
    @ Mary M B
    Based on the history of this driver, he will only receive a one year medical card. Not due to age but his cardiology issue.
    
    Reply
Walter says

November 14, 2020 at 12:11 am

If a driver with an amputation has changed CDL status to excepted interstate to avoid having to get a medical card however new employer is mandating that the driver gets a DOT Card and employer mandates that driver meets DOT medical standards for the medical card- does this driver need SPE? This is in a state without any intrastate variances. Thanks

Reply
- Trucker Docs™ says
  
  November 15, 2020 at 11:52 am
  
  @ Walter
  Class A interstate drivers would need a waiver from the DOT/FMCSA to pass the medical certification examination. Drivers that are intra-state only will fall under the states variances and guidelines. Usually you would not pass the DOT/FMCSA (federal level) examination, but then take the results back to the state and they issue the cdl for intra-state only. Check with your local drivers license department for confirmation since each state has differing guidelines and variances.
  
  Reply
Tammy says

October 30, 2020 at 1:15 pm

I have two questions. One is do I need a DOT card if I will be driving a fire truck in NC. Two if I do need one can I get a DOT card with an A1C of 9 %

Reply
- Trucker Docs™ says
  
  October 31, 2020 at 10:57 am
  
  @ Tammy
  Question one would need to be answered by your local drivers license department. Question two would depend on the class license you are required to maintain to perform the job. You are a diabetic and should be monitoring your condition very closely.
  
  Reply

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