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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has a list of frequently asked questions on their website.
You can find FMCSA FAQ at this link
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If you still can’t find a related answer, then you are welcome to ask your question in the comments section below.
Q&A
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Does a DOT medical card have to be obtained in the same state as the CDL is from?
Is the DOT medical card transferrable or do I have to get a new one when I start a new job?
Is there a difference between a DOT medical certificate and a DOT physical card?
What are the DOT physical requirements?
Does the DOT physical exam include a drug test?
Can I get a copy of my DOT physical long form or will I have to take another physical?
What do I do if my medical card gets lost or damaged?
Do I need a medical card if I’m a local driver?
What’s involved in a DOT physical examination?
Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
What is a waiver or exemption and how can I get one?
For how long is my medical certificate valid?
Can my Company have different medical requirements than the FMCSA requirements?
What if I develop a medical condition while my current medical certificate is still valid?
What do I do with the medical certificate and long form once I get them?
Do I need to have a medical certificate if I operate a CMV only in my home state?
If a truck has a DOT# on its side, does the driver need a medical card to drive it?
If I’m working for a company is it their responsibility to pay for the DOT physical exam?
Where can I get the new DOT physical / medical examination forms?
PDF Versions of the forms are available at these links on the FMCSA website:
- Medical Examination Report (MER) Form, MCSA-5875
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), Form MCSA-5876
Which drivers are required to have a DOT medical certificate?
Interstate:
All CMV drivers who operate in interstate commerce are required to have a medical certificate based on FMCSA requirements.
- 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.
See also: Who can I go to to get my DOT physical exam done?
I have a CDL and have been notified to present DMV with a medical certificate or I will lose my driving privileges. I’m not currently driving and may not drive again. Do I need to get a DOT physical just to maintain my license?
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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Your comments are also welcome.
Yes I went for physical close to 30days ago and they one I got is good till 2016 but dr wouldn’t give it to me because I was on mild pain meds have been for couple yrs is my old physical still good or how does that work?I’m off meds now fixn to go back for physical for same job is she allowed todo this over mild pain meds n new laws?thanks
@Ronnie
Basically it boils down to the side effects of the meds. If you are off the meds and there are no residual effects, then you should be just fine. And yes, she can do this, because she sees you as a risk to yourself and the public at large.
The CDL box on my DOT card is marked no. Does this prevent me from getting a CDL or do I need to get my card updated?
@John
If you didn’t have a CDL at the time of your examination and now you do have a CDL, I would check with the medical examiner and have him make a new card with the CDL box marked. It makes for less confusion with the DOT guys.
Can your Employer not accept a valid medical because they require you to go only to their Doctor.
@Eugene
Rights vs company policy? If the policy was there before you hired on, then I would go with policy, especially if they are paying for your new DOT medical.
Yes. If company policy stipulates that employees are required to only obtain physicals from company approved physicians, then it is a condition of employment, and you are required to comply.
While getting a DOT Physical, I was told I wasn’t in compliance with my OSA.
While at home and getting in compliance I applied at a defferent company. At this time I am in compliance with OSA. But this medical examiner wants be to get a release sign by the doctor and go to family doctor also and get a release sign for the diabetes I have.
Am I disqualified to drive if I go elsewhere and pass a physical with just my compliance for OSA.
@Merritt
With the new FMCSA requirements for the DOT examiners, the answer should be NO.
With your present conditions, I would just have your primary healthcare provider fill out the medical release form for both your OSA and your diabetes.
Then, with the forms in hand, go get your DOT exam. The examiner now has all the information he needs to complete your DOT examination.
The disqualification would be that you gave incomplete and misleading information on the DOT long form and you lose your medical card completely. Not real sure that it’s worth it.
Is there a way for the DOT to verify if an individual should have a card? I work with a fellow who was denied by two different facilities to get one ( he has a pacemaker and a device in his back for pain, as well as diabetes) he self paid another facility and was issued a 2 year card. I verified with the facility it is good till 9/25/2015. When he filled out the long form he indicated nothing was wrong and he only takes vitamins.
