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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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Do the Medical Certificates expire on the actual expiration date listed on the card, or the day AFTER?
@C
It expires at midnight, at the end of the day of the expiration date.
I have a question. I drive in washington state. I lost total vision in one eye awhile ago. I have a waiver letting me drive in the state. Do they make a form so I can go out of state? And where would I get it? Thanks
@Michael
If you are looking to driver CDL interstate, then you need a vision waiver from the FMCSA/Federal DOT office. See FMCSA Vision Exemption Program.
I drive a school bus, My license says P-if CMV,School buses interstate. When I got my med card in April I told the doctor I had sleep apnea and he gave me my card for one year, until April 2017. My school just had their annual physical and I wrote down I have sleep apnea, the doctor temporarily disqualified me until I provide some cpap usage and a letter from a doctor. I don’t have good medical ins and cant afford to get the information asap. I called the Texas DPS and they said that my med cert did not have to be on file with them. And the girl at the office who just did my physical said that they do not upload information to the DPS. Can I still use my card that’s good till 2017? I was upfront with both doctors with the same info. I have a good card in my pocket but this last doctor is wanting info that I cant get to him in a timely manner. I am so confused with what this doctors office is telling me and the Tx DPS and still having this good med card.. Please help!
@Liz
Since this not a federal issue you should check with your local drivers license department and see what they have to say about this.
For the CME all you need is a printout of your cpap unit showing a 70% or better usage over the last thirty days. And a medical release form from your primary doctor.
I work for DOT doing medical runs. When I was first hired they paid for my physical, now it has been two years and had a physical today and was told I had to pay the 110.00. Is this correct?
@Glenda
DOT medical card is the driver’s responsibility. Some companies may pay for or reimburse but that’s up to the company.
How do I get new address on medical card. Med card still valid for another year.
@David
No need at this time, but you could go back to the original card issuer and have them change the address if you feel the need. Otherwise just wait for the next medical card examination and do the correct address then.
Is medical examiner required to give a driver a copy of his or hers dot long form for his or hers physical. Even if the company paid for it
@Dean
Yes.
Can a physician who has the proper certification, and a nurse in the clinic do a DOT via telemedicine?
@Bob
I would say not. Sounds risky to me to do such a thing.
Check with the FMCSA and see what they have to say about this question.
The DOT medical certificate for a non CDL drivers needs to be reported to the DMV?
@Debbie
Each state has different requirements, so check with your local drivers license department for the answer.
CT medical cards- Some Doctors are checking off both boxes for the interstate or the intrastate question. Is this acceptable as the doctors are refusing to check off just one box. They are telling us that by checking off both boxes the driver can drive in CT and interstate throughout the country.
Thank you.
@Stan
Seem redundant to me. But FMCSA is looking for one or the other.
If they just check interstate for a class A, that is all they need to do.
By checking the intrastate box they may be limiting you to the states regulations. That is what the state variances box is for. Check with the state drivers license department for a solid state related questions.
DoT DOC
My husband has a CDLA in Pennsylvania. We have been living outside of the US for 2 years and his DOT medical card expired while we were out of the US. His CDL has now been downgraded and we have been told that he has to start over from a permit! We just got back to the US and I am freaking out. Is it possible to be granted an exemption since we were out of the US? Any info would be appreciated.
@Natalie
Your question pertains to a drivers license. Only your state drivers license department can help you with this.
Our focus is helping drivers qualify for a medical card for driving commercially.
In Oct 2015 I had a random drug screening and it came up positive for methadone . I was taken out of my truck . The testing company contacted me asking if I had a prescription for it and if so to prove it to them with a letter from my prescribing doctor, so I did that the same day and the next day I was aloud back in my truck. In Feb 2016 I had to renew my dot card and had a drug screening done and 4 days later and put on medical leave due to methadone. So when was methadone made a absolute disqualifying drug? And does my company have the right to not let me detox from it and keep my job?
@Darren
Methadone has always been a disqualifier if it is being taken as a drug replacement medication.
The company has it’s own policy and you would need to check with them about the opportunity to detox.
Methadone taken in the place of an opiate will always get you disqualified. It can be used at times for other purposes and still needs a doctor prescription along with medical release form and an explanation as to why the meds are being taken.
How old do you need to be to get a DOT medical card? I am a diesel mechanic and I am 20 years old sometimes I have to drive vehicles that are over 10,000 GVW that require a medical card to drive, can I obtain one or do you need to be over 21? I live in Massachusetts
@John
Interstate drivers must be 21 years of age. Intra-state only CDL 18, but confirm with your local drivers license department.