It seems very unsafe for facilities that issue DOT Med Cards that do not check information with at least a primary doctor to verify if the party seeking the Medical Card is using false information to do so.
@Linda
Basically what happens is the driver is required to fill out his long form. It states on the bottom of the long form that he signs, that all the information is true and any mis-information or falsification makes the medical card invalid.
It is not up to the DOT examiner to confirm or deny that a driver has told the truth. However, the medical examiner should have observed indications during the physical examination, that there’s more going on here than the driver stated in the Health History, and question the driver. Most likely this was the case in the facilities that disqualified him.
If he were to tell the truth and get his medical release filled out by his primary healthcare provider, then he may qualify for a one year card. If your driver has lied on his medical form, then what else will he lie about? He is placing himself, your business, and the public at risk at this point.
This is less likely to occur with the new Certified Medical Examiner requirements, since May 21, 2014, and the online data capture that CMEs are required to make for the DOT physical exams they conduct.
I live in south Texas along the border. A company from Mexico who drives across the border into Texas asked me to perform a DOT physicals on their drivers who have identification for Mexico only. They do not have valid U.S licenses. Nor live here. Are we able to complete this exam and issue medical cards.
Lisa
@Lisa
It raises questions for sure.
But the medical certificate is ONLY a statement, from the examiner, that the individual is medically fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle, not permission to operate a CMV. No valid license, is still against the law to operate a CMV in the good ole USA.
YOU STATE THAT THE ORIGINAL FORM NEEDS TO BE ON FILE FRO 3 YRS BUT WE ARE CURRENTLY ELECTRONIC MED RECORDS SO WE JUST SCAN THEM INTO THE COMPUTER AND THEN THE PT. GETS THE ORIGINAL IS THAT OK?
@Michelle
I will assume that there is a digital backup routinely. If that is the case, I believe you would be fine, as long as you can still access those records if asked for a copy or verification by a driver, company, or law enforcement.
Can a driver take Neurontin and drive a motor vehicle under DOT FMCSA
@Denise
This one will really depend on the reasons you take Neurontin.
If you are using it for seizure control, then the answer is no, until you get an exemption.
If it’s for restless legs, then make sure you bring a note from your primary care provider indicating your medication usage.
My a1c level is a 8.9 can a obtain a dot a physical
@Willie
It really depends on what you’re doing to control, and how you’re controlling your condition, as to whether you could pass your medical exam.
I understand the the regulations for Vision on a DOT physical are 20/40. However I have have 20/20 vision in my right eye and 20/20 vision in both eyes together but have 20/50 in my left eye. Could i get a waiver to cover the other 10 on the left eye since I can see perfect with them together??
@ Christian
The ruling with FMCSA and the DOT states that you must be no less than 20/40 in each eye. So to answer your question, yes you can get awaiver for your vision. I would check with FMCSA and find out what the process is to get the waiver. I have quite a few driver that have gone throught the process. They say it just takes a little time, but the process was not too bad.
The medical examiner who gave me my physical wrote “INTRASTATE ONLY” on my dot medical card because i was not 21 at the time. I was going to turn 21 in a month. Before that, they refused to give me a physical on the grounds that I was not 21 however the trucking school I was enrolled in explained to them that I in fact could get a physical exam under 21. The problem is now that the self certify law is in place I cannot certify interstate now that Im 21 and legally able to do so. The medical examiner is refusing to replace the card without a new physical which is going to cost an extra 95 dollars on top of the 95 Ive already paid. The card doesnt expire til 12/17/2015. Is this legal? I’ve never heard of them writing intrastate only and refusing to simply update the fact that Im 21 now I feel it was illegal to ever write intrastate only in the first place. I have no restricting medical conditions and nothing has changed in the last 2 months
Because you were not 21 at the time of the physical, you were not eligible to receive an interstate medical card. The physician is under no obligation to change your intrastate medical card to interstate, and quite frankly, it would be foolish of him to do that without having you undergo a current medical examination. It’s unfortunate that you were just shy of 21 when you took your physical, but that’s just the way life goes sometimes. My advice: Spend the $95 on a new physical, and get a new valid interstate medical card. Look at it as an investment in your future.
If you are a company with employees who need a DOT physical, do you need to send a copy to dmv or fmcsa or dot or do you just keep a copy on file
@CT
As a company, I believe, all you need to do is keep a copy of the medical certificate on file. As a company, if you are audited by DOT then you must have a medical certificate on file for each driver required to have a medical certificate.
Just remember that each driver needs to send a copy of their medical certificate to their home state DMV to update their driver’s license record.
Can a potential employer make me pay for a pre-employment medical examination under any conditions?
@Max
More questions than answers here.
If your employer is requesting a basic medical examination, then I do not believe he has any right to request such a thing.
If your employer is requesting a valid medical examination for your valid medical certificate to operate a commercial motor vehicle — Then he has the right to request a copy of your medical certificate, not your medical records, unless he has a HIPPA compliance policy in place to protect your medical records privacy.
The medical certificate may be a part of the hiring process. But a medical examination for a job???
How long to I have to keep copies of my drivers physicals?
@Bev
Depends whether driver, company, or medical examiner.
See more info on this page, question: What do I do with the medical certificate and long form?
For the driver or company, I would keep it until I have a new one to replace it.
I lost my dot physical card and the doctor claims not to have a copy either what should I do?
@Shane
Looks like you don’t have any option other than to get another physical done and get a new card.
P.S. The doctor is supposed to keep records on file for at least 3 years, so they should have it. But this may become a hassle that’s not worth pursuing.
Does a physician have a duty to report a condition like hypoglycemia to authorities if the CDL driver has a currently valid certification?
@Kelly
If a driver suffers with a condition like hypoglycemia, then the driver may be a danger to himself and the public at large.
Hypoglycemia is a progressive condition and can cause the driver to become unresponsive while driving.
So a doctor who diagnoses such a condition should be pulling the medical certificate, until the driver has this condition evaluated and ultimately under control. Once the condition is stable and under control then he can return to normal work duties with a new medical certificate.
It isn’t about the medical certificate, it’s about safety and the health of the driver.
Question – Can a company force to use a specific place for the DOT physicals just because they worked out a deal to save 12.00 on exam per person. The driver still pays, does not get paid back. He has been using one for numerous years and where he works is saying it’s company policy but was never told to drivers when it came about.
@Leah
Any company can establish a working relationship with another company. And if it is your company’s policy for all drivers to go to one specific company, then that’s the policy.
Ask the company, “If I get my physical done somewhere else, will it still be accepted?”
If not, then it’s a strict policy, and you don’t get around it.
There is no regulation that supports or condemns this practice.
If a company pays for a DOT physical and the driver leaves the company can the clinic that issued the physical legally refuse to give the driver a copy. (the clinic claiming that the company that paid for it can maintain control over it)
@Billy
It’s a touchy area.
We’ve seen this issue before and the rights of the doctor/patient confidentiality area are really the question.
You should have been issued a copy of your long form and your medical certificate, all at the same time.
If you lost the long form and you need a copy, you should be able to request a copy from the examiner’s office, or from the company you just left. If that does not work, you may be able to sign a release of information form from your primary healthcare provider and get a copy from him via the records release. Otherwise you may just need to get a new physical and medical certificate.
Thanks for the question. Trucker Docs.
Do you have any references to the information regarding DOT medical cards being valid nationwide with the exception of California? I’d like to find the supporting FMCSA documentation.
Thank you,
Shannon
@Shannon
The best supporting documentation is the FMCSA medical frequently asked questions.
Particularly:
3. Is the certification limited to current employment or job duties?
21. Who can serve as a Medical Examiner and perform DOT physical exams?
55. Can carriers set their own standards for CMV drivers who operate in interstate commerce?
Dr. Kenn Seals of Chiro Stop in Utah, has been certifying drivers, across the nation, for DOT medical cards for 10 years, with no problems.
He has also spoken with the main contact person at California DMV — CA drivers may get their medical card from any certified medical examiner across the country as long as the correct CA documentation (DL 51) is used.
We hope this information helps.
Trucker Docs