My husband just got his medical examination. The doctor told him that he only carries the MCSA-5876 form with him in his truck. Did they do away with the small medical card?
@Sandy
Yes, that’s correct. The new form MCSA-5876 cannot be reduced to wallet size, so find a safe place to carry the original form.
Some CMEs are making a tri-fold size to fit in a wallet.
Then why does my letter state that when you copy your wallet card please enlarge the copy to 5 inches by 7 inches?
@Sandy
So the copy DMV has on file is very legible.
Our company rents commercial trucks from time to time on a short term basis that are over 10,001 GVWR. Do the employees that drive the trucks have to have a medical examiner’s card?
@Lorrie
If the trucks are used for commerce, then medical cards are needed.
I started a dot physical and it is pending right now… my question is can I go to another location and start over again? or would that location have tell me the same?
@Clay
Whatever in pending in one place has been reported to FMCSA and will still place you in a pending position any place else you want to go.
My husband went for his cdl medical exam and dr found issue with his feet that he has had for years and already been cleared for but its been so long he has no documents.His cdl medical expires in two weeks and he doesn’t have dr appointment till after cdl medical expires so how long does he have to do this after his card expires
@Melanie
Some states may give you a bit of time beyond the end date of the medical certificate. By law your medical card expires at midnight of the expiration date. You could go to the drivers license department and explain your situation, they may have a better answer regarding your dilemma.
During my physical, the CME found sugar in my urine and I was given a 3-month card. I followed up a few days later with my own doctor, and there was no sugar in my urine, but my blood sugar was still high. She prescribed medication and dietary changes to decrease it. My employer does not recognize a 3-month card and has demoted me to the pay of a non-CDL yard truck operator until I get a full-length DOT card. This decreases my pay by $5 per hour, and limits me to a 4-5 day work-week, rather than a 5-6 day week. Is it within the law for my employer to not recognize the 3-month card?
@Erick
Not unless it is some type of company policy. Ask to see the written policy that says this, otherwise you are being taken for a ride.
A valid 3 month medical card to get your condition under control is a valid medical card until it expires.
Can I get a DOT card now even though i do not have a job offer from a company that says it’s a requirement?
@Stefon
Yes.
Hello
my husbands drives a con ed truck with one eye and has been medically cleared and has been driving with one eye. This year he was sent for medical and was cleared again but was told by his job he is unable to drive the truck anymore.
can someone tell me if that is against the law as they are stating it is a DOT issue, supposedly there are stating that DOT stated he can not drive. How is that so when he has been driving over a year medically cleared with the job and now they are stating otherwise.
Please advise
@Angel
Most states and the fed want a vision waiver for the driver to pass a new medical certificate. If he drives in state only, then you need to check with your local drivers license department to determine he needs to continue driving. Also, get a medical release form from the doctor explaining the situation. If he is going to driver interstate he will need a vision waiver from the FMCSA.
Hello. I am a CDL driver and have a few questions for the Doctor. I have been a Commercial Truck Driver for the past 16 plus yrs. I was presently diagnosed with Epilepsy. Then type of Epilepsy I have is. Cortical Irritability fully on my left side of my brain and partially on the right side of my brain. This causes men to have “Silent Seizures”. That is what my Physician has told me, and the EEG have confirmed. My questions are basically 1) Do I qualify to maintain or am I eligible to get a DOT medical card in the state of North Carolina, and 2) How do I keep my CDL
Enforced if I’m unable to get my medical card yet at this time? Thank you in advance for your time.
@Darryl
As an OTR driver with a class A license, you would need to go through the FMCSA to acquire a waiver to drive.
Now as an intra-state driver only, you would fall under the states variances and would be limited to what the state of North Carolina rules and regulation say you could do. Best bet is check with your local drivers license department and see what recommendation they offer.
I was put on pending determination 06/10. I got the necessary paperwork to pass the DOT physical, so the doc signed off on a new card 06/16. They wrote its expiration date 06/16/2017. My employer is saying the expiration date is supposed to be a year from the original exam date, 06/10. The office I had my physical at disagrees, and says the written expiration date 06/16/2017 is correct. Which is correct? Do you have a link for proof? I tried to look on the FMCSA site.
@Victoria
The office that did your physical is correct.
Your employer is looking at the way the old forms were done.
Since the new MCSA-5875/76 forms, the date is from the date the exam is completed. “Pending” is not completed.